Sangay National Park

Sangay National Park is a large protected area in central Ecuador that protects a dramatic altitudinal gradient from Amazonian rainforest to high Andean páramo and glaciated peaks, and contains active volcanoes including Sangay. The park is recognised for its high biodiversity and varied ecosystems across elevation zones.

The park was established to protect the ecological connectivity between Andean and Amazonian habitats and to conserve unique species and landscapes; it has been internationally recognised for its conservation values. Volcanic activity has shaped parts of the park’s topography and continues to influence access and management.

Sangay National Park spans parts of several provinces in central Ecuador and covers steep terrain from the eastern Andean slopes down toward the Amazon basin; park access points are reached from nearby provincial towns but many internal areas remain remote.

• World Heritage status: Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding biodiversity and range of altitudinal ecosystems, from Amazonian lowland forest to Andean highlands.
• Remoteness and access: Access is often difficult; many parts of the park are remote with limited roads, so visits typically require organised logistics and are seasonal due to weather and road conditions.

What to See #

• Sangay volcano: Sangay volcano - an active central peak within the park with frequent eruptive activity and steep relief.
• Eastern lowland sector: Eastern Amazonian slopes - lower-elevation rainforest sectors that support Amazonian biodiversity and connect the park to the lowland basin.
• Paramo and highland sector: High Andean paramo and glacial zones - upland areas of grassland and páramo with high-altitude species and seasonal snow or ice at the highest elevations.