Chakana Reserve: Unique Andean Wildlife, Condors, Ecuadorian Hillstar & Bears
Overview
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● 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
Entrance fees
Specialized naturalist guide
Enjoy a delicious lunch at Tambo Condor Reserve. Special diets can be accommodated
Tips
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
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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
27 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
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.
Unbelievable view of condors
SassyTxn,,Apr 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Chakana Reserve was amazing! Santiago was the best guide. He made sure we saw everything we wanted and so much more. Seeing the Andean Condors was one of our main goals for our trip to Ecuador and they didn’t disappoint. So amazing to see them soaring right in front of us. The Ecuadorian Hillstar hummingbirds were so beautiful. And to top it off, the views were amazing! We can’t wait to return.
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!!
A Dream Day with Condors and Hillstars
kevin272,,Mar 13, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I just had the unforgettable experience of exploring Chakana Reserve with Santiago Zambrano, from Neotropical Nature and Birding Trips. My goal was to photograph Andean Condor, preferably the 'classic' eye-level flight shot, and the Ecuadorian Hillstar, hopefully a clear shot of this special species feeding on Chuquiraga flowers. I had faint hopes of seeing Spectacled Bear, but knew it was a long shot. Everything about this trip, including the advice to go to Chakana in the first place, was exemplary. Gabriela, who managed the logistics, was prompt, friendly and thorough from start to finish. Santiago was a perfect guide: knowledgeable, flexible and helpful ( The air at 3,800 m is thin, and I'm not. Santiago was so supportive in getting a geezer with bad knees and heavy cameras into just the right spot). This was a truly memorable experience, and I've been photographing wildlife since 1978. The Condors were awe-inspiring, the Hillstar is an absolute beauty and a very accommodating poser. There were plenty of other stunning birds too, like the Carunculated Caracaras and Andean Gulls, common at this location. We ended the day with a Crimson-mantled Woodpecker..a pretty good bonus bird. As a personal encounter with wild nature, this was simply the best. Recommended for anyone who loves wild places and creatures.
Who Could Ask for More?
Guide52690908870,,Jan 31, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing day with Santiago! We saw everything we came to see: Andean condors, Ecuadorian hillstars and, when we had almost given up hope, we saw a spectacled bear! But there was so much more! Santiago knew exactly where to find amazing bird species that we never knew existed. We had a million questions about everything from the ecosystems, the creatures and the people that call them home, to the food and Santiago answered all of them. His love for and knowledge of his natural surroundings shone through every response and we were very appreciative!
High altitude experience
AngelicaS517,,Dec 22, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Magnificent experience, led by Santiago Salazar from @Neotropicalecuador.com, who guided us with passion and great knowledge about the area, the condors and their behavior.
Hillstars, Condors, and Giant Hummingbirds!
SkippinWork,,Oct 11, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Santiago is a great guide, and we had a fabulous trip with him to see the Hillstars, Condors, and the Giant Hummingbird. Even though the bears had moved on in search of other food by the time we were there, he still looked for them. We got some great photographs of all the birds. It was a relaxing and fun day with Santiago. I would definitely go with him again!
From US$260.00
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