Welcome to Sangay National Park

Zone Description

Located in the Provinces of: Tungurahua, Chimborazo, Caņar and Morona Santiago
Established: June 26, 1979 Resolution No. 0392 Boundary application May 20, 1992. Decree No. 0126
Area: 517,765 hectares - 1,279,379 acres
Altitude Range: 1,000-5,230 meters above sea level

Description of the Region

A network of more than 324 lakes, three spectacular volcanoes (Sangay, Tungurahua, and Altar), and large areas of untouched high mountain forest make this park one of the most important regions of the country and even the world. Recent investigations have confirmed its ecological uniqueness; the northern section features great biodiversity while the southern area is recognized for its number of endemic species. As such, UNESCO declared Sangay a Natural Patrimony of Humanity area in 1983. Due to its large size, the park has been divided in two zones to enable more effective administration: the upper region and the lower region.

In the upper region, beautiful snow-capped volcanoes, Andean valleys from which rivers are born, and cloud forests are found. The lower region is home to many plant and animal species of the tropical rain forest.

Sangay National Park was included in the UNESCO list of Endangered Parks in 1993 when a road was constructed through it, opening the area to colonization.