Tour Details
After about an hour's drive southeast from Quito (60 kilometers) the climb and spectacular scenery on Antisana begin with close-up views of a massive glacial moraine, dating back to 11,000 years ago. As you climb higher on a good paved road, with practically no traffic, you can enjoy the spectacular montane scenery with jagged rocky peaks and the glacier-covered summit above tree line, vast sweep of paramo vegetation above the shrubs at tree line.
The first stop is for an overview of the impressive lava flow at Antisanilla, and the next one to admire an incredibly huge wall of cliffs across a narrow canyon, where condors can be seen fairly regularly, as they breed here. They are usually seen soaring up near the highest peaks, a great distance away.
Up in the paramo or Andean moorlands (at about 12,000 ft. elevation) several stops are made to walk about on level ground and observe the beautiful but small flowers hugging the ground among the lichens and paramo straw: yellow composites, gentians, red Indian paintbrush, orchids and the endemic chuquiraguas. Around the many lakes and ponds you can observe the glacial morraines and birds in both a diversity of species and individual abundance of most of them such as the highly endangered Black-faced Ibis, Cinereous Conebills, Brown Speckled Teal, Andean Lapwings, many Carunculated Caracaras, Black Wing Doves, and the rare Siskin. Some fisherman are allowed to fish for large trout in certain montane lakes of the area, from where part of Quito's water supply comes from.
After all this natural history excitement, drive over to the hacienda Antisana for lunch. A three-course hot meal is served at the hacienda's dinning room, warmed by glowing fireplaces. After lunch, drive back to Quito a mid breathtaking settings.
Included
- Lunch at Hacienda Antisana
- Round trip ground transportation and guide
Not Included
- Entrance fee to Antisana Reserve is US$ 10.00 per person.
Travel Facts
- Warm clothing is needed
- It is quite windy, consider gloves and ear protection
- Sun block (SPF 40)
- Good walking shoes
- Camera (wide angle lens)
- Binoculars
- Sunglasses
- Altitude: 2800 to 4000 meters (9800 - 12,120 feet)
- Average Temperature Day: 5° to 20° C (40° to 68° F)
Discover the magic of the Andean region
Discover the magic of the Andean region, marvelous landscapes and rich ancestral cultures
The joy of living with the simplicity and relaxed atmosphere of a bygone era. The two Andean cordilleras that run parallel and cross Ecuador from north to south, offer a most varied topography: volcanos and snow capped mountains, green valleys with impressive Colonial cities like Quito and Cuenca, quaint Indian villages, farmlands, haciendas, lakes and rivers of crystal blue waters.
The capital of Ecuador, Quito, brings the past to life in its museums, monasteries, the carved stone facades and golden altars of its many churches, as well as in the Archaeological Museum that displays centuries of pre-Columbian treasures. Enjoy scenic, Colonial and artistic Quito, then stand with a foot on each hemisphere at the Middle of the World.
The province of Imbabura is located in northern Ecuador, a picturesque land of lakes, majestic sierras and terraced farmlands, home to the Otavalo Indians, industrious and enterprising people, who offer their products at the famous outdoor market, full of ponchos, embroidered blouses, ceramics, wall hangings, native jewelry and authentic Panama hats. Near Otavalo are charming country inns and haciendas to stay overnight, and explore this wonderful area at a more leisurely pace.
Beginning in Quito and going south, is the Avenue of the Volcanoes with unparalleled views of the Andes. Mount Cotopaxi dominates the landscape of a National Park of the same name, where llamas graze and high-elevation bird species fly, including the Andean Condor. Our exclusive Hacienda programs provide an in-depth experience of Andean flavor, with stays at marvelous properties, as guests of the owners. For the more adventurous, the Andes are the perfect setting for trekking, hiking, mountain biking, bird watching and many more outdoor adventures.
Spectacular train rides, on exclusive coaches of the Expreso Metropolitan Touring, run from the Andean highlands to the Pacific shores, with the thrill of zigzagging the sharp angles of the Devil's Nose.
Private tours offer exclusive arrangements with multilingual guides for both FIT´s or groups. Semiprivate tours are operated on vans with a maximum of nine guests; while our sharing bus tours have a capacity of up to forty guests. Both semiprivate and sharing bus tours are guided with English/Spanish speaking guide only.
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