BIRDS & MAMMALS OF THE ANDES
Following the tracks of the spectacled bear

The Andean Bear (Tremarctos ornatus) is one of the most iconic and elusive mammals in South America. It inhabits Ecuador’s cloud forests and páramo grasslands, where encountering one in the wild is a true privilege for any nature enthusiast.

Thanks to scientific advances in recent years, the Andean Bear Corridor northwest of Quito has been established, and the species has been officially recognized as the city’s emblematic mammal. This designation has strengthened conservation initiatives and opened new opportunities for responsible ecotourism.

The areas surrounding the Metropolitan District of Quito offer several chances to observe bears in their natural habitat along with other remarkable Andean species. The likelihood of close encounters continues to improve, particularly in the páramo and in strategically located reserves.

Although the species is also present in the cloud forest, the dense vegetation of this ecosystem makes sightings more challenging. In these environments, bear observation often depends on the temporary availability of specific fruits within limited areas; these events occur only for a few weeks at a time and follow no consistent seasonal pattern. Another possibility is visiting monitored sites through guided walks where camera traps are in place. These experiences can be rewarding, although they generally require more physical effort and longer exploration times.

In the páramos northeast of Quito lie some of the best opportunities to observe the Andean Bear and other emblematic species of high Andean wildlife. In just a few days, it is possible to significantly increase the chances of close encounters, often at ideal distances for enjoying superb views and capturing exceptional photographs. This experience takes place in areas surrounding two major national parks, where natural feeding zones are visited by bears throughout the year. The Andean páramo is a key ecosystem for their survival, thanks to its abundance of food resources. Plants of the Puya genus, for example, form an essential part of their predominantly herbivorous diet.

The landscape, characterized by extensive grasslands, shrubs, and stunted trees, provides an excellent environment both for wildlife and for respectful observation. The region also offers a network of roads and trails of varying difficulty that allows broad terrain coverage in a short period, maximizing the chances of wildlife sightings. In addition to bears, it is possible to encounter other Andean mammals such as the Andean fox, white-tailed deer, and, with some luck, the elusive mountain tapir, one of the most challenging species to observe on the continent.

A visit to the cloud forest is the perfect complement to this journey, offering the chance to encounter unique species such as the recently described olinguito at Bellavista Reserve, as well as kinkajous, tayras, and other fascinating mammals. The highland páramos and humid montane forests you will explore during the tour are vital ecosystems that harbor exceptional biodiversity and play a crucial role in regional conservation. Protecting these fragile habitats is essential to ensuring the survival of the species that depend on them.