Pintag, Peñón del Itsco, and La Mica Lagoon

Departure from Quito is at 7:00 a.m., heading southeast to the parish of Pintag, nestled at the foot of the Antisana volcano. This area was once inhabited by the Pintag Yumbo people, an ancestral culture that thrived through trade and connection with nature.

The visit begins at Pintag Central Park and its Church of San Jerónimo, built in the 16th century — one of the oldest in the Quito region. Inside, its colonial art and altarpiece reveal traces of the Quito School of Art.

The route continues to Peñón del Itsco, a massive volcanic rock formation that rises majestically above the valley. From here, panoramic views unfold over the páramo and surrounding countryside. The viewpoint is a popular spot for photos and reflection. (Entrance: $2)

Contact for entering Peñón del Itsco: 099 249 9813.

The journey proceeds to La Mica Lagoon, within the Antisana Ecological Reserve, where the snow-capped Antisana volcano mirrors itself in crystal-clear waters. The lagoon provides drinking water to Quito and shelters species such as the Andean condor, black-faced ibis, and white-tailed deer. (Entrance: $10)

Lunch is served at 12:30 p.m. at Tambo Condor, a local lodge and restaurant overlooking the valley, offering dishes made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients — trout, corn, and Andean potatoes. (Average: $10 – $20)

Time for birdwatching and photography along the trails surrounding the lodge, with a good chance of spotting condors and caracaras soaring overhead.

The return to Quito begins, passing through pastoral landscapes dotted with herds and traditional Andean homes