Spend a day above Quito at Antisana Volcano watching Andean condors wheel from cliff roosts, hike to glacial Mica Lake, and spot high‑altitude waterfowl. This accessible day trip combines short hikes, wildlife viewing, and local lunch on the eastern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step out of the van into a thin, cold air that seems to push and prod you uphill. The Antisana massif looms ahead: a near-perfect volcanic cone stitched with old glacial scars and a pale line of snow. Wind combs the high páramo, and ridges call the eye toward sheer cliffs where condors wheel, patient and enormous.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
7–8 hours
Fitness Level
Light-to-moderate fitness; able to walk on uneven, high-elevation terrain for up to two hours total and handle short steep sections.
Wildlife
History
Antisana’s volcanic shape and glacial valleys were formed during the Pleistocene; indigenous highland communities have interacted with these landscapes for centuries.
Conservation
The Antisana Ecological Reserve protects fragile páramo ecosystems and endemic birds; visitors should stick to trails, pack out waste, and minimize disturbance to nesting cliffs.
Reserve your spot on the Antisana and Condors Watching Day Trip today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Acclimatize before you go
Spend a day or two in Quito to reduce altitude effects — headaches and breathlessness are common above 3,500 m.
Bring optics
A good pair of binoculars or a 300mm+ telephoto lens makes condor identification and distant cliff viewing far more rewarding.
Dress in layers and windproof
Temperatures swing quickly; a windbreaker and insulating mid‑layer will keep you comfortable on exposed ridges.
Hydrate and snack
Carry water and high‑energy snacks; shops are limited once you enter the reserve and hikes can last an hour or more.
Binoculars (8x–10x)
Essential for watching condors on distant cliffs without disturbing them.
Windproof jacket and warm layers
Protects against cold winds and rapid temperature drops typical of the páramo.
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots
Provides traction on tussock grass, volcanic scree, and muddy sections near lakes.
Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, hat)
High-altitude sun is intense even on cool days; protect skin and eyes.