Ecuador Condor Trek

The Condor Trek is a popular multi-day trekking route in Ecuador that traverses through diverse ecosystems and landscapes. The trail passes through several protected areas, including the Cotopaxi National Park, the Machachi Reserve, and the Antisana Ecological Reserve, each with its unique ecosystems and biodiversity.

Ecosystems on the Condor Trek

Paramo: The trek starts in the paramo, a high-altitude ecosystem characterized by tussock grasses, shrubs, and stunted trees. It is found at elevations between 3,000 and 4,500 meters and is known for its unique flora and fauna, including the Andean condor, giant hummingbirds, and various species of orchids.
High Andean Forest: The high Andean forest is a transitional ecosystem found between the cloud forest and the paramo. It is characterized by its dense vegetation, including many species of trees and shrubs, and is home to many species of birds, mammals, and insects, as well as mosses, and lichens. Here you may see the torrent duck, tanager, or the giant hummingbird.

Andean Grasslands: The Andean grasslands, also known as the "páramo de frailejones," are located above the tree line at elevations of 4,000 meters or higher. They are characterized by their rolling hills, grassy plains, and a unique plant called the frailejón, which can grow up to 10 meters tall.

Polylepis Forest: As the trek continues, you will pass through a Polylepis forest, which is a type of high-altitude woodland that is dominated by a species of Andean tree known as Polylepis. These forests are important habitats for many bird species, including the Andean condor.

Cloud Forest: The trek then descends into the cloud forest, a moist and misty ecosystem that is characterized by its diverse flora and fauna. This ecosystem is home to many species of orchids, ferns, and mosses, as well as animals such as spectacled bears, tapirs, and jaguars.