Antisana Volcano Private Tour: Condors & Andean Wildlife

Volcano, glacier, moorland hike, and Andean condors in a single morning and afternoon

A private tour of Antisana National Park, the most impressive Andean volcano near Quito, with a certified English-speaking guide, hotel pickup, and a full day of bird watching, hiking and wildlife spotting. The tour climbs to Hacienda Antisana along the volcano's foothills, stops to observe Andean condors and other birds like the Carunculated Caracara and Black-Headed Ibis, includes a short hike through moorland to study the reserve's flora, and returns with lunch and all entry fees covered. A minimum of two people per departure. Children from age 5 are welcome with an adult.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Antisana Volcano and Wildlife

• Travel to Hacienda Antisana entrance
• View basaltic gorge and glacier
• Watch Andean birds and wildlife
• Hike through Andean flora
• Observe Mica lagoon and moorlands

The experience

Antisana sits on the western mountain range near Quito, a majestic volcano surrounded by moorlands and western Andean forests. The day starts with hotel pickup and a drive up the foothills to Hacienda Antisana, where the road itself becomes the first stop: the basaltic gorge of the volcano opens up, and the glacier comes into view. From here, the guide leads you to watch for Andean condors and other birds that make the park a sanctuary: Carunculated Caracara, Black-Headed Ibis, and smaller species move through the landscape. Andean rabbits and whitetail deer appear in the moorland areas if conditions favor them.

A short hike takes you deeper into the reserve's Andean terrain to observe the flora that survives at this altitude. The park itself is shaped by volcanic activity, glacial processes, and the water systems that feed Quito: Mica lagoon supplies part of the city's water, and seasonal lagoons like Santa Lucia and Mauca Machay form in the swamp areas during the rainy season. The guide explains the landscape as you move through it, naming plants and animals and the forces that shaped them.

Lunch is included and served during the day. Vegetarian options are available if you request them when booking. The full tour runs eight hours from pickup to drop-off. Dress for mountain weather: conditions change quickly at altitude, and the park operates in all weather. A moderate level of physical fitness helps with the hike, though the pace is set for the group.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Quito.
• certified English-speaking guide.
• entry to Antisana National Park and all activities.
• menu lunch with vegetarian option available.
• local taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (12 to 88 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effort

Operated by Latin Adventures Cía Ltda

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English, so you follow the commentary without translation. A private tour means the pace and stops adjust to your group's interests and fitness level, and the guide can linger where the wildlife or the landscape holds your attention.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What birds and animals will I actually see on the Antisana tour?

Andean condors are the signature sighting, along with Carunculated Caracara and Black-Headed Ibis. Andean rabbits and whitetail deer inhabit the moorland, though wildlife sightings depend on the day and season. The guide knows where to look and will stop at the best vantage points.

Is the hike difficult, and how much walking is involved?

The hike is short and moves through moorland at altitude near Hacienda Antisana. Moderate physical fitness is recommended. The pace is set for the group and the guide adjusts to the party's comfort level.

Does the tour include lunch, and are dietary options available?

Lunch is included in the price. Vegetarian meals are available. Let the operator know your dietary needs when you book, and they will prepare accordingly.

What is the drive like from Quito to the volcano, and how much time is spent on the road?

The drive to Hacienda Antisana follows the foothills and is part of the experience: the basaltic gorge and glacier come into view as you climb. The full tour is eight hours from hotel pickup to drop-off, including all stops, the hike, and lunch.

What should I bring or wear for an eight-hour mountain tour?

Dress in layers for mountain weather, which changes quickly at altitude. The park operates in all weather, so bring a rain jacket and sturdy walking shoes. The guide and hotel pickup service can advise on what to expect for the season.