Antisana - Home of the Andean Condor | Go Galapagos

Antisana – Home of the Andean Condor

[:en]An early start from Quito, toward the south, we begin to ascent to the east Andean range until reaching Pintag.  We gradually leave the urban areas into the pristine Andean territories of Antisana which is the fourth highest Ecuadorian volcano at 18,875 feet (5,753 m.).  The road to this area is a private road where only privileged visitors are granted a permit. A very pristine area is considered the most important sanctuary for the Andean Condor.

As you approach the area, you will encounter an enormous, relatively new, lava flow which has formed the small lagoon of Secas.   The extensive plains bordered by a series of cliffs, are home to condors and other birds of prey roost. Among the birdwatching, there are Andean gulls, carunculated caracaras, Andean seedeaters, sierra-finches, eye striped cinclodes and with luck,  the unique black-faced ibis. Occasionally, white-tailed deer or Andean fox can be seen, as well as, wild rabbits. Discover the unspoiled nature surrounding the Mica Lagoon with many interesting plants such as wild gentians and various species of daisies adapted to this harsh mountain environment.  Vast plains form the landscape adorned by some peaks like the Sincholagua or Cotopaxi, and weather permitting, we could also see the massive glaciers of the Antisana volcano.

You will have the option to take a hike across the meadows by Mica Lagoon and enjoy of a box lunch.

Return to Quito.[:es]Partimos temprano de Quito, hacia el sur, comenzamos a ascender al este de los Andes hasta llegar a Pintag. Poco a poco, dejamos las áreas urbanas en los prístinos territorios andinos de Antisana, que es el cuarto volcán más alto de Ecuador a 18,875 pies (5,753 m). El camino a esta área es un camino privado donde solo los visitantes privilegiados obtienen un permiso. Un área muy prístina se considera el santuario más importante para el cóndor andino.

Al acercarse a la zona, se encontrará con un flujo de lava enorme, relativamente nuevo, que ha formado la pequeña laguna de Secas. Las extensas llanuras bordeadas por una serie de acantilados albergan cóndores y otras aves de rapiña. Entre los avistamientos de aves, se encuentran gaviotas andinas, caracaras carunculadas, caducifolios andinos, pinzones de la sierra, cinclodes rayados a ojo y con suerte, el ibis de rostro negro único. Ocasionalmente, se pueden ver ciervos de cola blanca o zorros andinos, así como también conejos silvestres. Descubra la naturaleza virgen que rodea la Laguna de Mica con muchas plantas interesantes como gencianas silvestres y diversas especies de margaritas adaptadas a este duro entorno de montaña. Grandes llanuras forman el paisaje adornado por algunos picos como el Sincholagua o Cotopaxi, y si el clima lo permite, también podemos ver los glaciares masivos del volcán Antisana.

Tendrás la opción de hacer una caminata por los prados junto a la Laguna de Mica y disfrutar de un almuerzo.

Regreso a Quito.[:]

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