The Central Highlands (Antisana Ecological Reserve or Cotopaxi National Park) - Ecuador

Itinerary

Day 1: The Central Highlands (Artisan Ecological Reserve or Cotopaxi National Park)

The Antisana Ecological Reserve is in the central highlands, located at the feet of the volcano, Mount Antisana, a 5705 meter high mountain. The protected area's purpose is to preserve native plant and animal wildlife in the Andean paramo, which is a habitat situated between elevations of 3600 m and 4800 m and whose wildlife is highly adapted to the harsh conditions there. You will also drive up to a lake, 4000 meters high, through prairies, past ravines with tall vegetation, and over the paramo covered with pillow moss. It is a wonderful adventure into the great outdoors. As for the birds you will see, the main ones are the Andean gull, caracara, ducks, different varieties of hummingbird, and Andean condor, if you are lucky.

The Cotopaxi National Park is a 36,000 ha. ecological sanctuary, the hub of which is the world's largest active volcano. It is filled with special attractions for nature lovers. You will be amazed at the treeless landscape of the Andean paramo, a type of high altitude prairie. The birds you might see are: Andean gull, caracara, hummingbird, and Andean condor, if you are lucky. You will also have the chance to see wild horses and maybe even some deer. Lunch will be served at a nearby restaurant. After the excursion, you will return to Quito.