NATIONAL PROTECTED
AREAS
Ecuador has the biggest biodiversity
per area in the world. We are proud to have 10 National Parks, 8
Ecological Reserves, 2 Biological Reserves, and various geo-botanical
and fauna reserves. According to the last studies Ecuador holds:
1640 species of birds, 4500 species of butterflies, around 600 species
of reptiles and amphibians, 280 species of mammals and more than
5000 species of fresh water and sea fish.
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GALAPAGOS : Do not miss the opportunity to snorkel with sea lions, penguins,
a variety of colorful fish and even inoffensive sharks. These
unique islands produced by volcanic eruptions have nowadays
an endemic life of flora and fauna.
YASUNI : On a remote part of the Ecuadorian orient where
there is no human life (except the small indigenous community
of Huaorani), you will find more than 600 kinds of birds.
CUYABENO: With the Cuyabeno and Aguarico river trip,
you will be taken to the complex system of lagoons, swamps and
flooded areas inhabited by Siona Indian Community. Abundant
aquatic vegetation. This region should be visited with a guide. |
COTACACHI-CAYAPAS: Volcanic lakes and streams to fear with rapids and waterfalls.
The cayapa Indians live here. Walk with a guide can last eight
days, from the top to the low areas. Also there is a meseta
where you can watch the Cotopaxi at one side and the marine
horizon in the other side at the same time (of course, on a
cloudless day). The birds are so friendly that if you stay quiet,
they will perch on you.
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LlANGANATES : Exotic and almost
inaccessible landscapes of Ecuador. Adventures have been attracted
to this area in search of the gold of Atahualpa (the last Inca King),
which according to the legend is hidden here.
SUMACO : Rich in animal species. Native Indian Quichua communities
and archeological sites are found close to this National Park.
PODOCARPUS : This park has two zones: Jungle and highland.
Great diversity of vegetation and bird species. You will find the
most exotic orchids. This is the ideal place of botanical, ecological
and zoological investigations. Also if you enjoy long walk, listening
to the sounds of birds along your trail walks, running rivers, waterfalls
and camping, this is a place you shouldn't miss.
ILLINIZA : Within its 149,900 hectares are the Iliniza Twin
Peaks (5,250 meters or 17,000 feet), Laguna Quilotoa, and Cloud
Forest (humid Andean forest). The western cordillera is the last
mountain range before the Andes unfold, dropping 10,000 feet to
the Pacific lowlands. This high altitude jungle is a unique eco-system
and home to diverse flora and fauna although there is still no education
program, no publicity, no signs and no controls. Many people who
own property or live in this area don't even know that it is a reserve.
There are large tracts of old growth, but deforestation here in
Ecuador, as well as globally, stretches further and further. We
hope that with some outside help this Cloud Forest can be preserved
for future generations.
SANGAY: For adventure tours and only for experts because
is uneasy to get. Maybe you can get close enough to take some photos
of the permanent eruption of the volcano Sangay. This National Park
has eight different climatic regions and has species in extinction
like El condor. Two other volcanoes are located in the area: Altar
and Tungurahua.
COTOPAXI : Main attraction the volcano Cotopaxi. Extraordinary
geological conditions and various animals and vegetation. Prehispanic
Pucara Ruins and a Inca Palace of the XVth century turned to a Monastery.
At this site you will enjoy a beautiful view of the volcanoes.
CAJAS : More than 200 hundred lagoons of glacier origin,
important bird species and archeological Inca sites.
MACHALILLA : Tropical dry forest. The coast only has this
National park, which includes beautiful beaches, De la Plata Island
(tiny Galapagos with blue footed boobies, frigate birds - budget
alternative to Galapagos), whales from June to September and Archeological
sites.
MANGLARES DE CHURUTE : Mangroves where are five dependent
ecosystems: the mangroves, estuary, tropical dry forest, tropical
humid forest and the lake. You will see aquatic birds, monkeys,
dolphins and lots of other wildlife.
EL ANGEL : The newest tourist stop. This paramo owns the
biggest Frailejones forest. Frailejones (family of the marguerites).
Few condors. Best time to visit from May to August.
MAQUIPUCUNA : Tremendous diversity of flora and fauna, including
over 325 species of birds.
MINDO : Spectacular flora (orchids and bromeliads) and fauna
(birds, butterflies) . Cloud forest and waterfalls. A paradise for
bird watchers. Declared by Birdlife International as one of the
best places in the world for bird watching.
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