April U.United States
Tgis tour was amazing! Not to be missed. Santiago is a fantastic guide. He is extremely knowledgeable, warm and friendly, on time, and accommodating. We had a fantastic day with him.
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Private tour in Quito Santiago S
Chakana Reserve Andean Condors & Bears
5.0
(9) reviews
-
9 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-2 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
9 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-2 people
Your party size
1
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
Santiago S.
5.0
Guide rating
37
Reviews
Tours delivered
18 hrs
Avg. response time
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.
Enjoy the natural beauty of the Andes and support conservation
Overview of your Quito tour
Leave Quito early in the morning for a one-hour drive towards the East towards Hacienda Antisanilla - Chakana Reserve, a 7, 000-acre conservation land. This area safeguards Ecuador's most important population of Andean Condors. Today you'll have access to a privileged lookout to some of the most important Condor roosting and nesting sites. You might see them gliding at eye level. You'll spend the entire day in the area, searching for Andean condors (should be easy!) and other beautiful birds like the unique Ecuadorian Hillstar. You will even have to keep your eyes open for the only bear species of South America: The Spectacled Bear. I know the best areas to increase your chances to find iconic species of this area, I'll be happy to show them to you and use my spotting scope to give you the best sighting experience. After exploring the Reserve you'll have a well deserved break and lunch at Tambo Condor where you can also observe different species of hummingbirds like the unique Giant Hummingbird.
Recent Reviews
Hayle S.
Absolutely amazing tour to Chakana where we saw so much wildlife! It was an unforgettable day and Santiago was an incredible guide. He's incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the flora and fauna. I would highly recommend this tour and couldn't have asked for a better experience!
Cameron B.United States
Santiago is an excellent guide. He was on time to the pickup early in the morning. We went to multiple locations, where we would have the best chance to see wildlife and scenery. We saw a lot of Andean Condors, and even got to see a pair of them doing their mating ritual. I'd highly recommend Santiago if you want a guide that knows how to give you the best chance to see the things you want. He is very knowledgeable on the Flora and Fauna of Ecuador.
Michael G.United States
I am avid birdwatcher and have birded all over the world with many guides. Santiago Salazar is outstanding! He has a tremendous wealth of knowledge about the birds and plant species found in Ecuador. At Chakana Reserve he provided us with stunning views of the Andean Condor soaring just feet above our heads. Fantastic trip!
Linda A.United States
Santiago is a fabulous guide! We had a great time with him, and if we are ever back in Quito, we would not hesitate to book with him again!
Candida A.United States
Santiago is a great guide. He knows the local areas, where he is warmly greeted by the native birding community. His English is excellent and his knowledge vast. He knew just where to look for spectacled bears (we saw 2!) a great horned owl, and a nightjar. Those were only the most cryptic; we saw all our target birds, including the giant hummingbird.
Your Quito tour itinerary
-Pick up from your hotel at 7:00 am or earlier upon request depending on your interest for the tour -Head out towards Chakana Reserve -Visit the exclusive Andean Condor lookout -Explore Chakana's reserve flora and fauna -Enjoy lunch at Tambo Condor Reserve -Return to Quito in the afternoon -Drop off in your hotel around 4:00pm Itinerary can be customized upon request.
Want to customize this tour?
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
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.
What's included
Private Guide
Private Transportation
What's not included
Other: Personal expenses. -Entrance fees ($15.50 USD per person, plus $36.00 per group to pay for a Jocotoco's Foundation park ranger accompaniment)-Lunch at Tambocondor ($15.00 per person)-Additional activities (horseback riding - visit Antisana National Park)
Food Drinks Snacks
Meeting location
Quito, Pichincha, Ecuador
Pick up from your hotel
- You can request a specific meeting location (for example, your hotel) during the checkout.
Other details
Tour categories
Bird Watching
Nature Wildlife And Safaris
Day Trip
Tour reference number
881579
Languages
Spanish
English
PortugueseActivity level
Light
Accessibility
Kid Friendly
Traveller reviews
5.0
FAQs
Who is this private tour in Quito best suited for?
This private tour in Quito is perfect for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers who are interested in exploring the natural beauty of the Andes and supporting conservation efforts. It's also ideal for those who want to see Andean condors, the unique Ecuadorian Hillstar, and possibly even the Spectacled Bear. Families with children will find it suitable as it is kid-friendly, and the light activity level makes it accessible for most travellers.
What should I bring or wear?
Can this private tour in Quito be customized to focus on what I want to see and skip places I've already visited?
How long is the tour, and can the start time or duration be adjusted?
Where does the tour start and end?
Is transportation included?
How much walking is involved, and is it suitable for kids, seniors, or travellers with mobility concerns?
What languages is this tour offered in?
What's included in this private tour, and what should I budget for separately?
AI-generated. Please confirm details with your guide
-
9 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-2 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
-
9 hours
Private transportation
Private tour for 1-2 people
Your party size
1
Tour date
View our cancellation policiesUpgrade for total flexibility with Any Reason Cancellation
Book with a depositSecure your tour today and pay your balance later
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Book with a deposit
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.
- 30 days before your tour date, the remaining balance is automatically charged.