Ecuador's national parks and reserves cover approximately 11 percent of the country. The Galápagos National Park is the star attraction, known throughout the world for its volcanic islands and diverse wildlife. There are, however, several other national parks that deserve your attention. The Cotopaxi National Park is home to the country's most spectacular volcano, while the Podocarpus National Park protects huge tracts of virgin rainforests. Visits to national parks are often best when part of a guided tour, and may include activities like hiking, birdwatching, and horseback riding.