Parque Cóndor Otavalo

A trainer lets an eagle exercise

Parque Condor hawk

Parque Cóndor is a non-profit wildlife refuge for owls and raptors, including the endangered Andean Condor. It seeks to rescue, protect and rehabilitate these birds and, if possible, release them back into the wild. Those that cannot be released become the stars of an educational bird show held twice a day (at 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.). The show gives visitors the opportunity to observe these beautiful creatures in flight, and it gives the park the opportunity to inform visitors about the importance of environmental conservation.

From Parque Cóndor you get stunning views of the Imbabura and Cotacachi volcanoes, San Pablo Lake and the towns of Otavalo and Cotacachi. The park also has a small restaurant and a playground. You can get there by taxi (about $3 from Otavalo) or take the exit to San Pablo Lake off the Panamerican Highway. If you’re up for a little physical exertion, you can hike from Otavalo up to the park – just ask the locals the best way to go. After your visit, if you like, you can continue on to see the Peguche waterfall or the sacred tree “el Lechero.” It can get cold up there, so dress appropriately. Sunscreen and bug spray are also a good idea. The park is open every day of the week except Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The small entry fee and any donations go toward the care of the animals.

Location:
Comunidad de Pucará Alto; Parroquia Eugenio Espejo, Otavalo
Otavalo, Ecuador

Birdwatching

Travel Tips: Bring sunscreen and a jacket.

Price Description: $2.50 entrance. 

Relative price: Mid-Range

Open Hours from:10 a.m.

Open Hours to:5 p.m.

Days Closed:Monday

Travel Skills: None

You Need to Bring: Can be cold

You can continue past the park to the Peguche Waterfall or the sacred tree "el Lechero".

Contact Information:
Phone: 06-2924429
E-mail: condor(at)remove-this.accessinter.net
URL: www.parquecondor.com

By Laura Granfortuna

I've always had the travel bug - maybe it's because I've been traveling around with my family since I was an infant, but mainly I think it's because...

Created: 06 Sep 2005

Updated: 23 May 2008

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Reviews

Traveler Reviews of Parque Cóndor Otavalo

Great Condors

The birds were great. I wish I could of spent more time there, but it was raining and cold.

Traveler from Texas on Aug 01, 2008

don't miss them

You have 2 exibitions a day: one at 11.30 and the other at 16.30. If you miss them, you miss a lot.

francesco from italy on Mar 26, 2008

A Must See in Imbabura

This park was incredible. The park it self is high on a hill (mountain) overlooking Lake San Pablo on one side and Otavalo on the other. It is full of different raptor birds from both North and South America. The park is laid out in a easy walking fashion. They just recently finish with a section just for owls, and they have quite a few different species. The best part of the park is the bird show that they put on. The show is put on in their open air park at the edge of the park that overlooks the valley and Mt. Imbabura beyond. They bring out a number of species of bird that are trained and let them fly and catch food as it is thrown in the air. All and all it is well worth going too. The park director, Joep Hendriks, has done a fantastic job. Head on up and see him. The park is open every day except for Monday.

Traveler from Greenville, SC on May 25, 2006

good cause!

The idea to save these birds is very good!

Wendy van Driel on Sep 06, 2005