Antisana is an impressive and beautiful double cone volcano. The Antisana volcano is located inside the Antisana Ecological Reserve, between the provinces of Napo and Pichincha. This is about 31 mi. (50 km.) Southeast of Quito. Antisana has an altitude of 18,870 ft (5,753 m) above sea level. Indeed, the Antisana volcano is the fourth highest volcano in Ecuador. It also has two summits completely covered with snow and glaciers, known as the older and the younger. The oldest covers two-thirds of the Antisana in the Southeastern part. While the younger comprise one-third of the volcano in the Northwest part.
Climbing this volcano is challenging, you need to prepare yourself with acclimatization, but the reward is amazing. The landscape around the Antisana volcano is breathtaking. In fact, it is rich with biodiversity and a variety of flora and fauna. A great opportunity to watch condors in their inhabit. From the top, it has panoramic views, including the surrounding volcanoes of Shincholagua, Cayambe, Cotopaxi, and Chimborazo. Also, it has a view of Mica and Limpiopungo lagoons. The best time to visit is during the dry season, especially from December to February. Yet, it is cloudy.
To access the volcano from Quito, you must go to the Antisana Reserve. By car, take the route Quito-Napo. By public transportation, take a bus to Pintag in the terminal Terrestre (bus station). Tickets cost $2. The entrance fee to Antisana Reserve is $2.00 per person.
