Antisana Ecological reserve is located about 100km away from Quito hidden in the mystical Andes Mountains.  One of the best ways to explore the vastness of this reserve is by bicycle.  The reserve was created in July 1993, covers an area of 120,000 hectares and has a range of altitude of 1200 meters in the upper Amazon and goes all the way up to 5758 meters above sea level to the Peak of Antisana Volcano. Antisana means Dark Mountain in Quichua and you can certainly see why with the volcano often covered in clouds, but if you are lucky enough to see the glacia capped peak it makes the perfect photo oportunity. Wild horses, dear, specticle bears and Alpacas are just some of the animals that call the reserve their home not to mention the Condors, Cara caras and many other birds.