Llanganates National
Park
The area of the park is 219,707 ha that ranges between 1,200
to 4,751 m. The floor of the Llanganates fulfills an important function
in regulating the emission of water towards the Amazon. The region
contains a high level of endemism and houses one of the biggest quantities
of animals. The fauna of the area is very special because this region
is different from the other Andean zones for formation not due to
volcanoes.
The Llanganates National Park is singularly beautiful for its nature
and its history. From the time of the arrival of the Spaniards, the
legend has arisen that the treasure of Atahualpa (El Dorado) was hidden
within this area by Rumiñahui. Since recorded history, adventurers
in search of the treasure have ventured into the park in spite of
its difficult terrain.
Sangay National Park
Settled in three provinces: Tungurahua, Chimborazo and Morona
Santiago. It covers 271,925 hectares divided into two zones like the
Podocarpus Park, the low zone from 900 up to 1,500 meters and the
high zone from 1,500 to 5,230 meters.
The park takes its name from the main volcano in the area, the Sangay
volcano, a beautiful mountain that is constantly active. Within the
park you can find condors, agoutis, tapirs, monkeys, shrews, bears,
peccaries and deer.
This park was declared by UNESCO as a Natural Heritage of Humanity
in 1983. Within the crater of the Altar volcano is the Amarilla lake,
of special beauty. Its two active volcanoes constantly modify the
park, Tungurahua is found in the middle of a constant eruptive process
but at the least causes you to admire with fear and marvel at the
power of nature.
Chimborazo Forest
Park
This park is located in three provinces, Chimborazo, Bolívar
and Tungurahua. Its surface area covers 58,560 ha and ranges from
3,800 to 12,460 m. The two mountains that dominate the area are Carihuairazo
and Chimborazo. These two mountains give birth to the rivers of Chimbo,
Chambo and Ambato that later form the Pastaza river.
The ecosystem of the Park is mainly constituted by paramo where wild
rosemary, mortino, chuquiraguas, sigses, quishuares, pumamaquis and
piquiles grow. You can also find deer and they are trying to reintroduce
the species of "camelidos" from the Mountains.
