Journey to the Heart of the Andes – Chakana Reserve

As dawn casts a golden glow over Quito’s mountain peaks, the journey begins toward the high Andes of Ecuador. Leaving the calm city streets, the road winds eastward toward the imposing Antisana volcano, one of the country’s natural jewels.

The trip unfolds through landscapes that seem painted by hand — endless páramo plains, cloud-brushed mountains, and valleys alive with hidden wonders. The route skirts the Antisana National Park before reaching the Chakana Reserve, a sanctuary protected by the Jocotoco Foundation, where conservation is both practiced and felt.

The first stop is Tambo Cóndor, where visitors can watch hummingbirds at feeding stations — from the impressive Giant Hummingbird to the tiny Ecuadorian Hillstar, dancing among chuquiragua and alder blossoms in a dazzling display of color and motion.

The route then continues to the Chakana Reserve viewpoint, an ideal spot to observe the nests of the Andean Condor, Ecuador’s majestic national symbol, as well as the elusive Spectacled Bear wandering the rocky slopes of Ishco. With luck, one might also glimpse a Carunculated Caracara or a Variable Hawk, sentinels of the high skies.

The trail across Peñón del Ishco follows mostly flat terrain surrounded by native vegetation — mosses, chuquiraguas, and frailejones that paint the scenery in silver-green hues. As the air turns crisp and the silence of the páramo deepens, the experience becomes a meditative encounter with Andean nature itself.

In nearby wetlands, flocks of ducks, deer, rabbits, and even the páramo wolf may appear through the mist. Each step reveals another secret of this ancient ecosystem.

The journey culminates at Casa Antisanilla, a cozy refuge where a traditional Andean lunch is served overlooking the volcano. As condors soar across the horizon, travelers enjoy a warm drink and the profound stillness of a landscape that invites quiet reflection — just to listen to the wind.

After a short rest, the return to Quito marks the end of a day filled with wonder and connection to the living heart of nature.

Includes:

• Round-trip ground transportation
• Professional guide and specialized park ranger
• Traditional countryside lunch
• Entrance to the Chakana Reserve
• Welcome hot beverage

Not included:

• Personal expenses
• Snacks or additional drinks
• Souvenirs

What to bring: Warm clothing, hiking boots, hat, sunscreen, binoculars, and camera.
Weather: Clear at sunrise, cloudy by late morning, and possible afternoon rain.

Average temperature: 46°F – 57°F (8°C – 14°C)

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate

Advance reservation required:

Fundación Jocotoco

Phone: +593 99 290 4634 / +593 99 653 7814

Email: [email protected]

A must-do experience for those seeking to reconnect with nature and witness the Andes in their purest essence.