Travel Guide Parque Nacional Sangay

This vast protected area of 270,000 ha contains three volcanoes: the Sangay (5,230 m), the Tungurahua overlooking Baños (5,016 m) and the Altar (5,320 m); the first two are currently active. Since 1983, this park is part of the world heritage established by UNESCO. It is located between the provinces of Chimborazo, Tungurahua and Morona Santiago, and therefore accessible from Riobamba, Baños, Puyo or Macas. Excursions are of course offered by the Riobamba agencies. In addition, the AGIG, an association of indigenous guides that promotes community tourism in the region, offers treks with nights in chozas, small earthen houses with thatched roofs, more pleasant than tenting at such altitudes! The prices are more interesting than those offered by local agencies, and moreover you will do a good deed! The guides know their surroundings perfectly; the excursions usually last several days (3-4 days minimum) and are done on foot or on horseback.In the park flow several rivers: Llushin, Palora, Puela, Volcano, Upano, Namaquimi and Sangay, and there are waterfalls and lakes (like for example the Laguna Pintada). The fauna consists of tapirs, pumas, Andean foxes at high altitudes and, among others, bears, jaguars, ocelots and possums everywhere else. There are between 400 and 500 species of birds, including the Andean condor.