Andes & Condor Expedition
A complete altitudinal sweep over seven days, finishing at Antisana's páramo with the flight of the Andean Condor
This expedition runs the complete altitudinal gradient of northwestern Ecuador — from Chocó cloud forest and lowlands up to páramo at 4,000 m — and closes with the flight of the Andean Condor, the largest flying bird in the world. The first days follow the classic Chocó Andino route: the Zuroloma antpitta hide, the Mashpi Amagusa feeders, the Cock-of-the-rock lek at Paz de las Aves, the Río Silanche canopy tower, and Bellavista's high cloud forest. The final day climbs to the Antisana Ecological Reserve through Chakana Reserve, with stops at key viewpoints including Tambo Condor — home of the endemic Ecuadorian Hillstar and the most reliable site in Ecuador for Andean Condor. As on all our tours, digiscoping photos and videos are included.
Tour Highlights
- ✓Complete altitudinal sweep: from the Silanche lowlands to páramo at 4,000 m
- ✓Grand finale at Antisana — the most reliable site in Ecuador for Andean Condor
- ✓Endemic Ecuadorian Hillstar hummingbird in the high páramo
- ✓Cock-of-the-rock lek and Giant Antpitta at Paz de las Aves
- ✓Digiscoping photos and videos included
Itinerary
Quito (UIO) pickup → Zuroloma: antpitta hide and high-altitude hummingbird feeders (Sword-billed Hummingbird, Chestnut-naped Antpitta) → Alambi hummingbird garden → San Tadeo Birding
Umbrellabird territory (Long-wattled Umbrellabird) → Las Cotingas (Crimson-rumped Toucanet) → Ornithological Point
Mashpi Amagusa feeders: Rose-faced Parrot, Moss-backed and Glistening-green Tanagers → Sacha Guatusa → Guayabillas (Emerald Tanager)
Paz de las Aves: Cock-of-the-rock lek at dawn, Giant Antpitta "María" → Birdwatcher House
Río Silanche canopy tower: Purple-chested Hummingbird, Orange-fronted Barbet → Frutti Tour
Bellavista cloud forest (Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, Tanager Finch) → Maraksacha → Inti Ñan
Antisana: Chakana Reserve, national park and Tambo Condor viewpoint — Andean Condor, Ecuadorian Hillstar → return to Quito
Target Species
Learn more about these species:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the altitude a problem?+
The final day reaches 4,000 m at Antisana. If you arrive from sea level, the first six days of the route serve as gradual acclimatization; spending time in Quito (2,800 m) beforehand also helps.
How cold is it at Antisana?+
Temperatures range from 0–10°C. Bring warm layers, windbreaker, gloves, and a hat.
Will we definitely see condors?+
Antisana is the most reliable site in Ecuador for Andean Condor sightings, but wildlife is never guaranteed.
What is included in the tour price?+
All tours include: expert bird guide, binoculars, spotting scope, bird checklist, digiscoping photos and videos, meals (as per itinerary), transport from Quito or Mindo, and all entrance fees. Accommodation is NOT included in any tour, but we help arrange lodging at partner hotels.
How many species can we see in 7 days?+
Over 500 bird species have been recorded within a 30 km radius of Mindo. The 7-day expeditions often exceed 300 species.