Are Ecuador's Parks and Reserves Well Developed?
Many of Ecuador’s parks and reserves are well developed, and highly visited. Ecuador has around 30 parks and reserves, including the Galápagos, Machalilla National Park, and Cajas National Park. Visiting a park or a reserve in Ecuador is one of the top reasons to travel to the country.
Ecuador’s government has not always had the money to maintain their parks. For instance, the Cayapas-Mataje and Manglares-Churute reserves were developed to protect the diminishing mangroves, but they were initially poorly marked. Moreover, the locals didn’t know of their existence.
Parks and reserves you visit in Ecuador will have maps, a visitor’s center, and restrooms. Depending on how much the federal and local governments have been able to budget for conservation, each park has varying levels of upkeep.
We recommend you travel to Ecuador's national parks with an experienced guide. In addition to helping you navigate, they can provide you with useful information about what you see.
Related Questions
- What Should I Wear or Bring To a National Park in Ecuador?
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- Where Are Ecuador's National Parks & Reserves?
- I Want a Nature Vacation. Where Should I Go in Ecuador?
- How Much Does It Cost To Visit a National Park or Reserve in Ecuador?
Galápagos
The Galápagos Islands straddle the equator roughly 600 miles (965 km) off the coast of Ecuador and are home to one of the world’s most unique and pristine ecosystems. This remote, volcanic archipelago is a hallmark of biodiversity—they support a wide variety of endemic marine and terrestrial species seen nowhere else on Earth. And without any natural predators, the wildlife here is not only unintimidated by humans, but it’s usually quite curious about them. While roaming these islands, a wide variety of bird, tortoise and iguana species can be seen. Jump into the crystal blue waters and watch sea lions, turtles, penguins and sharks glide right in front of you. In other words, there’s a reason why the famous naturalist Charles Darwin was so inspired by the Galapagos, and it’s likely that you will be too.
Cajas National Park
The countless lakes, alpine hillsides and curious herds of alpacas make the Cajas National Park an impressive wilderness destination.
Machalilla National Park
As the only coastal national park in Ecuador, the Machalilla National Park sports protected beaches and tracts of dry forest. This makes it one of the best stops along the Ecuadorian coast.
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