Quito: Antisana condor safari with local guide & lunch

Summary

Watch condors soar above Antisana’s wild páramo on a Quito day trip

You’ll leave Quito behind for a day spotting wild condors soaring above Antisana’s dramatic landscapes with a local guide. From picking up snacks in Pintag to sharing lunch near snow-capped peaks and watching hummingbirds dart past your shoulder, this tour brings you close to Ecuador’s wildlife in ways you’ll remember long after returning home.

What’s the experience like?

The morning started with us nearly missing the turn for Pintag — our driver, Andrés, just laughed and said it happens to everyone the first time. The town itself is quiet, kind of sleepy, but we stopped at this little shop for snacks (I grabbed something that looked like bread but turned out to be filled with cheese — not complaining). The air was already thinner than I’m used to, and there was this faint smell of wood smoke drifting around. I remember thinking: okay, this is definitely not city life anymore.

Once we got closer to Antisana Ecological Reserve, our guide pointed out the Isco canyon. He kept scanning the sky and suddenly just stopped talking mid-sentence — “Condor!” he whispered. We all craned our necks and there it was, gliding way above us like it owned the whole place. It’s hard to explain how quiet everything felt in that moment except for the wind and a few distant bird calls. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it didn’t do justice. The keyword here really is “spotting condors” — you’re not guaranteed anything, but when you see one, it’s kind of electric.

We drove deeper into the páramo after that — bumpy roads, tufts of grass everywhere, and those tiny purple flowers peeking through the mossy ground. Andrés told us about some of the other birds (I only remembered half their names), and at one point he handed me his binoculars so I could see a caracara picking at something in the distance. Lunch was simple but warm — soup and rice with chicken — eaten outside while watching clouds roll over Antisana volcano’s snowy peak. My hands were cold but my face felt sunburned; Ecuadorian weather is weird like that.

Before heading back to Quito, we stopped by these hummingbird feeders tucked behind a small lodge. There were flashes of green and red everywhere — they move so fast you almost doubt you saw them at all. Someone spilled coffee on their jacket (not me this time), which made everyone laugh more than it probably should have. On the drive home I kept replaying that silent moment with the condor overhead; still gives me goosebumps when I think about it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Antisana Volcano Wildlife Tour

• Visit Pintag small town for supplies
• Panoramic view of Isco canyon and birdwatching
• Explore Páramo area safari in reserve
• Lunch and visit hummingbird feeders

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Antisana condor tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Quito are included in the tour.

How long does it take to reach Antisana from Quito?

The drive from Quito to Antisana reserve includes a stop in Pintag and takes about 1–1.5 hours each way.

Will we definitely see Andean condors on this tour?

Sightings are not guaranteed since condors are wild animals, but your guide will help spot them if possible.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

Yes, lunch is included as part of your experience at Antisana reserve.

What level of fitness is needed for this tour?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness due to altitude and walking on uneven ground.

Are entry fees included for Tambo Condor & Antisana reserve?

Yes, admission fees for both Tambo Condor and Antisana Ecological Reserve are covered.

Can pregnant travelers join this tour?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to altitude and terrain.

Are there public transportation options nearby?

Yes, public transportation options are available near the starting point in Quito.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Quito, all entry fees for Tambo Condor and Antisana Ecological Reserve, guidance from a bilingual naturalist throughout the journey, plus lunch served right inside the reserve before heading back home together.