It protects the Cayambe volcano, the only point on the planet sitting on the equator with permanent snow
Area
4,032 km²
Protection category
IUCN II
Parque nacional —
Designated in
1970
Established in 1970, Cayambe Coca protects the Cayambe volcano (5,790 m), the only point on the planet lying exactly on the equator that keeps permanent snow and ice all year round, a phenomenon possible only because of the volcano's great height, which offsets its equatorial latitude. The park ecologically connects the Andes to the lowland Amazon in an almost continuous altitudinal gradient.
Location
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Cayambe Coca: 21 documented species
Mammals9Birds11Amphibians1
Threatened:
Flora and ecosystems
Ecosystems found in Ecuador, where Cayambe Coca lies.
Tropical rainforestMarine / coastalTundra / polar
Experiences in this park
Birdwatching
Wildlife you can see now
What is worth looking out for this month in Ecuador?
Now is a good time: Whale shark and hammerhead aggregation at Darwin and Wolf (June to November (cool season))
Now is a good time: Whale shark and hammerhead aggregation at Darwin and Wolf (June to November (cool season))
Similar parks
Which other parks are like this one?
Same country: Ecuador
Same country: Ecuador
Same country: Ecuador
Same country: Ecuador
Keep exploring
Based on what we already know about this park.
Ecuador
