On our most recent visit to Ecuador, Scott and I had the privilege of staying three nights at Tambo Cóndor as guests of Vladimir Ushinña and his family. During our stay, we spent hours talking with Vladimir, who spoke with such passion and eloquence about his vision for an Interpretive Center. His dream of creating a space dedicated to the Andean Condor and the Spectacled Bear is not only about showcasing these incredible species—it’s about inspiring visitors to take action to protect this endangered habitat. Read on to learn more about our experience and why your support could make a difference.
Making An Impact on Conservation in the Ecuadorian Andes
Standing at Tambo Condor, the view takes my breath away. Farm fields fall towards the narrow Laguna Seca, reflecting the bright blue sky on its narrow surface. Just beyond, an ancient lava flow gives testament to the nearby Antisana Volcano. Further out, mountains lead to distant clouds and the multiple peaks of the Pichincha Volcano that guard a peek-a-boo view of Quito, Ecuador’s second-largest city. At night, this tiny corner of the sky glows with the lights of almost 1.8 million residents, most unaware of this sliver of land only an hour or so from their homes.
Over a decade ago, Vladimir Ushiña decided to begin reforesting this small plot despite being called crazy. Even his family and closest friends didn’t understand why he insisted on planting trees. For generations, residents have kept native plants at bay. It’s a tradition rooted in colonial farming practices. No trees means space for highland pastures, grazing cattle, and crops like potatoes. The practice also echoes the days of Huasipungo, when hacienda owners exchanged small plots of land for labor from Indigenous workers, a system Vladimir’s grandparents experienced firsthand. Clearing the property was a sign that the land had an owner. A clean plot was a sign of pride.
Even today, most neighbors prefer fields to scrub or forest. Many are unsure about the changes taking place at Tambo Condor. But tourists aren’t. Visitors come from far and wide to walk the trails, enjoy the hummingbirds, wonder at the high soaring Andean condors that nest on the cliffside, and hope for a glimpse of a spectactled bear.
Vladimir’s Plans Include More Than Trees
Vladimir realizes that his neighbors are not the only people who need to learn more about the importance of protecting Andean habitat. Most weekends, he sees visitors from Quito in Tambo Condor’s restaurant as they are heading out to or returning from Antisana National Park. And while they have a wonderful experience, the park has very little interpretive material for visitors. Ecuadorians are left wondering why these seemingly sparse paramos shouldn’t be used for raising cattle, supporting herds of feral horses, or growing potatoes. To some, these sparse habitats look like wastelands waiting to be rehabilitated by farmers and ranchers.
Therefore, Vladimir and his wife, Veronica Amoguimba, hope to raise funds to build an Interpretive Center and develop a stunning new hiking trail at Tambo Condor, an easy stop along the road to the national park. They want to include information about the Andean Condor and the Spectacled Bear, highly evocative umbrella species that will call attention to the endangered habitats they need to survive.
Vladimir speaks so passionately about this project that he already has partners including ourselves and the Fundación Sembrando Esperanza, an experienced non-profit in Ecuador with a 501(c)(3) in the United States: Reforest Ecuador. Together we are raising funds to build this interpretive center and “Protect the Guardians of the Andes.”
The Vision: An Interpretive Center and New Hiking Trail
The planned Interpretive Center at Tambo Cóndor will be more than a building; it will be a welcoming place where visitors can connect deeply with the Andean environment. The center will highlight the importance of protecting Ecuador’s páramo ecosystem. Guests will learn about the Andean condor, Spectacled Bear, and their essential connection to the páramo.
Most importantly, the exhibits will encourage the youngest visitors to engage, learn, and take action. We know that children are often the best teachers. When kids talk to their parents about what excites them, their parents are far more likely to take action.
Best of all, entrance to the center will be free, ensuring that many more people, especially families with children, will visit this incredible space.
Why Tambo Condor?
Daily, people visiting the nearby Antisana National Park pass directly in front of Tambo Condor. Their location is ideal for adding a visitor’s center that lies directly on the road, inviting people to stop and learn. This is a unique opportunity to educate thousands of people—Ecuadorians and international travelers alike—about the importance of conservation.
Additionally, Tambo Condor is a living example of conservation. They have actively participated in reforestation, attract native birds to their feeders, and have impressive views of the condor nesting site.
The property is perfectly situated for an interpretive hiking trail, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the outdoors and experience firsthand the lessons learned at the center. This trail will link Tambo Cóndor to the native forest of Cerro Yeguapamba above and the tranquil Laguna Seca below. Along the way, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views—from the majestic Antisana Volcano on clear days to the dramatic cliffside below, where Andean condors soar almost daily. Highlighting the interconnectedness of Andean habitats, the trail will provide a unique opportunity to connect deeply with the land and its incredible biodiversity.
Why This Interpretive Center Matters
In regions where hacienda culture has shaped generations, shifting perspectives can be difficult without access to good information. That’s why we believe the Interpretive Center at Tambo Cóndor is uniquely positioned to inspire change—fostering solutions that honor Indigenous culture, acknowledge historical relationships, celebrate the hard work of farmers and ranchers, and protect the pristine habitat that remains.
This Interpretive Center has the opportunity to change lives. Similar projects are far and few between in this smallest of Andean Nations. Rarely have we visited a natural area in South America that invites visitors to know its heritage and its history in order to understand its future. We see great hope in building a small space to foster big dreams.
How You Can Help
If this campaign resonates with you, there are many ways to get involved:
- Make a Donation: Your contribution will help bring the Interpretive Center and hiking trail to life.
- Spread the Word: Share this campaign with friends, family, and on social media.
- Visit Tambo Cóndor: Experience the magic of this region firsthand and see the impact of your support.
Together, we can protect the Guardians of the Andes. Let’s create a space where people and nature can thrive side by side. Join me in supporting this important campaign. Every donation makes a difference.
While Not Your Average American, LLC is a paid consultant on this campaign, we only work with projects that resonate with our brand and deserve your attention. We offer consulting services at a reduced rate for our non-profit partners in Ecuador and hope that our skills in storytelling and strategic fundraising make all the difference. When we have offered volunteer services in the past, they have resulted in lackluster campaigns. If you have any questions about this relationship, please reach out. Transparency is a key component of our business.
