2017 Ecuador National Parks and Protected Areas Map with names of 51 areas.

Best National Parks of Ecuador

The Scoring System

To make a selection to which areas you may want to visite, we gave a scoring to the areas, so that you may have an idea what could be important areas for you to visit. The scoring is from 1 - 5; the latter being very good, while comparing between these areas in Ecuador, in order to distinguish among them.

While most areas are scenic, some stand out for dramatic landscapes that are not found as abundantly in the other areas. All areas with snow-caped mountains have scored high. Tropical low-land areas score high if there are lakes from where birds and other wildlife can be watched. Access scores a 5 if there is very convenient road-access to good trails or well-organized access over water that can be easily contracted. Ecological importance is based on worldwide rarity of the ecosystem and/or species diversity. Overnight facilities score high if in or very nearby the port of access of an area lodging is available, within an hour's ride.

After the scoring system, we present a tour which allows you to visit a representative selection of the many areas in the protected areas system.

ECUADOR NATIONAL PARKS SCORING TABLE

Scenic

Access

Ecological Importance

Overnight Facilities

BIOLOGICAL RESERVES

Cerro Plateado Biological Reserve

El Condor Biological Reserve pdf ***

3

1

3

1

El Quimi Biological Reserve pdf

Limon Cocha Biological Reserve pdf

4

5

3

5

ECOLOGICAL RESERVES

Antisana Ecological Reserve pdf

3

2

2

1

Arenilla Ecological Reserve pdf

2

4

1

3

Churute mangrove Ecological Reserve pdf

3

3

4

3

Cofan-Bermejo Ecological Reserve pdf

2

2

2

1

Cotacachi-Cayapas Ecological Reserve pdf

5

5

4

5

El Angel Ecological Reserve pdf

5

3

5

3

Ilinizas Ecological Reserve pdf

5

5

5

5

Mache Chindul Ecological Reserve pdf

5

2

5

2

FAUNA RESERVES

Chimborazo Fauna Reserve pdf

5

4

5 (vecuñas)

5

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve **** pdf pdf-visitantes

5

5

5

5

Manglares el Salado Fauna Reserve pdf

2

3

2

2

Puntilla de Santa Elena Fauna Reserve

GEOBOTANICAL RESERVE

Pululahua pdf

5

5

2

5

MARINE RESERVE

Galapagos Biological Marine Marine Reserve pdf

3

5

5

5

Galera-San Francisco Marine Reserve

NATIONAL PARKS

Cajas National Park pdf pdf-visitantes

5

5

4

5

Cayambe Coca National Park pdf

5

5

5

1

Cotopaxi National Park pdf

5

5

2

5

Galapagos NP National Park pdf

5

5

5

5

Llanganates National Park pdf

3

1

3

1

Machalilla National Park pdf

3

5

5

5

Podocarpus National Park pdf

3

3

5

1

Sangay National Park pdf

5

2

5

1

Sumaco-Napo-Galeras National Park pdf

3

1

4

1

Yacuri National Park

Yasuni National Park pdf

4

3

5

5

NATIONAL RECREATION AREAS

Isla Santay National Recreation Area

Los Samanes National Recreation Area

Quimsacocha National Recreation Area

El Boliche National Recreation Area pdf

3

5

3

4

Playas de Villamil National Recreation Area

Lago National Recreation Area pdf

2

5

1

3

WILDLIFE REFUGES

La Chiquita Wildlife Refuge pdf

2

4

2

4

El Pambilar Wildlife Refuge

El Zarra Wildlife Refuge pdf

Isla Corazon and Fragatas Island Wildlife Refuge pdf

2

5

3

5

El Morro Mangroves Wildlife Refuge

Rio Esmeraldas Estuary Mangrove Wildlife Refuge

Rio Muisne Estuary Mangrove Wildlife Refuge pdf

2

2

2

2

Pacoche Coastal Marine Wildlife Refuge

Pasachoa Wildlife Refuge pdf

Santa Clara Island Wildlife Refuge

2

2

2

2

* We have a pdf with the entire list of protected areas of Ecuador.

** We have an introduction to the protected areas system of Ecuador in Spanish.

*** We have detailed pdf reports in Spanish on a variety of areas that you can download from the respective links.

**** The area names with links take you to the corresponding web pages.

Day 2: El Angel Ecological Reserve

1. Depart for the El Angel Ecological Reserve, a paramo (Andes meadow) reserve in Northern Ecuador, where the famous “Frailejones Asters” almost reach their Southernmost limit. Visit the Voladero Lake where you will also see some of the most spectacular and ancient bromeliads of the Andes, the Herculas Club. Some 320 species of birds are known to the park, including the Andean Condor, a variety of hummingbirds, as well as several species of ducks and grebes, etc.;

2. Return to Quito, Airport, in the village Tababela at 10 minutes from the airport;

3. Spend the night at Tababela.

Day 3: Fly from the Andes to the the coastal city of Manta

1. Pick up from the hotel to fly to the city of Manta;

2. Drive from Manta to Machalilla National Park;

3. Excursion into the interior of Machalilla National Park to get to know the extremely rare Tropical Pacific dry forest, which only occurs in a narrow stretch of land between the wet tropical coastal forest near the border with Colombia and the desert starting in the south of Ecuador near the Peruvian border. Machalilla National Park is the only main park in the world protecting this type of forest.

4. Afternoon excursion at Les Frailes Beach and swim;

5. Spend the night at Puerto López.

Day 4: Machalilla National Park with Isla de la Plata

1. Visit Isla de la Plata, part of Machalilla National Park, where one – depending on the season – can see Red-, Nazca- or blue-footed booby nesting colonies and with some luck a colony of Frigate birds. While ecologically not really correct, one can observe how touroperators have joined together to feed wild green turtles in the harbor of the island, allowing visitors to see the turtles right under their boat in the cristal clear sea water. Sea Lions frolic in the deep blue waters surrounding the island, while different species of whales migrate along any time during the months of June – September (sightings are not guaranteed);

2. After return time off for a late afternoon swim at the beach in Puerto Lopez;

3. Spend another night in Puerto Lopez.

Day 5: Visit Guayaquil

1. In the morning, a brief excursion into the park, before driving to Guayaquil;

2. Ride from Puerto López to Guayaquil;

3. In the afternoon (and/or evening), visit the famous Malecon (=Boulevard) of Guayaquil;

4. Spend the night in Guayaquil.

Day 6: Churute Ecological Reserve

1. Drive to South America's southernmost important mangrove in Churute Ecological Reserve, where more than 250 species of birds have been recorded, including Frigate birds, Brown Pelicans, Spoonbills, a multitude of different herons, White Ibises, etc. ;

2. Other fauna elements include different crabs as well as dolphins;

3. Travel to Cuenca;

4. Time permitting, stroll the colonial streets of Cuenca at night after dinner;

5. Spend the night in your hotel in Cuenca.

Day 7: Ingapirca World Heritage Site

1. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Ingapirca, a mixed Inca and Canari [ a contemporary culture to the Incas and subjected to them] style fortress, which was the northern-most main defense fortress of the Inca Empire;

2. In the afternoon, travel to Riobamba;

3. Spend the night in Riobamba.

Day 8: Chimborazo Fauna Reserve

1. Get to know the Vicuñas of Chimborazo Fauna Reserve. As anywhere high up in the mountains, one may stumble upon an Andean Condor and other birds of pray;

2. Visit the Refugio - 4800m masl - for a brief high elevation walk and exploration of the high paramo of the highest mountain in the world measured from the center of the earth. The vegetation is very sparse at this elevation. Be careful, you are extremely high up and the oxygen level is very low;

3. Spend the night in a hotel near Cotopaxi National Park.

Day 9: Cotopaxi National Park

1. Visit Cotopaxi National Park - the world's highest active volcano - to rise to the “refugio” parking lot;

2. Visit Limpiopungo Lake;

3. Look for Andean Wolfs;

4. Return to Quito.

MODULES

We developed several shorter modules, that still give you an impression of the Andes and coastal habitats. These modules, vary depending on your place of departure being Quito, Guayaquil or Cuenca.

OPTION A: FULL NATIONAL PARKS TOUR (9-days tour)

OPTION B: QUITO MACHALILLA - QUITO (6 - 7-days tour)

1. After Machalilla, either return to Quito (6 days) or travel to a hotel near Chimborazo Ecological Reserve

Day 7: Visit Chimborazo Ecological Reserve

1. See the vicuñas along the highway passing by the reserve; Ascent to the mountain house of the volcano. Drive over the new western highway to Quito to admire the alpaca's that usually can be seen along that route;

2. Arrive in Quito to be dropped off at hotel (last hotel not included).

OPTION C: START AND FINISH IN GUAYAQUIL (5-days tour)

While starting in Guayaquil, Option C visits:

1. Machalilla for 2 nights;

2. Returns to Guayaquil;

3. Visit the Malecon or Historic Park;

4. Visit the Churute Mangroves;

5. Spend the night in Cuenca;

6. Visit Cajas National Park;

7. Return to Guayaquil in your hotel (last not included).

OPTION D: START IN CUENCA AND FINISH IN GUAYAQUIL (5-days tour)

This particular module reverses Module C.

Click here for a printable pdf of the national parks tours modules.

ADDITIONAL TOURS

GALAPAGOS TOURS

We have a variety of packages varying from Island-hopping out of a hotel in Santa Cruz for as little as $520 to luxury yachts

 

CUYABENO LODGE

Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve is by far the best Amazon Park of South America to see wildlife, while the the first lodge in the reserve, Cuyabeno Lodge is the best located, on a seasonal island in Cuyabeno Lake.

 

CUYABENO LOOP

Organized by the Cofan Indian community, the Cuyabeno Loop takes you on a 5 days journey through the western half of Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, being one of the top 100 things to do in Ecuador. Click here for a printable pdf of the Cuyabeno modules.

 

LAGARTO COCHA EXPEDITION

Organized by the Cofan Indian community, the Lagarto Cocha Expedtion takes you on a 7 days journey through the entire Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, being one of the top 100 things to do in Ecuador. Click here for a printable pdf of the Cuyabeno modules.

 

PERU LIMA - CUSCO

Many visitors like to combine their natural experience with a week's extension to see the cultural highlights of Lima and Cusco  and Machu Picchu in Peru. Click here for a printable pdf of the Peru Module.

 

WHAT IS INCLUDED?

 

National Parks Tours

1. All hotels and lodges;

2. Transportation: All ground transportation on the National Parks tours;

3. In-country flights where included in the national parks tour program, but NOT to/fro Galapagos or Lagoagrio;

4. An English speaking naturalist guide. A German or French speaking guide may also be available, but can't be guaranteed.

5. All entry fees.

NOT INCLUDED:

Meals and beverages.

Amazon Tours

1. Lodging;

2. Excursions with professional nature guides;

3. All Amazon programs include all meals, and fruit juices served with the meals. Our restaurants serve a mix of international cuisine and occasionally, the Cofan Lodge offers  a sample meal of traditional Cofan dishes.

4. Meals include coffee, tea and bottled water;

5. Transportation between Lagoagrio and the access rivers.

NOT INCLUDED:

Bottled and alcoholic beverages need to be paid.

 

COMBI-DISCOUNTS

Depending on the program you selected, we always try to give you a discount on combined modules. Groups above 4 passengers will receive discounts, depending on group size.

 

HOW TO BOOK A TOUR?

Our programs are rather customized and we try to accommodate the travel needs of our customers. To avoid misunderstandings, we don't offer a prepaid travel option. Just send an email to or contact us through our contact data below. 

 

From Abroad:

Sending money from abroad is rather costly and we try to minimize money going to bank transfers. Once your schedule has been worked out, we kindly request you to make a reservation guarantee transfer of only $100 by Western Union or Moneygram. The balance you pay in CASH in Quito upon arrival (we don't take credit cards!) This way you don't lose a lot of money sending money. The $100 is NOT recoverable upon cancelation.

 

Why we don't accept credit cards in Ecuador either? The credit card services charge 7%! We would have to charge you for that, making your trip more expensive. We do everything to make your trip as cost effective as possible.

 

Already in Ecuador?

You can pay in our office mentioned below. We apply a cancelation fee of $100.

 

WHAT IS ESSENTIAL TO BRING?

For this question we link to our special vacation packing list.

 

2021 COFAN LODGE / CUYABENO LODGE / PARKS AND TRIBES PRICES

 

COFAN LODGE PROGRAMS
COFAN LODGE STANDARD PROGRAM
DURATION STAY	Prices in US$
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
Standard room	$ 499

Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

 

CUYABENO LOOP
DURATION STAY	Prices in US$
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
Standard room at the Cuyabeno Lodge part (nights 3 &4)	$ 799
Standard room in the Cofan Lodge (nights 1 & 2) and Deluxe room at the Cuyabeno Lodge (nights 3 & 4)	$ 899

Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

 

LAGARTO COCHA EXPEDITION
DURATION STAY	Prices in US$
7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS	$ 1099
Including Extension Cuyabeno Lake from where returning to Lagoagrio.	$ 1349

Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

 

CUYABENO LODGE PROGRAMS
CUYABENO LODGE STANDARD PROGRAM
DURATION	Prices in US$
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
Shared budget room (Dormitory shared among 4 people, shared bathrooms)	$ 270
Standard room (17 m2, private bathroom, shared balcony)	$ 410
Standard room Plus (±20 m2, private bathroom, shared balcony)	$ 430
Deluxe room (25m2, private bathroom, private balcony in the tower)	$ 480
Suite (36m2, private bathroom, private balcony)	$510

 

CUYABENO ADVENTURE
DURATION	Prices in US$
5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS
Shared budget room (Dormitory shared among 4 people, shared bathrooms)	$ 340
Standard room (17 m2, private bathroom, shared balcony)	$ 510
Standard room Plus (±20 m2, private bathroom, shared balcony)	$ 535
Deluxe room (25m2, private bathroom, private balcony in the tower)	$ 595
Suite (36m2, private bathroom, private balcony)	$635
Single occupancy surcharge (for the entire trip)	$100

Individual bookings are WELCOME

 

QUITO - LAGOAGRIO (or visa versa) PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION
	Prices in US$
One way per party price	$ 300

Group Price for parties of 2 - 7 (minivan) who share the costs.

 

NATIONAL PARKS TOUR PROGRAM
DURATION STAY	Prices in US$
OPTION A: Complete national Parks Tour (10 days)	$1999
OPTION B: After Machalilla return to Quito (6 days)	$1349
OPTION C: After Machalilla return to Quito (6 days) via Chimborazo Wildlife Reserve (7 days)	$1399
OPTION D: Start and finish in Guayaquil (5 days)	$1149
OPTION E: Start in Cuenca and Finish in Guayaquil (5 days)	$1149

Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

 

GALAPAGOS TOURS
GALAPAGOS TOURS For island hopping starting at  (Read details)	$520

Individual bookings are WELCOME

 

LIMA CUSCO MACHU PICCHU
DURATION STAY	Prices in US$
6 or 7 days (subject to flight itineraries)
LIMA - CUSCO MODULE (Read details)	$1199

Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.

 

NATIONAL PARKS TOUR ECUADOR

PARKS & TRIBES and the COFAN LODGE have their sales office inside:

Hotel Balmoral, Address: Calle Moreno Bellido E6-57 & Avenida Amazonas, Quito

Telephone: (++593)(02) 2 50 5310, Cell phone: (++593) (0) 96 29 35 271

Email: info@parks-and-tribes.com

Skype: ecotravelworldwide