National ParkUNESCO World Heritage
Sangay
Andes/Amazonia (Chimborazo/Morona Santiago)Designated in 19755,177 km²
One of the few places on the planet with an unbroken ecological gradient from the Amazon up to Andean glaciers
Area
5,177 km²
Protection category
IUCN II
Parque nacional —
Designated in
1975
Declared in 1975 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, Sangay preserves an unbroken ecological transition from lowland Amazon rainforest up to the glaciers of three volcanoes — Sangay, Tungurahua and El Altar — with barely any human intervention across much of its extent, which UNESCO singles out as an exceptional case of complete altitudinal connectivity. Sangay itself is one of the most active volcanoes in Ecuador, in near-continuous eruption for decades, while neighbouring El Altar is in fact a collapsed ancient caldera whose remains form a spectacular crown of nine peaks around a central lake.
Location
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Sangay: 22 documented species
Mammals10Birds11Amphibians1
Threatened:
Flora and ecosystems
Ecosystems found in Ecuador, where Sangay 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.
Comments
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