The Antisana Ecological Reserve is a protected area located in the Andes of Ecuador, just southeast of the capital, Quito. Encompassing over 120,000 hectares, the reserve is home to a remarkable range of ecosystems, including Andean forests, páramo grasslands, and volcanic landscapes. At its heart lies the towering Antisana Volcano, an impressive snow-capped peak reaching 5,704 meters (18,714 feet) above sea level. The reserve serves as a critical water source for Quito and provides habitat for rare and threatened species, including the Andean condor and spectacled bear.

Visitors to the reserve are often drawn to its sweeping vistas, diverse wildlife, and pristine natural beauty. It is one of the best places in Ecuador to spot Andean condors gliding above the cliffs. Hiking trails and scenic drives offer access to highland lagoons, lava fields, and wetlands, while the páramo’s unique vegetation gives the landscape a rugged, windswept character. Despite its proximity to urban areas, Antisana remains one of the least disturbed protected areas in the region.