Protected areas
Pacific Coast
• Cayapas-Mataje Reserve
• Reserve Mache-Chindul
• Machalilla National Park
• Manglares Churete Reserve
Andes Highlands
• El Ángel Reserve
• Cotacachi-Cayapas Reserve
• Cayambe Coca Reserve
• Antisana Reserve
• Sumaco-Napo-Galeras National Park
• Pululahua Reserve
• Pasochoa Refuge
• Cotopaxi National Park, El Boliche
• Ilinizas National Park
• Llanganates National Park
• Sangay National Park
• Chimborazo Forest Reserve
• Cajas National Park
• Podocarpus National Park
• Puyango Petrified Forest
Amazon Rain Forest
• Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
• Limoncocha Biological Reserve
• Yasuní National Park
Galápagos Islands
• Galápagos National Park
• Galápagos Marine Reserve
INSULAR REGION
Galapagos Park and Marine Reserve
Location: Province of Galapagos, 1000 km off the continent. (612 miles). Area: 693.700 hectares; , 1'714.170 acres.
Altitude: 0 - 707 meters; 0 -5.600 feet
A group of spectacular, volcanic islands with outstanding wildlife. This is the world's most impressive National Park.
Main Attractions:
- Giant tortoises, marine & land iguanas, lizards, Darwin's finches, blue & red-footed boobies, albatrosses, cormorants, frigate birds, penguins, flamingos, sea lions, dolphins and whales.
- There are seven different vegetation zones, differences are notable among the various islands. Typically dry tropical forest, with numerous endemic species: mangroves, cacti and shrubs.
THE PACIFIC COAST
Machalilla National Park
Location: Province of Manabí
Area: 55.095 hectares 136.143 acres.
Altitude: 0 - 1.850 meters; 0 - 6.070 feet
Machalilla has important archaeological sites from ancient cultures along the shoreline of the Pacific Coast: on La Plata, the Ahorcado and Salango Islands. Visitors can also find small anthropological museums on Salango and Agua Blanca. The landscape is composed of beaches and sea steppes, bays and coastal forest. This National Park is also known as the continental Galapagos because the species found here are similar to those in Galapagos.
Main Attractions:
- Hump back whales seasonal visits: July to September
- Sea Birds: Blue footed boobies, Waved Albatrosses, Great Frigate Birds
- Extensive tropical dry forests with large coastal Kapok trees
Manglares Churute Reserve
Location: Province of Guayas
Area: 49.984 hectares; 123.513 acres.
Altitude: 600 - 900 meters; 1.969 - 2.953 feet
Main Attractions:
- Mangroves
- Birds in large colonies
Canoe trips through mangroves can be arranged for observing bird life, invertebrates and various forms of life typical of this ecosystem.
Fauna: Aquatic birds (specially the "canción" horned screamer). Tortoises, ducks, anteater, badgers, and invertebrates such as shrimp, crabs and mollusks.
Flora: Mangroves, laurel, balsa, silk cotton, oak, guayacan, ebony, orchidsand bromelias.
Cayapas-Mataje
In the province of Esmeraldas, is noteworthy for its exuberant vegetation. The Majagual Forest is the Reserve's principle attraction and is home to the tallest mangroves in the world, some of which reach over 60 meters in height. It has five trails that can hiked with ease. Giant crabs, parrots, and herons, among other species, all dwell in the area. The climate is humid and tropical. Another zone in the same provincial area is the Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve, which shares its territories with the province of Imbabura. At over 204,420 hectares in size, the Reserve's coastal Pacific region enjoys a tropical climate. Some of its attractions include the beaches of El Salto de Bravo, very close to the junction of the Lachas and Santiago Rivers. The vegetation includes various species of ferns, trees, lianas, and herbs.
Mache-Chindul
Mache-Chindul, another reserve located between Esmeraldas and Manabi, has a variety of microclimates within its borders. In some sectors there is constant moderate rainfall. This territory constitutes one of the last remnants of humid tropical forest in western Ecuador. The most frequently spotted animal species here are monkeys, guantas, and pumas. There are also various types of birds present in this area.
HIGHLANDS
Cotopaxi National Park
Location: Provinces of Cotopaxi, Napo and Pichincha
Area: 33.393 hectares 82.516 acres.
Altitude: 3.400 - 5.897 meters; 11.155 - 19.347 feet
The Cotopaxi volcano is the highest, permanently snowcapped, active volcano in the world. This majestic colossus offers nearby lakes and streams and a spectacular landscape.
Main Attractions:
- Andean Condor
- Possibility of visiting archaeological sites
- Lakes, streams, hiking paths and camping areas
Sangay National Park
Location: Provinces of Tungurahua, Chimborazo, Morona Santiago
Area: 271.925 hectares; 671.941 acres.
Altitude: 900 - 5.230 meters; 2.953 - 17.159 feet
Sangay is an active volcano located in the Amazon headwaters. Large areas are the product of recent eruptions, pioneer plants can be observed. Altar and Tungurahua volcanoes are found in the vicinity. Mountain climbing is practiced on both.
Main Attractions:
- A location that combines the Andes with the Amazon Rain forest scenery
- Amazon Tropical Rain forest
- Waterfalls, basic accommodations and camping sites.
Cajas National Recreational Area
Location: Province of Azuay
Area: 28.808 hectares; 71.186 acres.
Altitude: 300 - 3.500 meters; 984 - 11.483 feet
230 glacier lakes dot the area. Geological formations and caves complement the landscape.
Main Attractions:
- Mountain toucan, Andean condor
- Large Polylepis Forest
Podocarpus National Park
Location: Provinces of Loja and Zamora Chinchipe
Area: 146.280 hectares; 361.466 acres.
Altitude: 1.000 - 3.600 meters; 3.281 - 11.811 feet
More than 100 lakes were left here by ancient glaciers; there are also many crystal clear streams and waterfalls. Walks lasting several days can be made within the park. Beautiful landscapes.
Main Attractions:
- Home to many endemic species like the Jocotoco Antpitta
- Protects unique South American Conifers
Cotacachi - Cayapas Reserve
Location: Provinces of Imbabura and Esmeraldas
Area: 204.420; 505.133 acres.
Altitude: 300 - 4.939 meters; 984 - 16.204
Varied landscape ranges from volcanic lakes and streams to rivers with rapids and waterfalls. Home to the Cayapas Indians.
Main Attractions:
- Walking paths present the opportunity to observe Orchids and Andean birds.
Cayambe - Coca Ecological Reserve
Location: Provinces of Pichincha, Imbabura, Napo and Sucumbios
Area: 403.103 hectares, 996.089 acres
Altitude: 600 - 5.790 meters; 1.969 - 18.996 feet
The area is dominated by the snowcapped Cayambe volcano, with 18.996 feet, it's one of the highest volcanoes in Ecuador. Great for mountain climbers. Source of the Coca river where Francisco de Orellana ventured to finally discover the Amazon.
Main Attractions:
- This is an important Andean Condor Bioreserve
- Carunculated Caracaras, Hawks
- The dominant type of vegetation is the Paramo
- San Marcos Lake offers a beautiful camping spot.
Pululagua Natural Monument
Location: Province of Pichincha
Area: 3.383 hectares; 8.360 acres
Altitude: 1.800 / 3.356 meters; 5.906 / 11.010 feet
Impressive view of the crater from the "Ventanilla" view point. Access to the crater and nearby mountains. Geological formations and thermal springs.
Main Attractions:
- Inhabited crater
- Andean vegetation: Paramo
- Near Quito and the Equatorial Monument
El Boliche National Area
Location: Province of Cotopaxi
Area: 1.077 hectares: 2.661 acres.
Altitude: 3.000 - 3.600 meters; 9.843 - 11.811 feet
Rolling hills and valleys, streams and sites where one can rest. This recreational area was created to reintroduce the white tailed deer.
Main Attractions:
- Camping areas and lodging facilities, hiking paths and administrative center.
Chimborazo Reserve
Location: Provinces of Chimborazo, Tungurahua y Bolívar
Area: 58.560 hectares; 144.705 acres
Altitude: 3.800 - 6.310 meters; 12.467 - 20.702 feet
Chimborazo, a snowcapped volcano, is Ecuador's highest mountain: 20.702 feet. Great for mountain climbers.
Main Attractions:
- Basic infrastructure. Two shelters where one can stay overnight.
- Andean Condor, Andean Fox, Llamas, Chimborazo Hillstar Hummingbird
AMAZON
Sangay National Park
Location: Provinces of Tungurahua, Chimborazo, Morona Santiago
Area: 271.925 hectares; 671.941 acres.
Altitude: 900 - 5.230 meters; 2.953 - 17.159 feet
Sangay is an active volcano located in the Amazon headwaters. Large areas are the product of recent eruptions, pioneer plants can be observed. Altar and Tungurahua volcanoes are found in the vicinity. Mountain climbing is practiced on both.
Main Attractions:
- A location that combines the Andes with the Amazon Rain forest scenery
- Amazon Tropical Rain forest
- Waterfalls, basic accommodations and camping sites
Podocarpus National Park
Location: Provinces of Loja and Zamora Chinchipe
Area: 146.280 hectares; 361.466 acres.
Altitude: 1.000 - 3.600 meters; 3.281 - 11.811 feet
More than 100 lakes were left here by ancient glaciers; there are also many crystal clear streams and waterfalls. Walks lasting several days can be made within the park. Beautiful landscapes.
Main Attractions:
- Home to many endemic species like the Jocotoco Antpitta
- Protects unique South American Conifers
Yasuni National Park
Location: Province of Orellana
Area: 668.000 hectares; 1.650.664 acres.
Altitude: 300 - 600 meters; 984 - 1.969 feet
This is the largest and most diverse Amazonian reserve in Ecuador. It was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. Home of Indian tribes like the ancient Huaorani and Quichua cultures. Lagoons and navigable streams.
Main Attractions:
- Easy access parrot and mammal clay licks
- Black caiman, giant river otters, manatee, harpy eagle, all large macaw species like scarlet macaws and red and green macaws, spider monkeys, monk soki monkeys, golden mantled tamerin
Cayambe - Coca Ecological Reserve
Location: Provinces of Pichincha, Imbabura, Napo and Sucumbios
Area: 403.103 hectares, 996.089 acres
Altitude: 600 - 5.790 meters; 1.969 - 18.996 feet
The area is dominated by the snowcapped Cayambe volcano, with 18.996 feet, it's one of the highest volcanoes in Ecuador. Great for mountain climbers. Source of the Coca river where Francisco de Orellana ventured to finally discover the Amazon.
Main Attractions:
- This is an important Andean Condor Bioreserve
- Carunculated Caracaras, Hawks
- The dominant type of vegetation is the Paramo
- San Marcos Lake offers a beautiful camping spot
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
Location: Provinces of Sucumbios y Orellana
Area: 655.781 hectares, 1.620.470 acres
Altitude: 200 - 280 meters; 656 - 919 feet
The Cuyabeno and Aguarico trips are spectacular. The visitor is exposed to a complex system of lagoons, swamps and flooded areas inhabited by the Siona Indian Community. (Only guided tours).
Main Attractions:
- Trumpeters, macaws, herons, harpy eagles, ospreys, jaguars, ocelot, monkeys, snakes, caiman and a variety of insects and fish.
- The largest flooded system in the Ecuadorian Amazon
Limoncocha Biological Reserve
Location: Province of Sucumbios
Area: 4.613 hectares; 11.399 acres
Altitude: 0 - 230 meters; 0 - 755 feet
The singularly beautiful lagoon landscape was formed by the ancient course of the Napo River. A Quichua community lives here.
Main Attractions:
- 347 bird species, which include: tinamous, herons, ducks, falcons, hawks, guans, parakeets, parrots, macaws, owls and orioles.
- Caymans, tortoises, a variety of fish, insects, marsupials, bats, monkeys and agoutis.
- Swampy flooded forest
Sumaco Napo Galeras National Park
Location: Provinces of Napo and Orellana
Area: 205.249 hectares; 507.181 acres
Altitude: 300 - 3.899 meters; 984 - 12.792 feet
The Napo-Galeras mountain range has various rivers and springs running through deep valleys. Native Indian Quichua communities and archaeological sites of the Cosanga culture are found close to this National Park. The Sumaco volcano (12.792 feet), surrounded by lowland forest, stands isolated from the rest of the Andes.
Main Attractions
- Wide diversity of ecosystems, ranging from high mountains to cloud and lowland forests
- Rich in animal species from the humid tropical forest and cloud forest: spectacled bear, several bats, marsupials, armadillos, eagles, guams, cock of the rock, and many species of reptiles and amphibians.
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