Observe Andean Condors up close with a 99% chance of sightings in the wild.
Our journey began in 1998, when eleven-year-old Diego Cruz went a mountain climbing camp called “Aire Libre” and lay beneath the stars at Laguna Secas and dreamed of one day owning land here to build a family-run conservation and hospitality retreat.
Fishing, camping, and birdwatching on this hidden gem of Antisana became the highlights of his childhood, and in 2024, twenty-six years later, that dream sprang to life: Diego acquired the very same parcel where he first pitched his tent, intent on protecting critical habitat for Andean condors, spectacled bears, and other native Andean species.
Partnering with sponsors like Hacienda Jimenita, Ecuador Birds Tours, and Fundación Sembrando Esperanza, we have already planted over 6,650 native trees toward our goal of 10,000 by the end of 2025. Today, our birding lodge offers breathtaking Andean panoramas, relaxing atmosphere, and the opportunity to witness the Andean Condor in the Wild, there are only about 150 condors left in Ecuador, and about 48 of them are located in this reserve —each visit contributes to helping us our reforestation project.
