Parque Nacional Antisana

Centered around the Antisana volcano, this high-altitude park is a crucial habitat for the Andean condor, with one of the largest wild populations. Its...

Parque Nacional Antisana at a Glance

Location
Central Andes & Highlands, Ecuador, Central & South America
Coordinates
-0.555573, -78.028175
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate

Getting to Parque Nacional Antisana

Nearest airport: Aeropuerto Internacional Jumandy (TNW), 75 km away.

Nearest international airport: Aeropuerto Internacional Alfonso Bonilla Aragón (CLO), 491 km away.

Big Five in Parque Nacional Antisana

1 of the Big Five can be found here: Mountain Lion.

Weather & Climate in Parque Nacional Antisana

The warmest temperatures in Parque Nacional Antisana occur in February, averaging 5.1°C (up to 8.1°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 3.6°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in November with average rainfall of 176.0mm. Average humidity: 88.1%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 4.6°C (rainfall: 215.5mm)
  • February: 5.1°C (rainfall: 228.6mm)
  • March: 5.0°C (rainfall: 293.5mm)
  • April: 4.9°C (rainfall: 271.7mm)
  • May: 5.0°C (rainfall: 328.7mm)
  • June: 4.1°C (rainfall: 267.4mm)
  • July: 3.6°C (rainfall: 273.2mm)
  • August: 3.6°C (rainfall: 177.2mm)
  • September: 3.8°C (rainfall: 178.1mm)
  • October: 4.6°C (rainfall: 184.6mm)
  • November: 5.0°C (rainfall: 176.0mm)
  • December: 4.7°C (rainfall: 179.2mm)

Best Time to Visit Parque Nacional Antisana

The best months to visit Parque Nacional Antisana are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 4.59°C, rainfall 215.5mm, sunshine 7.7 hrs, humidity 89.9%
  • February: Poor, temperature 5.07°C, rainfall 228.6mm, sunshine 7.1 hrs, humidity 92.2%
  • March: Poor, temperature 5.04°C, rainfall 293.5mm, sunshine 6.2 hrs, humidity 91.6%
  • April: Poor, temperature 4.91°C, rainfall 271.7mm, sunshine 6.4 hrs, humidity 92.4%
  • May: Poor, temperature 5°C, rainfall 328.7mm, sunshine 6.4 hrs, humidity 93.7%
  • June: Poor, temperature 4.07°C, rainfall 267.4mm, sunshine 6.8 hrs, humidity 92.6%
  • July: Poor, temperature 3.62°C, rainfall 273.2mm, sunshine 6.2 hrs, humidity 94.1%
  • August: Poor, temperature 3.65°C, rainfall 177.2mm, sunshine 8.1 hrs, humidity 90.9%
  • September: Poor, temperature 3.82°C, rainfall 178.1mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 90.5%
  • October: Poor, temperature 4.64°C, rainfall 184.6mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 89.7%
  • November: Poor, temperature 5°C, rainfall 176mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 88.1%
  • December: Poor, temperature 4.69°C, rainfall 179.2mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 90.7%

Wildlife in Parque Nacional Antisana

Home to 43 recorded species including 12 iconic birds, 10 tropical birds, 9 birds of prey, 8 waterbirds, 3 predators, 1 big herbivores.

Recommended Packing List for Parque Nacional Antisana

Based on average temperature of 4.5°C, typical conditions, humidity 91%.

  • Heavy layers & thermal clothing - temperatures around 5°C require warm insulation
  • Warm hat & gloves - critical for early morning game drives
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Parque Nacional Antisana

26 safari lodges available.

Other

mid-range

Similar Parks in Central Andes & Highlands

Visitor Tips - Parque Nacional Antisana

Parque Nacional Antisana offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the majestic Andean condor soaring above a pristine paramo landscape, often with the snow-capped Antisana volcano as a dramatic backdrop. We love the raw, untamed beauty of this high-altitude wilderness, where every turn reveals a new vista and a chance encounter with unique Andean wildlife.

Gate Times

The park generally opens around 8:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM daily. We strongly recommend arriving early to maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities, especially for condors. Access often requires prior registration with a certified guide or tour operator, which we find streamlines the process considerably. There are no seasonal variations in opening hours, but weather can impact road conditions, so always check ahead with your guide or the park authorities.

Tipping

Tipping is customary for guides and drivers in Ecuador. We suggest budgeting around $15-25 per person per day for a dedicated guide, and $5-10 per person per day for a driver. For any local community members assisting with activities, a small gratuity of $5-10 is also appreciated. Always tip in US dollars, which is the local currency, and present it discreetly at the end of your service as a token of your appreciation.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Ecuador

Travel advisory for Ecuador

Parque Nacional Antisana FAQs

When is the best time of year to visit Parque Nacional Antisana for optimal wildlife viewing and weather conditions?

The dry season, typically from June to September, offers the clearest skies and best opportunities for spotting the Andean condor and other wildlife like spectacled bears. While mornings are often clear, be prepared for afternoon clouds and potential rain year-round due to the high-altitude páramo climate.

Given its high altitude, what specific precautions should I take to prevent altitude sickness when visiting Antisana National Park?

Antisana's elevation can reach over 4,000 meters, so it's crucial to acclimatize for a day or two in Quito (2,850m) before your visit. Stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and heavy meals, and consider consulting your doctor about medication like Diamox if you are particularly susceptible.

What are the typical entry fees and transportation options for reaching Parque Nacional Antisana from Quito?

Entry fees for foreign visitors are typically around $10-$12 USD, payable at the park entrance. While self-driving is possible with a 4x4, many visitors opt for guided tours from Quito, which include transportation and often a naturalist guide for a more enriching experience.

What is the most effective way to guarantee a sighting of the Andean Condor, Antisana's iconic bird, during my visit?

To maximize your chances of seeing the Andean Condor, focus on visiting early in the morning when they are most active, often soaring on thermal currents. Specific viewpoints like the Condor Huasi lookout or areas near the Antisana Hacienda are known hotspots, and a local guide can significantly improve your success.

What kind of facilities and activities can I expect within Parque Nacional Antisana, beyond general wildlife viewing?

Antisana offers basic visitor facilities, primarily focusing on nature observation and hiking trails suitable for various fitness levels, ranging from easy walks to more challenging treks. There are no extensive visitor centers or restaurants inside the park, so it's essential to bring your own food, water, and appropriate high-altitude gear.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.