Safari in Central Andes & Highlands
Experience the majestic peaks and diverse ecosystems of Ecuador's central Andean highlands, from active volcanoes to cloud forests and páramo grasslands.
Central Andes & Highlands Parks Map
Explore safari parks across Central Andes & Highlands
Central Andes & Highlands Safari Parks
Explore safari parks in Central Andes & Highlands
AREA VERDE COMUNAL
AREA VERDE COMUNAL is a protected area in Ecuador.
Área Verde de la escuela "Juan Salinas"
Área Verde de la escuela "Juan Salinas" is a protected area in Ecuador.
Área verde en Ladera
Área verde en Ladera is a protected area in Ecuador.
Bosque frutal del Colegio Ciudad de Valencia
Bosque frutal del Colegio Ciudad de Valencia is a protected area in Ecuador.
Bosque Protector Cashca Totoras
Bosque Protector Cashca Totoras is a protected area in Ecuador.
Bosque Protector Murocomba
Bosque Protector Murocomba is a protected area in Ecuador.
Bosque Protector Peña Blanca
Bosque Protector Peña Blanca is a protected area in Ecuador.
Bosque Protector Toachi Pilaton
Bosque Protector Toachi Pilaton is a protected area in Ecuador.
COTOPAXIPUNGO
Dominated by the majestic Cotopaxi volcano, one of the world's highest active volcanoes, this park offers stunning Andean landscapes and opportunities to spot high-altitude wildlife. Key species include Andean condors, wild horses, llamas, and deer, making it a popular destination for hiking, climbing, and scenic wildlife viewing.
DUNAS
DUNAS is a protected area in Ecuador.
Parque Nacional Antisana
Centered around the Antisana volcano, this high-altitude park is a crucial habitat for the Andean condor, with one of the largest wild populations. Its vast páramo landscapes are also home to spectacled bears, mountain tapirs, and white-tailed deer, offering spectacular views and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
Parque Nacional Cotopaxi
Parque Nacional Cotopaxi is a protected area in Ecuador.
Parque Nacional Llanganates
Parque Nacional Llanganates is a protected area in Ecuador.
Parque Nacional Sangay
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sangay is a rugged and remote park encompassing diverse ecosystems from glaciers to Amazonian rainforest. It's a haven for endangered species like the mountain tapir, spectacled bear, and Andean condor, offering challenging treks and a truly wild experience for intrepid nature lovers.
RANCHO GUAYMARAL
RANCHO GUAYMARAL is a protected area in Ecuador.
Refugio de Vida Silvestre y Bosque de Proteccion Pasochoa
Refugio de Vida Silvestre y Bosque de Proteccion Pasochoa is a protected area in Ecuador.
Reserva Biológica Colonso-Chalupas
Reserva Biológica Colonso-Chalupas is a protected area in Ecuador.
Reserva de Bosque Natural del Sr. Gerardo Jácome
Reserva de Bosque Natural del Sr. Gerardo Jácome is a protected area in Ecuador.
Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo
Surrounding Ecuador's highest peak, Mount Chimborazo, this reserve protects the vicuña, a wild relative of the llama, successfully reintroduced to the area. Visitors can observe these graceful animals in their natural páramo habitat, alongside other high-Andean wildlife like Andean condors and wild llamas.
Reserva Ecológica Los Ilinizas
Reserva Ecológica Los Ilinizas is a protected area in Ecuador.
Río Palenque Reserva de Bosque Tropical
Río Palenque Reserva de Bosque Tropical is a protected area in Ecuador.
Compare Parks in Central Andes & Highlands
Side-by-side comparison of safari parks in Central Andes & Highlands
| Park | Area | Wildlife | Lodges | Crowds | Malaria | Airport |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| COTOPAXIPUNGO | - | 327 | - | Quiet | Moderate | EC-0052 (13km) |
| Parque Nacional Antisana | - | 677 | - | Quiet | Moderate | SETE (53km) |
| Parque Nacional Sangay | - | 205 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SERB (47km) |
| Reserva de Producción Faunística Chimborazo | - | 242 | - | Quiet | Moderate | SERB (32km) |
| AREA VERDE COMUNAL | - | 140 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | EC-0040 (44km) |
| Área Verde de la escuela "Juan Salinas" | - | 420 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | EC-0040 (2km) |
| Área verde en Ladera | - | 164 | - | Quiet | Moderate | SEQE (5km) |
| Bosque frutal del Colegio Ciudad de Valencia | - | 420 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | SEPZ (1km) |
| Bosque Protector Cashca Totoras | - | 248 | - | Quiet | Moderate | SERB (33km) |
| Bosque Protector Murocomba | - | 420 | - | Quiet | Moderate | SE11 (26km) |
| Bosque Protector Peña Blanca | - | 137 | - | Quiet | Moderate | SEBO (33km) |
| Bosque Protector Toachi Pilaton | - | 489 | - | Very Quiet | Moderate | EC-0052 (30km) |
127 species recorded in Central Andes & Highlands6 threatened
We love the sheer drama of Ecuador's Central Andes. The air is thin and crisp, carrying the scent of damp earth and wild orchids from the cloud forests. We recommend venturing into the páramo, where the wind whips across vast, otherworldly grasslands dotted with frailejones plants. The sunsets here are sensational, painting the volcanic peaks in hues of orange and purple, a truly unforgettable spectacle.
Terrain & Altitude
Dominated by dramatic volcanic cones, steep valleys, and high altitude plateaus.
2,500-4,800m above sea level
Vegetation
Ranges from dense, humid cloud forests clinging to mountain slopes to sparse, hardy páramo grasslands at higher elevations.
Water Sources
Fed by glacial melt and abundant rainfall, numerous fast flowing rivers carve through the landscape, alongside pristine high-altitude lakes.
Unique Features
The presence of active stratovolcanoes and the transition zone between tropical lowlands and high Andean ecosystems.
While Quito's airport is the most convenient international gateway, don't underestimate the charm of driving. The journey itself is part of the Andean experience, with roadside markets and breathtaking vistas. We always advise renting a sturdy vehicle, preferably with higher clearance, as some secondary roads can be rough, especially after rain.
Nearest Airports
Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), Quito
Approx. 100km / 2hr drive to the northern edge of the region
Extensive international and domestic connections
Cotopaxi International Airport (LCJ), Latacunga
Approx. 50km / 1hr drive to the southern edge of the region
Limited domestic flights; primarily serves the local area
Driving Routes
From Quito
Well-maintained highways lead south from Quito, offering stunning volcano views. We recommend heading towards Machachi or Latacunga to access different parts of the highlands.
From Guayaquil
A longer drive north via the Pan American Highway. The scenery changes dramatically as you ascend into the Andes, so take your time and stop at viewpoints.
Temperature
9.8°C
50°F
Rainfall
289.5 mm
Heavy rains
Humidity
87.6%
Sunshine
8.5 hrs/day
Data source: Open-Meteo Archive API
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