During the aguacatillo season, which typically occurs around August, September, and October, the chances of spotting the Andean bear are extremely high. During this time, the bears spend hours in the high tree branches, feeding on the abundant aguacatillo fruits and relaxing throughout the day. This behavior makes them much easier to observe in their natural habitat. The Andean condor, on the other hand, typically roams freely in the high-altitude canyons of Antisana National Park and can be spotted year-round. These majestic birds are often seen soaring over the cliffs and open skies of the park. However, to maximize our chances of observing condors, it is crucial to be in the right spot early in the morning, as they are most active during the early hours of the day.

Packing List Valid passport (for most countries, a visa is not necessary as a tourist, but it is best to check with your local embassy) Photocopy of your passport to leave with us in case we need to contact your embassy on your behalf. Note your insurance policy number and emergency phone number Warm clothing for cold weather (sweater or fleece) Long pants, t-shirts, and long-sleeved shirts (preferably in fabrics that dry quickly) Windproof and/or waterproof jacket Warm wool hat, gloves, scarf Waterproof hiking boots (we provide rubber boots, but tell us your size before arriving; very large sizes are difficult to find in Ecuador) Small backpack or hiking backpack (+ waterproof cover) Water bottle Practical first aid kit Flashlight (+spare batteries, preferably rechargeable) Sunscreen (high SPF), sun hat, sunglasses Insect repellent: There is NO malaria in Papallacta. Sometimes there are small biting mosquitoes. Alarm clock Camera (+ spare battery for the camera, memory cards,…) Recommended binoculars Plastic bags to protect the camera, etc. Swimsuit / pants (thermal baths!)

No. We never guarantee a 100% chance of sighting. Our collaborators are recognized experts and have accumulated extensive knowledge about spectacled bears and the diverse wildlife of the moor, but we can never guarantee that 100% probability. There are many external factors that can affect the expedition and the behavior of the animals.

No, each client must bring their own equipment to make the most of the trip.

No visa or special entry requirements are needed to visit the national parks, as they are open to the public. The only requirements are to pay the entry fee, respect nature, and behave appropriately while exploring the parks. However, if you are traveling from another country specifically for this tour, we always recommend checking the visa requirements for Ecuador beforehand, just in case. Check Your Visa Requirements Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip. View our Entry Requirements tool