Private Day Tour: Antisana Volcano, Nature, Birds & Condors Watching

Set out on a private day tour to the breathtaking Antisana Volcano, where you’ll learn about Ecuador’s stunning natural beauty. This adventure offers opportunities for birdwatching, including sightings of majestic Andean condors, and explores the diverse wildlife of the Antisana Ecological Reserve. With a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, you’ll enjoy an enriching experience that combines hiking, nature, and captivating ecological wonders, all while savoring a delicious local lunch. This unforgettable day promises to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the region’s remarkable landscapes shaped by volcanic activity.

Good To Know

• Explore the Antisana Ecological Reserve, a protected area in the Ecuadorian Andes home to diverse wildlife including Andean condors, spectacled bears, and páramo deer.

• Set out on a private day tour from Quito, Ecuador, with round-trip hotel transport, a local lunch, and an English-speaking guide.

• Enjoy moderate hiking trails offering panoramic views of the reserve’s volcanic landscapes, glacial lakes, and high-altitude moorlands.

• Observe a variety of indigenous bird species, such as hummingbirds and hawks, in their natural habitat.

• Minimum fitness level required, with the tour not suitable for wheelchair users; additional charges may apply for hotels outside Quito’s city center.

Tour Overview

The Antisana Volcano Tour is a private day trip that whisks visitors away to the breathtaking Antisana Ecological Reserve near Quito, Ecuador.

This 8-hour adventure costs from $149 per person and includes round-trip hotel transport, lunch, and an English-speaking guide. Guests will explore the reserve’s moorlands, forests, and lagoons, keeping an eye out for the diverse local wildlife.

The tour requires a moderate fitness level and isn’t wheelchair accessible. Pickup is at 8 am, with an extra charge for hotels outside the city.

With an overall rating of 4.5/5, this tour is praised for its stunning scenery and knowledgeable guides, though some have noted issues with COVID-19 precautions and road conditions.

Antisana Ecological Reserve

Antisana Ecological Reserve sits at an impressive elevation of 18,800 feet (5,753 meters), nestled in the heart of the Ecuadorian Andes.

This diverse ecosystem features:

• Moorlands
• Western Andean forests
• Mica lagoon, the source of Quito’s water
• Seasonal lagoons like Santa Lucia and Mauca Machay
• A wide variety of colorful indigenous animals

Volcanic activity and glacial processes have contributed to the reserve’s unique and stunning scenery.

Visitors can explore the natural wonders, learn about the local flora and fauna, and catch glimpses of the indigenous wildlife that call this high-altitude paradise home.

Hiking Opportunities

Atop Antisana Ecological Reserve, visitors can embark on a range of hiking opportunities that offer breathtaking panoramic views.

The trails wind through the diverse landscape, providing chances to observe the region’s unique wildlife and indigenous plants.

Whether trekking to the Mica lagoon or exploring the seasonal Santa Lucia and Mauca Machay lagoons, hikers can enjoy the stunning scenery shaped by volcanic activity and glacial processes.

While a moderate level of physical fitness is required, the rewards of these hiking adventures are undoubtedly worth the effort, granting participants an up-close look at the ecological wonders of the Antisana region.

Indigenous Wildlife

Dozens of indigenous species call the Antisana Ecological Reserve home, thriving in the diverse ecosystem.

Visitors on the Antisana Volcano tour can catch glimpses of these remarkable creatures, including:

• Andean condors, the world’s largest flying birds, soaring gracefully above the reserve
• Spectacled bears, the only surviving species of bear native to South America
• Pumas, elusive predators that roam the rugged landscapes
• Páramo deer, adapted to the high-altitude grasslands
• Numerous species of birds, from hummingbirds to hawks, adding vibrant splashes of color.

This wildlife-rich environment offers an unparalleled opportunity to observe Ecuador’s natural wonders up close.

Physical Fitness Level

The Antisana Volcano tour requires a moderate level of physical fitness. Participants should be prepared for hiking opportunities with scenic views throughout the tour.

While the minimum age is 5 years, the activity level isn’t suitable for those who can’t comfortably walk for extended periods. The high elevation of the Antisana Ecological Reserve, reaching 18,800 feet, also necessitates a good level of physical conditioning.

Travelers with concerns about their fitness level should consult with the tour operator prior to booking to ensure the experience is a good fit. Overall, a moderate fitness level is expected to fully enjoy the natural wonders and wildlife sightings during this excursion.

Pickup Information

The tour pickup time is 08:00 am. Additional charges may apply for hotels located outside the city, so travelers should contact the local supplier for details.

A minimum of 2 people is required per departure. This ensures the tour runs efficiently and provides a more enjoyable experience for all participants.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests with mobility concerns should consider this before booking.

The pickup information is straightforward and designed to set clear expectations for travelers:

• Pickup time is 8:00 am
• Additional charges for out-of-city hotels
• Minimum of 2 people per departure
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Contact supplier for more details

Reviews and Feedback

Based on the provided information, the reviews and feedback for the Antisana Volcano Tour seem to offer a balanced perspective. The tour boasts an overall rating of 4.5/5 from 6 reviews, with positive comments on the scenic beauty, knowledgeable guides, and quality of the included lunch. However, some criticism has been noted regarding the enforcement of COVID-19 protocols and delays due to road conditions.

Positive Feedback	Negative Feedback
Stunning scenery	Mask enforcement issues
Knowledgeable guides	Delays from road conditions
Excellent lunch	–

The tour appears to be a hidden gem, offering a unique experience with fewer visitors compared to other attractions in the area.

Pricing and Inclusions

The Antisana Volcano Tour offers a private day excursion from Quito, Ecuador, priced from $149.00 per person, with the price varying based on group size.

The tour includes round-trip hotel transportation, a local lunch, and a certified English-speaking guide. Plus, the tour covers all necessary local taxes.

Some key inclusions are:

• Round-trip hotel transport
• Lunch
• Local taxes
• Certified English-speaking guide

Not included are personal expenses and tips.

The minimum group size is 2 people, and pickups start at 8:00 am. An additional charge may apply for hotels located outside the city center.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Tour for a Different Day?

Yes, you can book the tour for a different day. The tour operator offers flexible scheduling, and you can contact them to inquire about availability on your preferred date.

Is It Possible to Bring Children Under 5 Years Old?

According to the tour information, the minimum age for this tour is 5 years old. Children under 5 are not permitted to join the tour. The tour is not suitable or accessible for young children.

Does the Tour Offer Any Discounts for Seniors or Students?

The tour doesn’t explicitly offer discounts for seniors or students. However, the minimum age is 5 years, so children under that age aren’t permitted. It’s best to contact the local supplier for any special pricing or accommodation requests.

What Items Should I Bring to Make the Most of the Tour?

To make the most of this tour, visitors should bring warm layers, sturdy hiking boots, sunscreen, hat, and binoculars. A camera is also recommended to capture the stunning Andean landscapes and diverse wildlife.

How Flexible Is the Pickup Time and Location?

The pickup time is 8:00 am, but there may be an additional charge for hotels outside the city. Customers should contact the local supplier for details on pickup location flexibility. The tour requires a minimum of 2 people per departure.

The Sum Up

Set out on a private day tour to the stunning Antisana Volcano, where you’ll learn about Ecuador’s captivating natural beauty. Enjoy birdwatching, including sightings of majestic Andean condors, and discover diverse wildlife amidst picturesque landscapes shaped by volcanic activity. With a knowledgeable guide, this unforgettable experience combines hiking, nature, and ecological wonders, complemented by a delicious local lunch.