Siete Iglesias

Siete Iglesias is a protected area in Ecuador.

Siete Iglesias at a Glance

Location
Southern Andes & Loja Province, Ecuador, Central & South America
Coordinates
-3.089704, -78.587320
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
June to November for Galápagos. Year-round for Amazon and cloud forest.

Getting to Siete Iglesias

Nearest airport: Taisha Airport (TSC), 144 km away.

Weather & Climate in Siete Iglesias

The warmest temperatures in Siete Iglesias occur in October, averaging 15.6°C (up to 19.0°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 13.9°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in September with average rainfall of 70.7mm. Average humidity: 72.4%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 15.0°C (rainfall: 233.2mm)
  • February: 15.2°C (rainfall: 157.3mm)
  • March: 15.3°C (rainfall: 279.4mm)
  • April: 15.3°C (rainfall: 167.4mm)
  • May: 14.9°C (rainfall: 244.6mm)
  • June: 14.2°C (rainfall: 155.1mm)
  • July: 13.9°C (rainfall: 140.1mm)
  • August: 14.3°C (rainfall: 85.7mm)
  • September: 14.9°C (rainfall: 70.7mm)
  • October: 15.6°C (rainfall: 158.7mm)
  • November: 15.4°C (rainfall: 253.0mm)
  • December: 15.1°C (rainfall: 194.4mm)

Best Time to Visit Siete Iglesias

The best months to visit Siete Iglesias are August, September, October, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Poor, temperature 14.96°C, rainfall 233.2mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 86%
  • February: Poor, temperature 15.21°C, rainfall 157.3mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 85.9%
  • March: Poor, temperature 15.27°C, rainfall 279.4mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 85.5%
  • April: Poor, temperature 15.25°C, rainfall 167.4mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 82.7%
  • May: Poor, temperature 14.88°C, rainfall 244.6mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 84.8%
  • June: Poor, temperature 14.21°C, rainfall 155.1mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 82.2%
  • July: Poor, temperature 13.89°C, rainfall 140.1mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs, humidity 80.2%
  • August: Good, temperature 14.32°C, rainfall 85.7mm, sunshine 9.8 hrs, humidity 75.8%
  • September: Good, temperature 14.95°C, rainfall 70.7mm, sunshine 10.3 hrs, humidity 72.4%
  • October: Good, temperature 15.56°C, rainfall 158.7mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 77.2%
  • November: Poor, temperature 15.44°C, rainfall 253mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 82.5%
  • December: Poor, temperature 15.14°C, rainfall 194.4mm, sunshine 10.1 hrs, humidity 85.6%

Wildlife in Siete Iglesias

Home to 35 recorded species including 11 tropical birds, 10 birds of prey, 10 iconic birds, 4 waterbirds.

Recommended Packing List for Siete Iglesias

Based on average temperature of 14.9°C, typical conditions, humidity 82%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 15°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Siete Iglesias

15 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Southern Andes & Loja Province

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Ecuador

Travel advisory for Ecuador

Siete Iglesias FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Siete Iglesias for wildlife viewing, and what kind of visitor experience can I anticipate given its low crowding?

The dry season, typically from June to November, offers the best conditions for wildlife spotting as animals congregate around water sources. Due to its very low crowding, you can expect a remarkably peaceful and intimate encounter with nature, allowing for undisturbed observation and photography without the usual safari crowds.

What unique wildlife species are commonly sighted within Siete Iglesias, distinguishing it from other Ecuadorian protected areas?

Siete Iglesias is renowned for its diverse avian population, including various species of hummingbirds and toucans, alongside mammals like capybaras and tapirs. Keep an eye out for elusive spectacled bears in higher elevations and unique amphibians endemic to this specific Ecuadorian ecosystem.

What essential health and safety precautions should I consider for a trip to Siete Iglesias, particularly regarding local health risks?

It's advisable to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication and ensure you're up-to-date on routine vaccinations before your trip. Always use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and stay hydrated, especially when exploring the park's diverse terrain.

How accessible is Siete Iglesias, and what are the recommended ways to arrange transportation to and within this protected area?

Access to Siete Iglesias typically involves a drive from a major Ecuadorian city, often followed by local transport or a guided tour. It's highly recommended to arrange transport and guided excursions through reputable local operators who are familiar with the park's specific entry points and internal routes.

What should I budget for in terms of entry fees and typical activities when planning a visit to Siete Iglesias?

While specific entry fees can vary, expect a modest charge for park access, often included in guided tour packages. Budget for additional costs like local guides, specialized activities such as birdwatching tours, and any necessary equipment rentals to fully experience the park.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.