Podocarpus National Park is located in the provinces of Zamora Chinchipe and Loja in Ecuador. It covers an area of 1460 km2. Podocarpus has some of the greatest plant and animal diversity in the world such as mountain tapirs, spectacled bears, northern pudus, and jaguars. Among Podocarpus National Park’s main attractions are the Podorosa waterfall, Higuerones ... Read more
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is a protected area located in the Sucumbíos and Orellana provinces. It provides home and habitat for countless of plant, animal, and more than 515 species of birds.
Cayambe Coca National Park is a protected area of damp forests and high grass plains. It extends throughout the provinces of Imbabura, Pichincha, Napo, and Sucumbios. Located about 24 mi. (38 km.) West of Quito. The reserve protects several volcanoes such as Cayambe 18,996 ft. (5,790 m.), Sarahurco 11,433 ft. (3,485 m.), Puntas 14,517 ft. ... Read more
Ecuador has countless natural wonders protected in national parks and reserves. A national park is an area in use for conservation purposes. Ecuador has more than 30 protected areas. These are places for finding adventures. Some national parks are so large that they have several entrances. In fact, to go around, you need a four-wheel vehicle and plenty of time. This way, you will have a better experience in the reserve.
What’s your favorite park? Discover it here. Embark on a journey that allows you to come in contact with the nature.
El Arenal desert is a region of the Bolívar province in Ecuador. Located in the limit with the Chimborazo province, in the road Guaranda-Ambato. El Arenal is the dry western side of Chimborazo volcano. This area is the result of the Chimborazo volcano’s ancient eruptions. It offers a very beautiful and special landscape. From there, it is … Read more
Cayambe Coca National Park is a protected area of damp forests and high grass plains. It extends throughout the provinces of Imbabura, Pichincha, Napo, and Sucumbios. Located about 24 mi. (38 km.) West of Quito. The reserve protects several volcanoes such as Cayambe 18,996 ft. (5,790 m.), Sarahurco 11,433 ft. (3,485 m.), Puntas 14,517 ft. … Read more
Llanganates National Park is a protected area part of the Tungurahua and Napo in Ecuador. This park has stunning lakes, rivers, mountains, and cloud forests. Llanganates means “beautiful hill”. The Llanganates Mountains Range also part of the park holds the myth of a hidden treasure. Legend has it that in ancient times general Rumiñahui ordered … Read more
Cerro Blanco Forest is a tropical dry forest reserve in the Guayas province, Ecuador. It is located 20 minutes from the city of Guayaquil. Cerro Blanco supports more than 500 vascular plant species, one of the highlights is seeing the majestic ceibo trees up-close. Besides the ceibo, Cerro Blanco Forest is a birdwatcher’s paradise home … Read more
Machalilla National Park is one of the largest protected areas located in Manabi, Ecuador. The park has many islands and beautiful beaches to enjoy, from June to September, humpback whales arrive off the coast of the park to mate, especially near Puerto López.
Yacuri National Park is a protected area. Located southeast of Ecuador, on the border with Peru, between the provinces of Loja and Zamora Chinchipe. The park protects moorland, cloud forests, and dry scrub. The reserve has over 46 high-altitude lakes. Visitors usually take excursions to the Black Lagoon, the Yacurí Lagoon, the Ducks’ Lagoon, or … Read more
Antisana Ecological Reserve is a protected area. Located in Napo, Ecuador. About 62 mi (100 km) from Quito. The centerpiece of this nature reserve is the Antisana Volcano. Ecuador’s fourth largest mountain 18,870 feet tall (5,753 m). Antisana Ecological Reserve is home to a world of unique flora and fauna. In fact, birding is one … Read more
Santay Island (Isla Santay in Spanish) is a recreation area located between the cities of Guayaquil and Duran, in the Guayas river. Guayaquil and the Santay Island are connected through a pedestrian bridge of 840 meters (2,755ft). The bridge has an elevated part that permits the navigation of the vessels crossing the river. In addition, there … Read more
The Galápagos Marine Reserve surrounds the Galápagos Islands in the eastern Pacific Ocean, about 1,000 km (600 mi) off Ecuador’s coast. The Galápagos Marine Reserve covers 133,000 square kilometers (51,352 square miles). Indeed, it is one of the largest and most biologically diverse marine protected areas in the world. The reserve was created in 1998. The … Read more
Ingapirca Inca Ruins are the best-preserved ruins in Ecuador. Ingapirca means “Inka Pirka” in Quechua (Wall of the Inca). This archaeological discovery protects the memory of the Incas that once walked along the roads. They buried their dead in the cemetery and worshiped at the Temple of the Sun, also known as El Castillo (The Castle). … Read more
El Angel Ecological Reserve is a unique area in the Carchi province of Ecuador. In the border with Colombia. The closest city is Tulcan. About 3 hours from Quito. This reserve protects the ancient Polylepis forest — It is worth visiting — El Angel Ecological Reserve has an altitude between 10,499 to 13,780 ft. (3,200 to 4,200 m.) The … Read more
Podocarpus National Park is located in the provinces of Zamora Chinchipe and Loja in Ecuador. It covers an area of 1460 km2. Podocarpus has some of the greatest plant and animal diversity in the world such as mountain tapirs, spectacled bears, northern pudus, and jaguars. Among Podocarpus National Park’s main attractions are the Podorosa waterfall, Higuerones … Read more
Limoncocha Biological Reserve is located in the Sucumbios province, Ecuador. This is about 229 miles east from Quito. The reserve has an area of 11,399 acres (4,613 hectares). One of its most important natural beauties is the Limoncocha lagoon, although, the main attraction of the Limoncocha Biological Reserve is its wildlife. Some common species found are the … Read more
Cajas National Park is located about 30 km west from Cuenca. Due to the altitude – 3,156 to 4,450 meters above sea level – it is really chilly in the park. It is characterized by páramo flora and fauna plus features over 230 glacial lakes and lagoons.
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is a protected area located in the Sucumbíos and Orellana provinces. It provides home and habitat for countless of plant, animal, and more than 515 species of birds.
Yasuni National Park is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. It homes many species of mammals including pink river dolphins. As well as birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects.
Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve contains 752,235 acres (304418 hectares) of land. It extends from Imbabura – in the Ecuadorian Andes mountains to the western edge of the rainforest in the Esmeraldas. The reserve is only 87 miles (140 km) from Quito. Inside, there are three volcanoes: Yanahurco, Cotacachi, and Cuicocha. But, top attraction is the Cuicocha Lagoon. … Read more
The Petrified Forest Puyango has the largest collection of petrified wood in the world. Trees are about 100 million years old. There are two ancient roads: The Araucarios and the Petrinos. It also many fossilized creatures such as ammonites, sea turtles, sea shells, snails, and fish.
Churute Mangroves Ecological Reserve near Guayaquil. It is the largest protected area of Mangrove Forest in Ecuador. It contains approximately 50,000 hectares of mangroves and dry tropical forests. Manglares Churute is a gem in the Guayas province. Visitors may see many local birds as well as howler monkeys. To get there from Guayaquil, take the road Guayaquil-Machala. The … Read more
Mindo-Nambillo Ecological Reserve is located two hours north of Quito, Ecuador. Its main feature is the Mindo-Nambillo Cloud Forest. Mindo-Nambillo biodiversity allows more than 350 bird species to live in this area. Certainly, Mindo Cloud Forest is the perfect place for bird watching. For instance, visitors can see hummingbirds, cock-of-the-rocks, barbet toucans, golden-headed quetzals, and … Read more
Mache-Chindul Ecological Reserve protects some of the last remaining tropical dry and rain forests of the Ecuadorian coast. This natural area is a biodiversity hotspot due to the enormous variety of plants and wildlife. It is a place of exotic landscapes, waterfalls and natural lagoons.
Galápagos National Park is Ecuador’s first national park. Also, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Galápagos Islands are a collection of rocky and volcanic lands. It has pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters. They are a protected part of the Galápagos National Park. About 97% of the entire area is part of the National Park system. … Read more
Sangay National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, located in the Morona Santiago, Chimborazo and Tungurahua provinces, Ecuador. The Sangay National Park includes three volcanoes: Tungurahua (16,457 ft – 5,016 m), Sangay (17,159 ft – 5,230 m), and El Altar (17,451 ft – 5,319 m). Sangay and Tungurahua are active volcanoes. However, El Altar is an … Read more
Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve is a calm and isolated volcanic crater. This protected area is inside the Pululahua volcano. It is rich with a great diversity of fauna and flora. “Reserva Geobotánica Pululahua” in Spanish. Located 11 mi (17 km) north of Quito, Ecuador, in the northwestern part of the Pomasqui Valley. The Reserve has an … Read more
Ilinizas Ecological Reserve, also known as Ilinizas National Park, is a protected area located between Cotopaxi and Pichincha provinces. 55km south of Quito and extends through the Quilotoa Loop area. The reserve contains different volcanoes, springs, streams, rivers, a deep canyon, and some very attractive scenery.
Cotopaxi National Park is located in the Cotopaxi Province, around 50 km south of Quito. The Cotopaxi volcano – 19,347 feet (5,897 m) – is the main attraction of this park. Cotopaxi National Park is a popular destination for visitors looking to hike, climb and trek. There is also a museum to visit. Best months to visit are December to April.
Chimborazo Fauna Reserve is located in the provinces of Chimborazo, Tungurahua, and Bolivar in the Ecuadorian Andes. The reserve is a protected area that guards a wide variety of vegetation and animals. Thus, it is common to see vicuñas, llamas, guanacos, rabbits, deer, wolves, and birds. The main attraction is the Chimborazo volcano — Ecuador’s highest volcano. … Read more
