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Description
Many high altitude species can easily be observed in Antisana National Park and its vicinity. It's a vast open landscape of high altitude grasslands crossed by steep river gorges. There is also a large lake further into the reserve, allowing for a large diversity of species.
The normal way to visit the area is to drive through by car and stop on the roadside where you are able to to observe birds in promising areas. The first stop is the Antisana observatory, facing a steep cliff where Andean Condor can sometimes be found, it is surrounded by bushes that are very attractive to many hummingbird species.
Further along you can stop next to a bridge and walk along a gorge where the flowering bush Chuquiraga grows, this is the sole food source of the endemic Ecuadorian Hillstar.
Next is a vast landscape of open plains browsed by many species such as Carunculated Caracara, Variable Hawk, Andean Ibis (the only place in Ecuador where it's known to breed), Andean Gull, Andean Lapwing, Plumbeous Sierra-Finch and Stout-billed Cinclodes.
Finally, you can park at La Mica to walk along the large lake, where numerous waterfowl can be observed (from a distance) such as Andean Duck, Slate-colored Coot (White-billed), Andean Teal and Yellow-billed Pintail.
On the way back, you can even stop at Tambo Condor, a restaurant with a garden planted with hummingbird-friendly plants and feeders, which allows for a large diversity of species to be seen.
Details
Access
There is one single road that leads to Antisana National Park, which in some areas isn't in a very good state. Since it is over 90 minutes away from Quito, a car is recommended. In most of it there are no designated parking spots, you just have to stop on the side of the road where it won't block the traffic, except at the very end, near La Mica, which has a relatively large parking area. There are some footpaths but for most of the way you have to stick to the road (there isn't much traffic).
Terrain and Habitat
Grassland , Scattered trees and bushes , Plateau , Mountain , LakeConditions
Flat , Rocky , Open landscapeCircular trail
NoIs a telescope useful?
Can be usefulGood birding season
All year roundRoute
Unpaved roadDifficulty walking trail
EasyAccessible by
CarBirdwatching hide / platform
YesExtra info
Motorcycles and pets (even on a leash) are not allowed inside the reserve, you will be stopped at the entrance gateway.
This area is between 3500 and 4000 metres of altitude, so take that into account if visiting, if you're not used to it, just walking around can be really exhausting.