Plizio Visual Lab

Sangay National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Animal habitat

Weather…

Sangay National Park spans the provinces of Morona Santiago, Chimborazo, and Tungurahua in central Ecuador. Covering over 517,000 hectares, the park showcases an extraordinary range of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to snow-capped peaks and glaciers. At the heart of the park are three major volcanoes: Sangay, one of the most active in the world, Tungurahua, and the extinct El Altar, famous for its magnificent crater lake. Due to its biological importance and unique geology, the park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1983. It provides a sanctuary for rare species such as the mountain tapir, spectacled bear, and Andean condor. The terrain is marked by deep valleys, rushing rivers, and more than 300 lagoons hidden within the untouched wilderness. Sangay remains a critical conservation area, functioning as a natural corridor between the high Andes and the Amazon basin.

Location: Ecuador
Nearby: Cayambe (47 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Aug, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	18	18	18	18	17	16	16	17	17	18	18	18
Rain mm	150	156	188	201	189	189	143	125	110	161	162	161

📋 Practical info

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Best season

The dry season from June to September features the best conditions for hiking and wildlife viewing in Sangay National Park. In the rainy season (October to May) trails are often muddy, but vegetation is lush and many animals are more active.

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Best time of day

Early morning hours are well-suited for spotting birds and mammals as animals forage for food. Late afternoon also sees a rise in activity before nightfall.

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Etiquette

Always stay on marked trails to avoid damaging fragile ecosystems. Feeding wildlife is prohibited, and loud noises should be avoided to avoid disturbing animals.

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What to bring

Waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots are essential, as weather changes quickly and trails are often wet. Binoculars, a rain jacket, and plenty of water are part of the basic kit.

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Getting there

Sangay National Park is accessible from the towns of Riobamba or Macas; the drive takes about 3-4 hours. Access is via mountain passes and gravel roads, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended.

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What to expect

Wildlife viewing in cloud forest can be challenging - take your time and listen for sounds. Many rare species like the spectacled bear are extremely shy; a sighting requires patience and a bit of luck.