Antisana Volcano Birding Tour Quito: Andean Condor & Bear

Search for Andean Condors and high-altitude species on a single-day reserve tour

A private birding and natural history tour from Quito to Antisana Ecological Reserve, 90 minutes away, with a certified bilingual naturalist guide who tailors the day to your interests. You start at Mirador del Isco for condor sightings, explore the reserve for Spectacled Bear, Andean Fox and hummingbirds, hike around La Mica Lake, and finish with lunch at Tambo Condor overlooking the nesting sites.

Step-by-step itinerary

Antisana Reserve birding and hiking tour

• Pick up from Quito hotel or airport
• Stop at Mirador del Isco lookout
• Explore Antisana Reserve wildlife
• Hike around La Mica Lake
• Lunch at Tambo Condor reserve
• Return to Quito hotel

The experience

Hotel pickup in Quito or the airport area starts the day early. The drive to Antisana Reserve's western entrance passes through Mirador del Isco, a lookout in Chakana Reserve where condor sightings are most reliable. From there, the reserve itself opens up: you search the high-altitude terrain for fox, deer, and with luck the Spectacled Bear, while scanning the Chuquiragua bushes for the Ecuadorian Hillstar and watching for Tawny Antpitta, Tufted Tit-Tyrant and Carunculated Caracaras among the other avian species the altitude supports.

La Mica Lake is where the route shifts to water. You scan the shoreline for aquatic species, and if you're up for it, a trail through the surrounding terrain offers a chance at the landscapes the altitude and exposure create. The guide adjusts the pace and focus. If birdwatching is your main interest, they'll run the tour accordingly with the right expertise for what you want to see.

Lunch happens at Tambo Condor reserve, a property with a direct view of Andean Condor nesting sites and a garden where hummingbirds visit the feeders. Coffee or tea is included, along with a soft drink. The afternoon return to Quito completes the loop, with drop-off at your hotel. The whole day runs 8 to 10 hours, and the certified guide speaks English and Spanish.

What’s included

• National Park entry fees.
• private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• certified bilingual naturalist and birding guide.
• lunch with soft drink.
• coffee and tea.
• all activities including the hike around La Mica Lake.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (8 to 85 years) · Under 8: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 30 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Neotropical Nature and Birding Trips

Is this one for you?Hotel pickup from Quito means you don't need a car or arrange your own transport to reach the reserve 90 minutes away. The guide speaks English and Spanish and adjusts the tour to your interests, whether you're chasing the Andean Condor or exploring the full range of high-altitude wildlife the reserve holds.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What birds am I most likely to see on this tour?

The Andean Condor is the signature sighting, especially at Mirador del Isco and around the nesting sites at Tambo Condor. You'll also encounter hummingbirds including the Giant Hummingbird and Ecuadorian Hillstar, plus species like the Tawny Antpitta, Tufted Tit-Tyrant and Carunculated Caracara. The guide adjusts the route based on what's active and your own interests.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

A small amount of walking happens along trails with irregular terrain, particularly around La Mica Lake. Longer hiking trails are available if you want them, so let the operator know your preference when you book.

What is Tambo Condor, and why do we stop there for lunch?

Tambo Condor is a reserve property with a privileged view of Andean Condor nesting sites and a garden where hummingbirds feed. Lunch there lets you watch the birds while you eat, with the nesting cliffs visible from the grounds.

Is this tour suitable if I'm not an experienced birder?

Yes. The guide is a certified naturalist who tailors the tour to your interests and level, whether you're focused on birdwatching or general natural history and wildlife. Let them know your background when you book.

How far is Antisana Reserve from Quito?

The reserve is 90 minutes away by car from Quito. Hotel pickup is included, so you don't need your own transport.