ANTISANA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE FULL DAY TOUR
Difficulty
Antisana Ecological Reserve Full Day Tour: Discover Ecuador’s Wild Side
Duration: 1 Day
Available: All Year
The Antisana Ecological Reserve Full Day Tour offers a remarkable journey through one of Ecuador’s most pristine and untouched natural areas. Located in the Eastern Cordillera, this protected area surrounds the impressive Antisana Volcano. Here, you’ll discover high-altitude Andean forests, sweeping páramo landscapes, and dramatic geological formations shaped by ancient glacial and volcanic activity.
At the heart of the tour lies La Laguna de la Mica, a crystal-clear lake that serves as a vital source of water for Quito. During the rainy season, visitors can also witness the formation of unique seasonal lagoons, such as Mauca Machay and Santa Lucía. Wildlife sightings, serene scenery, and ecological diversity make this tour a must-do for nature lovers and adventurers alike.
Itinerary: Full Day Adventure at Antisana Ecological Reserve
Our Antisana Ecological Reserve Full Day Tour begins at 06h30, with convenient pickup from your hotel or preferred location in Quito. We’ll travel for approximately 90 minutes to reach the reserve, making a brief photo stop at the Laguna de Secas viewpoint. This iconic location was formed by the Antisanilla eruption over 400 years ago.
Upon arrival, we’ll register and officially enter the reserve. Our first main stop is Laguna de La Mica, where you’ll enjoy peaceful trails, incredible views, and time to relax. Whether you prefer a scenic picnic or quiet reflection at the lagoon’s edge, this area provides a perfect balance of adventure and tranquility.
Throughout the day, you’ll be immersed in the region’s rich biodiversity. The high Andean ecosystem is home to various native plant species and elusive wildlife. After our visit, we’ll return to Quito with a scenic drive that includes a lunch break at a local restaurant.
What to Wear: Essential Gear for Antisana Full Day Tour
To ensure your comfort and safety during the Antisana Ecological Reserve Full Day Tour, we recommend the following clothing:
Base Layer: Thermal underwear (top and bottom, synthetic material)
Second Layer: Warm jacket and pants (fleece, down, or insulated)
Outer Layer: Waterproof jacket and pants
Extras:
Extra thermal jacket for cold weather
Gloves and thick hiking socks
Sunglasses with UV protection (Category 4)
Buff or neck warmer
Sunscreen (high SPF)
Day backpack (25–35L)
If you’re missing any of these items, Mauna Expeditions offers rentals and gear for purchase.
What’s Included in Your Antisana Adventure
Professional guides (ASEGUIM/UIAGM certified, 1 per 4 guests)
Entry permits and all registration processes
Private transportation (door-to-door service)
Adventure video of your day
First aid and safety support
Lunch and snacks
Mauna Expeditions thermal bottle and buff
What’s Not Included
Personal clothing and equipment
Airfare and accommodation
Travel or accident insurance
Tips or expenses not listed in the itinerary
Group Prices for the Antisana Ecological Reserve Full Day Tour
1 person: Contact us
2 people: Contact us
3–5 people: Contact us
6–10 people: Contact us
11–24 people: Contact us
Prices vary by group size. Contact us for a personalized quote.
Payment and Cancellation Policy
To reserve your spot, we require a 25% deposit. Full payment is due two weeks before your scheduled tour date. Confirmation is only sent upon full payment.
Cancellations must be made at least 21 days in advance to qualify for a refund. Refunds after this period may be subject to a 50% charge. Cancellations within 21 days of the tour start date incur a 100% penalty.
Safety Recommendations for Your Trek
Mountaineering and high-altitude trekking involve physical challenges and environmental risks. This Antisana Ecological Reserve Full Day Tour is not recommended for individuals with asthma or heart conditions. The activity is demanding but rewarding.
Your safety is our top priority. Please consult your physician before booking if you have any health concerns.
Duration: 1 day
Date: All year
The Antisana Ecological Reserve encompasses the majestic and mysterious Antisana volcano in the Eastern Cordillera. Within the Antisana Ecological Reserve we find spectacular Andean forests and moors. In addition, the retreat and passage of the glaciers together with the volcanic activity of thousands of years has evolved, creating impressive landscapes together with a wildlife in which you will find a great variety. One of its most famous landscapes is the mirror of the Antisana volcano known as ¨La Laguna de la Mica¨, where its water is totally purified and goes directly to the city. In addition, you can find swampy areas in the rainy season, in which seasonal or seasonal lagoons are formed such as the ¨Mauca Machay¨ or ¨Santa Lucía¨ Lagoon.
DAY 1: Antisana- Family Outing
We will pick you up from the hotel of your choice at 9:30 a.m. and we will start our adventure towards the Antisana Ecological Reserve, before that we will establish a certain stop at the Laguna de Secas for photography, since this lagoon is famous for being a sequel to the eruption of the volcano. more than 400 years ago. Then we will register and enter the Antisana Ecological Reserve and if the weather allows us we will have a spectacular view; Then we will go to the Laguna de la Mica, and here we can have a picnic and have a short walk of approximately 30 minutes at a slow pace. In addition, we will be able to see the variety of flora and fauna that this lagoon has, and it is a perfect space to share with the family. After spending a moment and touring this Lagoon,
What to wear?
The necessary equipment that we recommend that you wear so that you have a totally pleasant experience is:
Two layers of clothing for the legs and torso:
• Comfortable and warm jacket and pants.
• Backpack.
• Thin gloves. (avoid wool)
• Buff.
• Warm socks.
• An extra sweater (to be carried in the backpack in case of extreme cold).
• Sunscreen.
• Thermal hat.
• Sports shoes or comfortable shoes.
In case you do not have some of the clothing and extra equipment, we as Mauna Expeditions will guide you where you can rent or buy these accessories.
The services included in the cost of the program are:
✓ Registration and preparation for the best experience of your life.
✓ Guidance for the ascent with certified guides (ASEGUIM/UIAGM), one guide for every 4 people.
✓ Private door-to-door transportation for the entire day of the tour.
✓ Entry permits.
✓ Adventure video about the experience in the program.
✓ Necessary mountain equipment (specified above)
✓ Lunch on the way down the day of the ascent.
✓ Take all of Mauna Expeditions.
✓ Buff Mauna Expeditions.
✓ Lunch Box and hydration for the ascent.
The following services are NOT included in the cost of the program:
X Clothing and personal equipment.
X Air tickets.
X Hotel or hostel in Quito or place of preference.
X Life insurance or against some type of accident.
X Other expenses NOT specified in our program.
X Tips.
The prices depends on the number of people. It might variate from 1 – 50 people.
PAYMENT AND CANCELLATION OF THE PROGRAM
To book the tour, Mauna Expeditions requires a payment of 25% of the cost of the program. Full payment must be made up to a maximum of two weeks before the start date of the tour. We do not send vouchers or confirmation messages until full payment for the program is made. Our team reserves the right to cancel the tour if the full payment is not made until the start date of the program.
The Mauna Expeditions team has put a lot of effort into organizing your program. Therefore, any cancellation must be made at least 21 days in advance. After 21 days, Mauna Expeditions may make a 50% refund depending on the cause of cancellation. Any cancellation notified less than 21 days before the start date of the program will be charged a penalty of 100% of the value of the program.
COSTS
Costs vary depending on the size of the group. A minimum of 2 people and a maximum of 24 are required to make the ascent. For cost information please CONTACT US .
RECOMMENDATIONS
Mountaineering is a high-risk sport, where we are exposed to conditions on extreme occasions. We do not recommend doing this activity for people with asthma or some kind of heart problem. The level of difficulty of the program is demanding and there is nothing that interests us more than your safety and that you enjoy our program without any external problem.
BOOK YOUR TRIP
Choose and reserve the date, then our team will contact you to confirm all the details.
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