Antisana Volcano & Condors Day Trip from Quito: 5,753m peak

Seven hours in the Andes: volcano cone, Mica Lake, and condor cliffs

This day trip from Quito climbs Antisana Volcano—Ecuador's fourth highest peak at 5,753 meters—with a certified English-speaking naturalist guide, private transport and lunch included. The route takes you through the Ecological Reserve to 3,810 meters where Andean Condors nest and roost, then to Mica Lake at 4,050 meters for views of the volcano and high-altitude water birds found nowhere else in Ecuador. Hotel pickup starts at 7:00 a.m., and you return by 4:00 p.m.

Step-by-step itinerary

Antisana Volcano and Condor Watching

• Pick up from hotel in Quito at 7:00 a.m.
• Drive through eastern mountain range to Pintag village
• Drive uphill to Antisana Ecological Reserve
• Spot wildlife including Andean Condors at 3,810 meters
• Hike to Mica Lake for volcano views and birdwatching
• Drive downhill to Isco canyon condor nests
• Enjoy traditional lunch at local restaurant with hummingbirds
• Return to hotel by approximately 4:00 p.m.

The Experience

The drive from Quito heads southeast 60 kilometers through the eastern mountain range to the village of Pintag, where the road turns uphill into the Ecological Reserve. At 3,810 meters, the altitude brings you into the territory where Andean Condors—the world's largest flying bird and one of its rarest—roost on cliffs and nest in the canyon walls. Eagles, carunculated caracaras, white-tailed deer and foxes move through the slopes. Your guide stops to watch and photograph from close range before the hike begins.

The trek climbs through Andean slopes to Mica Lake at 4,050 meters, a glacial remnant that sits in full view of the volcano's perfect cone. The lake holds water birds found almost nowhere else: Andean lapwings, Andean gulls, Andean coots, Andean ducks and black-faced ibis that live in Chile and only here on Antisana. After the lake, you descend to the Isco canyon to watch condors on their cliff nests and sleeping sites one more time before lunch.

Lunch is at a local restaurant in the canyon, where hummingbirds move through the grounds. The return drive to Quito takes the afternoon, with arrival around 4:00 p.m. Temperatures range from 9°C to 18°C at altitude, so layers and a windproof jacket are essential; comfortable hiking boots handle the uneven terrain. Binoculars and a camera are worth the weight.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your Quito hotel with pickup at 7:00 a.m.
• lunch at a local restaurant.
• certified English-speaking naturalist guide.
• all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleInfant seats availableInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Ecuador Best Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see Andean Condors in their actual nesting and roosting sites rather than from a distance—the route takes you to the canyon cliffs where they sleep and the slopes where they hunt, which is what makes close-range wildlife watching possible on a single day from Quito.

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Top questions

What altitude will I reach on this day trip to Antisana?

The hike climbs to Mica Lake at 4,050 meters (13,287 feet), where you have full views of Antisana Volcano and the high-altitude birds that live there. The Ecological Reserve where you spot condors sits at 3,810 meters (12,500 feet).

How close can I get to Andean Condors on this tour?

The tour takes you to the Isco canyon where condors nest and sleep on cliff faces, and your guide stops at multiple points in the Ecological Reserve to watch them from close range—the cliffs and nesting territory are part of the route itself, not distant viewing.

What birds will I see besides condors?

Antisana holds eagles, carunculated caracaras, Andean lapwings, Andean gulls, Andean coots, Andean ducks and black-faced ibis. The black-faced ibis is especially rare in Ecuador and lives only on Antisana outside of Chile. Hummingbirds appear around the lunch restaurant.

Is this tour suitable for children?

The tour welcomes children from age 4 and is suitable for all fitness levels. Infants can sit on an adult's lap, and specialized infant seats are available. The hike is moderate and the pace is set by the group.

What's included in the price?

Lunch, all fees and taxes, private transportation from your Quito hotel, and a certified English-speaking naturalist guide are included. Drinks are not included, so bring cash (US dollars) for snacks or beverages along the way.

What should I bring for this high-altitude hike?

Comfortable hiking boots, long trousers, layers including a warm sweater and windproof jacket, a cap or hat, gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential. Binoculars and a camera are highly recommended. Temperatures range from 9°C to 18°C at altitude.