Antisana → Cotopaxi · eastern páramo
The Condor Trek, Ecuador
A four-day traverse of Ecuador's eastern high páramo, from the Antisana reserve to the foot of Cotopaxi, through the territory of the Andean condor. It is a classic Andean trek, and few people walk it.
What is the Condor Trek?
The Condor Trek is the classic multi-day wilderness traverse of Ecuador's eastern Andes, a point-to-point route across the vast, empty páramo that links the Antisana reserve with the flanks of Cotopaxi. National Geographic once named it a bucket-list adventure, and on the trail it's easy to see why: rolling golden grasslands, glaciated peaks on every horizon, herds of wild horses, and the Andean condor riding the wind overhead.
You camp out for three nights, carry only a daypack while horses move the gear, and spend your days walking through country with no roads, no towns and almost no other people. For four days you live in the high Ecuadorian Andes instead of driving out to them each morning.
How many days: 3, 4 or 5?
Most operators sell a 4-day Condor Trek, but you'll see 3- and 5-day versions too. Three days is a hard push that skips the best camps. Four days is the sweet spot. Five days adds a rest and wildlife day and is lovely if you have the time. We'll tell you which fits your fitness and schedule, and we plan the camps around condor-viewing spots as well as distance.
Your itinerary
The classic 4-day Condor Trek
Drive to the Antisana reserve, then trek into the high grasslands with the glaciated cone of Antisana ahead. First camp by a páramo lake, in prime condor country.
A long day crossing open páramo and ridgelines, with wild horses scattering ahead and big views in every direction. Camp deep in the backcountry.
Continue the traverse as Cotopaxi grows on the skyline, through valleys and past lakes, to a final wilderness camp under the volcano.
A final morning into Cotopaxi National Park, with Limpiopungo lagoon and the volcano up close, before the trail ends and the drive back to Quito.
Condor Trek altitude
The trek stays high the whole way, mostly between 3,800 m and 4,500 m, so acclimatization in Quito (and ideally a warm-up hike) beforehand matters:
- Quito: 2,850 m
- Antisana páramo: 4,000 m
- High pass: 4,500 m
- Cotopaxi NP: 3,800 m
What's included
Included
- Local trekking guide for the full traverse
- All camping gear, tents & camp kitchen
- Pack horses / porters for the gear
- Reserve & park fees + private transport
- All meals on the trek
Not included
- Quito hotels and international flights
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Personal sleeping bag and hiking gear
- Guide gratuities
Gear
We provide
- Tents & full camp kit
- Pack horses for the gear
- Camp meals & kitchen
- Guide & navigation
You bring
- Waterproof boots & gaiters
- 4-season sleeping bag (or rent)
- Full layering & rain shell
- Daypack & 2 L water
- Headlamp, gloves & sun protection
Safety on the mountain
- Local high-páramo trekking guides
- Remote wilderness & navigation experience
- Horse-supported, small groups
- Weather-flexible, multi-day camp logistics
Condor Trek FAQ
Will I actually see condors on the Condor Trek?
Often, yes. The route crosses prime Andean condor habitat around Antisana, one of the best places in Ecuador to see them. Sightings are never guaranteed with wild birds, but we time the days and camps around the spots where they soar most reliably.
How hard is the Condor Trek?
Challenging. It isn't technical, but you're walking 5–7 hours a day at sustained altitudes of 3,800–4,500 m and camping out for three nights in remote, weather-exposed country. Good fitness and acclimatization beforehand are essential.
How many days is the Condor Trek?
The classic version is 4 days / 3 nights, with 3-day and 5-day variants. We recommend 4, which covers the traverse without rushing, and we'll adjust it to your fitness and time.
Do I have to carry all my gear?
No. Pack horses (or porters) carry the camping gear and food, so you only walk with a light daypack. That's what makes a multi-day traverse at this altitude enjoyable rather than brutal.
When is the best time for the Condor Trek?
June–September and December–January offer the most stable páramo weather. It's high, exposed country, so we always build in flexibility for wind and rain and pick the best window around your dates.
Cross the páramo from Antisana to Cotopaxi
Tell us your dates and trekking experience and we'll set up the guide, the horses and the camps for four days of wilderness between Antisana and Cotopaxi.