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Private tour in Quito Santiago S
Antisana Volcano Birding & Natural History Andean Condor Tour
5.0
(2) reviews
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8 hours
1
Tour date
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8 hours
1
Santiago S.
5.0
Guide rating
37
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18 hrs
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My name is Santiago, and I was born and raised in Quito, Ecuador. I am a licensed national tour guide with over 22 years of experience in ecotourism, birding, wildlife photography, and natural history interpretation. My passion for nature began early, and it eventually led me to begin my guiding career at the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve in northwestern Ecuador, where I served as the resident guide and gained my first experience in responsible tourism. Since then, I have guided tours across a variety of ecosystems throughout South America, including the Galápagos Islands, Amazon Rainforest, Andean highlands, and coastal regions of Ecuador. Beyond Ecuador, I also work as a wildlife photography guide in Brazil (Pantanal and the Atlantic Forest), Patagonia (both Chile and Argentina), Colombia, and Peru, where I lead tours focused on capturing iconic species such as jaguars, pumas and other rare wildlife in their natural habitats. I’m the co-founder of Neotropical Nature and Birding Trips, a company dedicated to promoting responsible travel as a means to support conservation and community-based tourism. Through our tours, we aim to share the magic of nature while contributing directly to local initiatives in environmental education, sustainable development, and habitat preservation. In addition to guiding, I’ve participated in scientific research and conservation projects throughout Ecuador, including bird banding and nest monitoring programs in the Chocó bioregion and Galápagos. I’ve also worked as a resident naturalist and cultural interpreter in several Amazonian lodges and have led photography and birding tours throughout the country and the continent. Join me for an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity of Ecuador and beyond. Whether you're a birder, photographer, or nature lover, I’ll help you connect deeply with the natural world and make memories that will last a lifetime. Licensed national tour guide (Ecuador) First aid response certified Capacity building in sustainable tourism and professional tour operations – Ministry of Tourism and IDB
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Santiago S.
Let's explore together the heart of the Andes
Overview of your Quito tour
An early pick-up from Quito at 7:00 am brings us to the western entrance of Antisana National Park, just about 30 miles southeast from Quito, with a mixture of elfin forest below and paramo grassland above. The snow-covered top of Antisana Volcano is located at 18, 886 ft a. s. l. It's the fourth highest peak of Ecuador and it's covered by the largest ice cap in the country. Something that makes this place wonderful is the contact with undisturbed nature apart from crowded touristic places and it's beautiful Andean scenery. The reserve provides opportunities to understand the geological history of the Andes and the importance of this unique ecosystem. This reserve has at least 4 different cliffs in which up to 35 Andean condors have been recorded perching and using these areas as their nesting sites, this is a large number considering an estimated population of just 150 wild individuals in the country. Today you'll be able to admire through my spotting scope some of the most iconic species of the Andes.
Your Quito tour itinerary
-Pick up from your hotel at 7:00 am -Head out towards Antisana Reserve -Stop at the Andean Condor lookout where you'll have very high chances to admire our national bird in fligh gliding high up on thermals with splendor and elegance. This is definitely one of most magnificent sights in the bird world. A moment of pure connection to the Andean nature. Later we'll continue to explore Antisana National Park where, with the aim of a good spotting scope, I will bring to your eyes some of the most representative species found within this important reserve. Later we'll continue to "Mica Cocha" lake. Here we'll take a hike to scan the lake shore for Slate-colored Coots, Andean Teals, Andean Ruddy Ducks, and Yellow-billed Pintails, Silvery Grebe among others. After a very productive morning you'll drive back for lunch to Tambo Condor where on top of serving delicious food, you'll have a privileged view to the Condor's cliffs and also have the opportunity to admire several species of hummingbirds.
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Transport details
Type: Private Transportation / Category: Suv
Private SUV vehicle Price is for 2 participants. Third participant can be added with an $80.00 USD supplement to be paid in cash at the beginning of the tour For groups larger than 3 passengers, a customized tour can be arranged that includes transportation in a mini van plus driver.
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Meeting location
Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
Airport: ,Cruise: ,ByGuide:
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
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8 hours
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8 hours
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
How it works
- Your credit card will be authorized only for the deposit amount.
- Funds will not be withdrawn until your tour booking is fully processed.
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