Visiting Sangay National Park
Sangay National Park covers 502,105 hectares, encompassing the entire range of ecosystems found across Ecuador. This ecological diversity is exactly why UNESCO designated a 272,000-hectare portion of the park as a World Heritage site in 1983.
Sangay National Park
The park contains highly varied habitats, which is expected given the extreme elevation range of 900m to 5319m. The landscape is dominated by three volcanoes, each topping 5,000 meters. El Altar, Tungurahua, and Sangay are the primary peaks here. Both Tungurahua and Sangay remain active, with the latter ranking among the most active volcanoes on the planet.
The park also includes a vast network of wetlands containing more than 320 lakes spread across just 32 square kilometers. This density supports a wide array of wildlife. It also contains the largest grasslands in Ecuador, though this area faces pressure from local cattle ranchers, which threatens the fragile ecosystem.
Volcanic ash makes for unique soil conditions, fertilizing the land and allowing species that would typically not survive here to take root. Estimates suggest more than 3,000 species of plants grow within the park. Given the unusual environmental conditions, a large portion of these are likely endemic.
While the flora is exceptional, the fauna is just as notable. Surveys, which remain difficult to conduct in this terrain, identify 107 species of mammals, 430 bird species, 33 amphibians, 14 reptiles, and 17 types of fish. Such density is rare for an area of this size. Endangered species, including the mountain tapir, the spectacled bear, and the giant anteater, have found refuge here.
A trek through an environment that remains largely untamed and preserved.
This National Park was built around the volcano of the same name. Dominating the horizon, you cannot miss Sangay and its 5,230 meters. There are guided hikes that take you to the summit in stages. Plan on a good week, expect some sore muscles and blisters on your feet, and prepare yourself for the altitude, but the effort is worth it. The clear views you will have of the natural landscapes, the encounters with the local wildlife, such great memories!