Reserva Ecologica Antisana

Kick things off in the morning when you’re picked up from your hotel in Quito. Then sit back and relax as you’re transported to Antisana Volcano, the most impressive Andean mountain in the Quito region and the sanctuary for a range of native Andean birds.  With your expert guide by your side, traverse the entrance of Hacienda Antisana located along the foothills of the volcano, and admire the magnificent basaltic gorge of the Antisana Volcano and its glacier. Along the way to the volcano, stop to visit the surrounding wetlands to spot some native páramo plants. Look out for a range of Andean birds in their natural habitat, like the Black Headed Ibis, and sight white-tailed deer roaming in the wild. Next, continue on to Micacocha Lake and look out for Andean gulls and speckled teals, birds native to the Andean water system. Finally, enjoy a short hike through the pristine Andean countryside and observe more local flora and fauna before being transported back to your hotel in Quito.

Drive to visit the Antisana Volcano (19500 ft), the most impressive Andean mount near Quito and sanctuary of wild Andean condor and other birds. Drive along the foothills of the volcano in order to reach a small village. From there drive up to reach the entrance of Hacienda Antisana. On this part of the road you can visualize the magnificent basaltic gorge of the Antisana Volcano. Driving into the hacienda and visiting the wetlands, see some species of paramo (tundra plants at 12000 ft.) Here you stop to watch interesting Andean birds like the Caranculated Caracara and Black Headed Ibis.  You also have the chance to see Andean rabbits (Silvilagus Brasiliensis) and white tail deer (Oidecoileus Virginianus). You can hike there and see the glacier of Antisana. Then drive up to the Micacocha Lake where you have the chance to watch Andean gulls and speckled teals, typical birds of the Andean water systems.  Enjoy a little hike through the marvelous Andean areas to observe and recognize the Andean important flora species like the cushion plant, ranunculo plants, gentians, and others. If you are lucky, and if the weather conditions are good, you will see Andean Condor. In the afternoon, drive back to Quito.

Starting early in Quito, be stunned by local flora and fauna as you follow the itinerary all the way to Antizana, a haven for wildlife towering over a vast nature reserve in an ancient and mountainous setting. Stop at Antisanilla view point to look for a cave with a condor's nest. If possible, glimpse a real condor majestically spreading its wings and swooping between the boulders. Spot cara cara curiquingue, black-faced ibis, or black-chested buzzard eagle, if possible. Also see deer and rabbits along the route. Stop and admire a lake which provides water for Quito. Enjoy a bike ride in the safety of the mountain retreat before the return to Quito at the end of the day.