Ecuador National Parks and Protected Areas

Ecuador National Parks and Protected areas

Pacific Coast

• Cayapas-Mataje Ecological Reserve
• Mache-Chindul Ecological Reserve
• Machalilla National Park
• Manglares Churete Ecological Reserve

Highlands

• El Ángel Ecological Reserve
• Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological  Reserve
• Cayambe Coca Ecological Reserve
• Antisana Ecological Reserve
• Sumaco-Napo-Galeras National Park
• Pululahua  Geo botanical Reserve
• Pasochoa Wildlife Refuge
• Cotopaxi National Park and El Boliche Recreation Area
• Ilinizas National Park
• Llanganates National Park
• Sangay National Park
• Chimborazo Fauna Production Reserve
• El 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 (Land)
• Galápagos Marine Reserve

INDIVIDUALIZED GENERAL DESCRIPTIONS:

THE PACIFIC COAST

MACHALILLA NATIONAL PARK
Location: Province of Manabí, central coast
Area:  55.095 hectares 136.143 acres.
Altitude:  0 - 1.850 meters; 0 - 6.070 feet
Machalilla has archaeological sites along the shoreline of the Pacific Coast, inland on the coastal lowlands and on La Plata, El 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 some of the species found here are similar to those in Galapagos.

Main Wildlife Attractions:

Hump back whales seasonal visits from July  to September; Sea Birds: Blue footed boobies, Waved Albatrosses, Great Frigate Birds and extensive tropical dry forests with large coastal Kapok trees

MANGLARES CHURUTE RESERVE
Location: Province of Guayas, southern coast
Area:  49.984 hectares; 123.513 acres.
Altitude: 600 - 900 meters; 1.969 - 2.953 feet

Main Attractions and Activities:

Mangroves and 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 "canclón" or horned screamer). Tortoises, ducks, anteater, badgers, and invertebrates such as shrimp, crabs and mollusks. Flora: Mangroves, laurel, balsa, silk cotton, oak, guayacan, ebony, orchidsand bromeliads.

CAYAPAS-MATAJE RESERVE
Location:  Province of Esmeraldas, northern coast
Main attractions:

The province of Esmeraldas is noteworthy for its exuberant vegetation. The Majagual Forest is the Reserve's main 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.

MACHE-CHINDUL RESERVE
Location:  Between the provinces of Esmeraldas and Manabí, north-central coast

Main Attractions:

Mache-Chindul is a reserve located between the northern province of Esmeraldas and the northern extreme of Manabi. It 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, north-central highlands and some Amazonia territory
Area:  33.393 hectares 82.516 acres.
Altitude: 3.400 - 5.897 meters; 11.155 - 19.347 feet

Main Attractions:

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.  The wildlife attractions include numerous species of birds, including the mighty Andean Condor; deer, puma and extensive forests of pine trees and some indigenous plants. There are lakes, streams, hiking paths, several options for horse back riding, mountain biking, canopying. There are also archaeological sites; camping areas and magnificent colonial haciendas converted into Hosterías or country inns.

SANGAY NATIONAL PARK
Location: Provinces of Tungurahua, Chimborazo, Morona Santiago; central highlands and part of the Amazon territory.
Area: 271.925 hectares; 671.941 acres.
Altitude: 900 - 5.230 meters; 2.953 - 17.159 feet

Main Attractions:

Sangay is an active volcano with a superb cone shape eternally covered with snow and glaciers, 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.  A unique location that combines the Andes with the tropical Amazon Rain forest scenery.
There are Waterfalls, hiking and nature observing outings, fabulous fauna and flora. Basic accommodations and camping sites are available.

EL CAJAS NATIONAL RECREATIONAL AREA
Location:  Province of Azuay, southern highlands.
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:

Some 230 glacier lakes dot the area.  Amazing geological formations and caves complement the landscape. Wildlife includes mountain toucans, Andean condor, unique high mountain plants and a large native Polylepis Forest.  Camping and trout fishing available.

PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK
Location: Provinces of Loja and Zamora Chinchipe, extreme southern highlands and Amazon territory.
Area: 146.280 hectares; 361.466 acres.
Altitude: 1.000 - 3.600 meters; 3.281 - 11.811 feet

Main Attractions:

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. Home to many endemic species like the Jocotoco and Antpitta birds.  The symbol plant is an endemic tree that gives the name to the Park, the “podocarpus” or “romerillo”. The Park protects other unique South American conifers.

COTACACHI - CAYAPAS RESERVE
Location: Provinces of Imbabura and Esmeraldas; northern highlands and northern coast.
Area: 204.420; 505.133 acres.
Altitude: 300 - 4.939 meters; 984 - 16.204

Main attractions:

Varied landscapes range from volcanic lakes and streams to rivers with rapids and waterfalls.  Home to the Cayapas Indians. Walking paths provide the opportunity to observe Orchids and  birds.

CAYAMBE - COCA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
Location: Provinces of Pichincha, Imbabura, Napo and Sucumbios, north and north central highlands and some north central Amazon territory.
Area:  403.103 hectares, 996.089 acres
Altitude: 600 - 5.790 meters; 1.969 - 18.996 feet

Main attractions:

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.
This is an important Andean Condor Bio reserve where you may also observe
Carunculated Caracaras and Hawks. The dominant type of vegetation is the Paramo or highland moorlands.  San Marcos Lake offers a beautiful camping spot.

PULULAHUA GEO BOTANICAL RESERVE
Location: Province of Pichincha, north central highlands.
Area: 3.383 hectares; 8.360 acres
Altitude: 1.800 / 3.356 meters; 5.906 / 11.010 feet

Main Attractions:

Impressive view of the crater from the "Ventanilla" view point. Access to the crater and nearby mountains. Geological formations and thermal springs. Known as the only inhabited crater in the world.  Predominant vegetation: paramo or highland moorlands. Located very close to Quito and almost next to the Equatorial monument.

EL BOLICHE RECREATION AREA
Location: Province of Cotopaxi, central highlands.
Area:  1.077 hectares: 2.661 acres.
Altitude: 3.000 - 3.600 meters; 9.843 - 11.811 feet

Main Attractions:

Rolling hills and valleys, streams and sites where one can rest.  This recreational area was created to reintroduce the white tailed deer. Right next to Cotopaxi National Park.
Offers Camping areas and some lodging facilities, hiking paths and an Interpretation Center.

CHIMBORAZO FAUNA PRODUCTION RESERVE
Location: Provinces of Chimborazo, Tungurahua and Bolívar; central highlands.
Area: 58.560 hectares; 144.705 acres
Altitude: 3.800 - 6.310 meters; 12.467 - 20.702 feet 

Main Attractions:

Chimborazo, a spectacular snowcapped volcano, is Ecuador's highest mountain: 20.702 feet. Great for mountain climbers. A refuge for the reintroduction and preservation of Andean camelids like the llamas and vicunas.  Other wildlife includes Andean Condor; the brilliant Hillstar Hummingbird; Andean Fox; Deer and unique high mountain plants. One comfortable and two more basic shelters available for overnight stays.

AMAZON REGION

SANGAY NATIONAL PARK
Shares its territory with parts of the central highlands.
Location: Provinces of Tungurahua, Chimborazo, Morona Santiago; central highlands and part of the Amazon territory.
Area: 271.925 hectares; 671.941 acres.
Altitude: 900 - 5.230 meters; 2.953 - 17.159 feet

Main Attractions:

Sangay is an active volcano with a superb cone shape eternally covered with snow and glaciers, 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.  A unique location that combines the Andes with the tropical Amazon Rain forest scenery.
There are Waterfalls, hiking and nature observing outings, fabulous fauna and flora. Basic accommodations and camping sites are available.

PODOCARPUS NATIONAL PARK
Shares its territory with parts of the southern highlands.
Location: Provinces of Loja and Zamora Chinchipe, extreme southern highlands and Amazon territory.
Area: 146.280 hectares; 361.466 acres.
Altitude: 1.000 - 3.600 meters; 3.281 - 11.811 feet

Main Attractions:

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. Home to many endemic species like the Jocotoco and Antpitta birds.  The symbol plant is an endemic tree that gives the name to the Park, the “podocarpus” or “romerillo”. The Park protects other unique South American conifers.

YASUNI NATIONAL PARK
Location: Province of Orellana, central Amazon region.
Area: 668.000 hectares; 1.650.664 acres.
Altitude: 300 - 600 meters; 984 - 1.969 feet

Main Attractions:

 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 Kichwa cultures.   Lagoons and navigable streams. Great for nature exploration, hikes, bird watching and boat rides. 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 and much more.

CAYAMBE - COCA ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
Shares its territory with parts of the north, north central highlands.
Location: Provinces of Pichincha, Imbabura, Napo and Sucumbios, north and north central highlands and some north central Amazon territory.
Area:  403.103 hectares, 996.089 acres
Altitude: 600 - 5.790 meters; 1.969 - 18.996 feet

Main attractions:

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.
This is an important Andean Condor Bio reserve where you may also observe
Carunculated Caracaras and Hawks. The dominant type of vegetation is the Paramo or highland moorlands.  San Marcos Lake offers a beautiful camping spot.

CUYABENO  WILDLIFE  RESERVE
Location: Provinces of Sucumbios and Orellana, north, north central Amazonia
Area: 655.781 hectares, 1.620.470 acres
Altitude: 200 - 280 meters; 656 - 919 feet

Main Attractions:

The Cuyabeno and Aguarico rivers are spectacular.  The visitor is exposed to a complex system of lagoons, swamps and flooded areas inhabited by the Siona and Cofán Indian Communities, (Only guided tours). It is the largest flooded system on the Ecuadorean Amazon. Wildlife highlights include trumpeter birds, macaws, herons, harpy eagles, ospreys; jaguars, ocelot, monkeys, snakes, caiman and a variety of insects and fish.

LIMONCOCHA BIOLOGICAL RESERVE
Location: Province of Sucumbios, north central Amazonia.
Area: 4.613 hectares; 11.399 acres
Altitude: 0 - 230 meters; 0 - 755 feet

Main Attractions:

The singularly beautiful lagoon landscape was formed by the ancient course of the Napo River.  It is mainly a swampy flooded forest. A Kichwa community lives here. Wildlife highlights feature 347 bird species, which include: tinamous, herons, ducks, falcons, hawks, guans, parakeets, parrots, macaws, owls and orioles. Also to be found: black caymans, tortoises, a variety of fish, insects, marsupials, bats, monkeys and agoutis.

SUMACO-NAPO GALERAS NATIONAL PARK
Location: Provinces of Napo and Orellana, central Amazonia.
Area: 205.249 hectares; 507.181 acres
Altitude: 300 - 3.899 meters; 984 - 12.792 feet

Main Attractions:

The Napo-Galeras mountain range has various rivers and springs running through deep valleys.  Native Indian Kichwa 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. There is a 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.

INSULAR REGION

GALAPAGOS NATIONAL PARK AND MARINE RESERVE
Location: Province of Galapagos, 1000 km (612 miles) off the coast of continental Ecuador to whom they belong.
Area: 693.700 hectares; ,   1'714.170 acres. (Terrestrial and Marine surface)
Altitude: 0 - 1707 meters; 0 -5.600 feet

Main Attractions:

Ecuador’s first National Park (1959) and the first UNESCO Natural Heritage Site (1979) is a group of spectacular, volcanic islands, surrounded by the world’s second largest Marine Reserve, both boasting unique, endemic and outstanding wildlife. It is considered the world's most impressive and awesome National Park and its Marine Reserve one of the planet’s Submarine Wonders, a divers heaven.

Some of the most fantastic wildlife features include centenary giant land tortoises; marine & land iguanas; lava lizards; evolution’s main icon birds, the famous Darwin's finches; blue & red-footed boobies; albatrosses, flightless cormorants; the only penguins right on the Equator; frigate birds,  flamingos, sea lions, dolphins and whales.  The marine life, in addition to the mighty whales and playful dolphins and sea lions includes friendly encounters with schools of hammerhead sharks, manta rays; spotted eagle and golden rays; sea turtles; thousands of species of the most varied, colorful and unique fish and marine invertebrates.

There are seven different vegetation zones, with notorious differences among the various islands. Typically dry tropical forest, with numerous endemic species like mangroves, cacti and shrubs prevail along the lowlands while humid cloud forests covered with ferns, bromeliads and other epiphytes together with endemic humid zone species like the famous Scalessias and Miconias are found in the wetter highlands of the bigger islands.