Ecuador national parks Voyage Tips and guide

Ecuador has 11 national parks and other types of reserves protecting an area of 26 million hectares (almost 20% of the country's total territory). The parks include some of Ecuador's most spectacular natural wonders. Parks are administered for the federal government by the National System of Protected Areas of Ecuador (known by its Spanish acronym, SNAP). In addition to national parks, there are biosphere reserves, wildlife refuges, national monuments and other designations for protected areas.

The parks are places of international touristic interest. They have infrastructure to support tourism and they provide habitat for myriad diverse species of plant and animal alike. Various species of llama live in the Andes mountain range, along with the endangered spectacled bear, the majestic Andean condor, and the stealthy puma. Birdwatchers can find up to 400 species of birds hiding in the treetops of many of the country's parks.

Understand

Parks are administered for the federal government by the Sistema Nacional de Areas Protegidas (SNAP), which is part of the Ministry of the Environment. It has its headquarters in Quito. In addition to national parks, protected areas can be designated as Natural Monuments or as National Reserves. SNAP has responsibility for 76 sites, including the parks.