Where Are Ecuador's National Parks & Reserves?
There are national parks and nature reserves located in every region of Ecuador. Some parks are, however, more accessible than others.
Needless to say, the Galápagos National Park is the best known park in Ecuador. Expect to see a range of animals here, including blue-footed boobies, marine iguanas, and sea lions.
The Machalilla National Park is located along Ecuador's coast. This park has great whale watching and impressive white-sand beaches.
The Sangay National Park is situated in Ecuador's Central Sierra. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to three volcanoes and a wide range of plants and animals.
The Cayambe Ecological Reserve, located in the Northern Sierra, is one of Ecuador's most geographically diverse areas. Travelers can explore rainforests, alpine tundras, and lakes within this reserve.
Finally, in the Amazon, travelers can visit the Yasuní National Park or Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, both of which offer access to dense rainforests and wild jungles.
Related Questions
- What Should I Wear or Bring To a National Park in Ecuador?
- Can I expect To See Wildlife in Ecuador?
- I Want a Nature Vacation. Where Should I Go in Ecuador?
- How Much Does It Cost To Visit a National Park or Reserve in Ecuador?
- Are Ecuador's Parks and Reserves Well Developed?
Amazon
Descending from the cool, high Sierra plains into the eastern side of Ecuador brings a dramatic change in surroundings—dense jungles and stifling humidity. A lesser known and remote part of Ecuador, visitors to the Amazon are quickly immersed in ancient rainforests, indigenous cultures and abundant wildlife.
Central Sierra
Ecuador’s Central Sierra region is often referred to as “La Avenida de Volcanes”, or “Avenue of Volcanoes.” The logic behind this nickname becomes clear as soon as you venture down the Pan-American Highway, where you’ll find yourself between parallel rows of massive volcanic peaks. The chain of large cinder cone volcanoes, capped in white- and blue-hued glaciers, are unique to this part of the Andes range. Most of Ecuador’s national parks are located in this region, and are home to pristine, wide-open landscapes. Travel along the “Avenue” and experience the exciting blend of colonial towns, national parks, and Ecuadorian culture that the Central Sierra has to offer.
Pacific Coast
The mesmerizing hues of blue that line Ecuador’s Pacific shoreline attract many travelers from the country’s mountainous regions. The arid coastline offers visitors beautiful beaches, a great diversity of marine life, and fresh seafood.
Galápagos
The Galápagos Islands straddle the equator roughly 600 miles (965 km) off the coast of Ecuador and are home to one of the world’s most unique and pristine ecosystems. This remote, volcanic archipelago is a hallmark of biodiversity—they support a wide variety of endemic marine and terrestrial species seen nowhere else on Earth. And without any natural predators, the wildlife here is not only unintimidated by humans, but it’s usually quite curious about them. While roaming these islands, a wide variety of bird, tortoise and iguana species can be seen. Jump into the crystal blue waters and watch sea lions, turtles, penguins and sharks glide right in front of you. In other words, there’s a reason why the famous naturalist Charles Darwin was so inspired by the Galapagos, and it’s likely that you will be too.
Northern Sierra
Atop these high northern Andean plains is the cultural heart of Ecuador. The Northern Sierra’s landscape, people and food truly embody Ecuador. Situated at nearly 0 degrees latitude, the Northern Sierra is located on the namesake of Ecuador, the equator. Connecting the northern cities is the Pan-American Highway, which winds through the high plains and valleys for roughly 150 miles (241 km) from Quito to the Ecuador-Colombia border. Flying into the capital city of Quito is the entry point for most visitors to Ecuador—and a great one at that, being a primary center for Ecuadorian history, industry and government.
Cayambe Ecological Reserve
The Cayambe-Coca Ecological Reserve encompasses the highest point on the equator, the Cayambe Volcano, and is Ecuador’s second-largest reserve in the Sierras. It is also one of the most geographically diverse regions, offering visitors alpine tundras, rainforests and lakes.
Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
The Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is situated deep in Ecuador’s Amazon jungle. A canoe ride along the wide Cuyabeno River allows visitors to access the reserve’s abundant wildlife and unique indigenous communities, making for a quintessential jungle experience.
Machalilla National Park
As the only coastal national park in Ecuador, the Machalilla National Park sports protected beaches and tracts of dry forest. This makes it one of the best stops along the Ecuadorian coast.
Sangay National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sangay National Park is Ecuador’s largest protected highland area. This remote park is home to three volcanoes, as well as a wide variety of flora and fauna.
Yasuni National Park
The untouched wilderness of the Yasuní National Park offers travelers a true rainforest experience. This park is one of the most biodiverse places in all of South America.
