Antisana Volcano & Laguna la Mica Tour: Condors & Alpacas

Glaciers and volcanic terrain shaped this reserve into a habitat where condors soar and alpacas graze at the lagoon's edge.

A private tour from Quito to Antisana Ecological Reserve in the Eastern Cordillera, with pickup and an English-Spanish guide included. You travel through moorlands and Andean forests to spot Andean condors and deer at the volcano, then visit Laguna la Mica to watch alpacas grazing and observe trout in the water. The reserve sits in a protected area shaped by volcanic activity and glacier retreat over millennia.

Step-by-step itinerary

Visit Antisana Volcano and Laguna la Mica

• Depart Quito at 8:30 a.m.
• Observe condors and deer at Antisana
• Visit Laguna la Mica
• Watch alpacas grazing near lagoon
• Spot rabbits near lagoon shore
• See trout inside the lagoon

The experience

If you have a free afternoon or morning in Quito and want to leave the city, this private excursion departs at 8:30 a.m. and reaches into the Eastern Cordillera without requiring your own transport or a shared group schedule. The Antisana Ecological Reserve protects moorlands and eastern Andean forests on the slopes of a volcano that has shaped the landscape through its own activity and the advance and retreat of glaciers. Your guide navigates the terrain and points out the wildlife and geology as you move through the reserve.

The tour centers on two main stops. At Antisana itself, you watch for Andean condors and deer moving across the volcanic terrain. Then you descend to Laguna la Mica, a lagoon that mirrors the volcano and supplies part of Quito's water. There you observe alpacas grazing along the shore, spot rabbits near the water's edge, and see trout in the lagoon itself. The landscape shifts as you move between elevation and habitat, and the guide explains what the volcanic and glacial history has created.

The tour runs 6 to 8 hours total, which means you leave early morning and return by early afternoon or late afternoon depending on the pace and conditions. Children from age 1 onward can join if an adult holds an infant on their lap. Bring layers for the altitude and changing weather. The reserve sits high in the Andes and conditions shift quickly.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Quito.
• entrance to Antisana Ecological Reserve.
• private tour with an English-Spanish speaking guide.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (12 to 85 years) · Child (1 to 11 years): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by CUSCUNGA TOURS

Is this one for you?The 6 to 8 hour commitment means you leave early morning and return by afternoon, leaving the rest of your day free in Quito or time to move on. A private vehicle and guide suit travelers who want to skip the logistics of reaching the reserve alone or joining a larger group on a fixed schedule.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (1 to 11 years): free.

What wildlife will I actually see at Antisana and Laguna la Mica?

Andean condors and deer inhabit the volcano slopes, and alpacas graze along Laguna la Mica's shore. You'll also spot rabbits near the water and trout in the lagoon itself. Sightings depend on the season and time of day, but the guide knows where these animals are most likely to appear.

How high is the Antisana Ecological Reserve, and will the altitude affect me?

The reserve sits in the Eastern Cordillera at high elevation. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health or spinal injuries due to the terrain and vehicle travel.

Does the tour include lunch or snacks?

Food and drinks are not included in the tour price. Bring water and snacks, or plan to purchase them. Alcoholic drinks are available to buy during the excursion.

What is Laguna la Mica, and why does it matter to Quito?

Laguna la Mica is a lagoon in the reserve that acts as a mirror to the Antisana volcano and supplies part of Quito's water. It sits in the protected area and is fed partly by water from the city's watershed.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the reserve?

No. Private transportation from Quito is included in the tour, and your guide picks you up as part of the booking. You travel in a private vehicle throughout the excursion.