Chakana Reserve: Unique Andean Wildlife, Condors, Ecuadorian Hillstar & Bears
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
● Antisana and Chakana reserve hosts the largest Andean Condor population in Ecuador.
● Search for the emblematic Spectacled Bear in its natural habitat.
● Observe different species of hummingbirds including the outstanding Ecuadorian Hillstar.
● Visit Chakana reserve and access to the best lookout to the Condor’s nesting and roosting sites. Watch them flying at eye level and admire their greatness.
● Support local development and conservation by visiting one of Jocotoco Foundation’s Reserve,and Tambo Condor Reserve
● Enjoy the day at your own pace in the company of an experienced, specialized guide
● Take unforgettable shots of magnificent landscapes and fauna.
● For the best chances for condor sightings and pictures, chose the early start at 5:00 am
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Pick-up from your hotel at 6:00 am. This trip will take you through a great scenery in the Ecuadorian Andes. Visit Hacienda Antisanilla – Chakana Reserve, a 7,000-acre conservation land to safeguard Ecuador’s most important population of Andean Condors. The altitudinal range covered is from 10.000 to 12.000 ft asl . We'll spend the entire day in the area, watching for Andean condors (should be easy!) and other beautiful birds like the Ecuadorian Hillstar feeding on unique flowers of the Chuquiraga shrub, we even have to keep our eyes open for Spectacled Bears. The paramo is rich in important food sources for the bears’ mostly herbivorous diet; The Andean Bear's main food source in the area is a type of ground paramo bromeliad Puya sp. which is pretty abundant in this ecosystem and has a sweet juice heart. The area has a road system and trails of varying difficulty, allowing you to cover big extensions of territory in a short period of time.
After exploring the reserve you’ll have a well deserved break and lunch at Tambocondor where you can also observe different species of hummingbirds like the Giant Hummingbird, Shining Sunbeam, Black-tailed Trainbearer and other species at the surrounding native flora and feeders. You’ll return to your hotel in Quito in the afternoon.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Specialized naturalist guide
Entrance fees
Enjoy a delicious lunch at Tambo Condor Reserve. Special diets can be accommodated
Tips
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Chakana Reserve: Early Start
Early start at 5:00 am: Starting at 5:00 am provide the best chances for closer condor sightings and better photo opportunities Pickup included
Chakana Reserve: Unique Andean Wildlife, Condors, Ecuadorian Hillstar & Bears
Pickup included
Reviews
31 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A magnificent experience
AngelicaS517,May 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A unique experience, truly fabulous!
Very interesting and very choppy landscapes
juliocesarc902,May 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent experience and very explained by the guide Santiago
Amazing experience!!
paolah860,Apr 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing!!! Not only for being able to see amazing animals like bears, hummingbirds and condors, but our tour leader, Santiago, is super informative, he really knows what he does.
Condors in the fog
gottbart,Mar 31, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was excellent final day of two weeks solo trip guided by Santiago. Started with good weather conditions and Ecuadorian Hillstar behaving as a true star on the runway. Suddenly, a fog rolled in and it seemed like we wouldn’t get to see the condors after all, but we did. Fortunately we were patient enough and stayed ready with cameras. Condor emerging from the fog was un unforgettable experience!
Chakana/Antisana Ecuador Visit
D20WFkurtk,Mar 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00With our guide, Santiago, we explored the Eastern High Andes around Quito. We travelled into the reserve where we were treated to an extended observation period of an Andean Bear eating one of its favourite meals. Many different birds crossed our path: condors, hummingbirds, owls, caracaras, ibis and others. The scenery, though much of it is now pastoral, is very stunning. Neotropical Trips arranged and executed for us a memorable visit.
Outstanding personal service and terrific biding day
M8632BGtraceyc,Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful experience with this company. We were treated exceptionally well and enjoyed a wonderful mountain day. Our driver Dario was outstanding, stoping to take pictures any time we wanted, and went out of his way to ensure a positive animal filled day. While we did not see bears, it was not for lack of effort. 10/10 and highly recommended
Best guide in Ecuador
johnoY8309EB,Jun 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was the best tour I have Been on Santago Is a professional. He knows so much information all the animals to history of the country. I would defiantly recommend trying to leave early in the morning to try and see the condors take off. The whole day was just perfect. Can't wait for the next tour I do with Santago.
Chakana Reserve and Papallacta/Guango Day Trips, April 25
grahamhP2544AK,May 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I booked two day tours from Quito and visited the Chakana Reserve followed by Papallacta and Guango Lodge. Both guides, Dario and Sebastian, were excellent company and very knowledgeable. We managed to have excellent views of the species that we had targeted, so both trips were very successful. I would highly recommend these trips to anyone considering them.
Chakana tour -Andean Bears
scottbX6593UI,Feb 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The owner was very helpful from the beginning and answered my questions. She helped me find a trio tailored to my interests. I went with Santiago to see the condors and the Andean Bear. Santiago was an expert on the subject and explained his previous research on Andean Bears. We were able to spot Condors, Andean Bears, owls, foxes, and the giant hummingbird on the trip. The cost was above average but worth the extra amount for the quality of the experience. We stopped to have a delicious lunch.
Ecuador Paradise for birders
Getaway28656141367,Nov 25, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I hired a private guide (English speaking) and we spent all day birding in Chakana and Antisana (6am to 5pm). Saw condors (only 135 left), black faced Ibis, carunculated Caracara ( all threatened), great Egret ( out of range), many species of hummingbirds and a score of other birds, along with a white face bear!!
From US$260.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Neotropical Nature and Birding Trips