World Heritage Identification Number: 260
World Heritage since: 1983
Category: Natural Heritage
WHE Type: Protected Areas & National Parks
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇪🇨 Ecuador
Continent: Americas
UNESCO World Region: Latin America and the Caribbean
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Sangay National Park: A Biodiverse Haven in Ecuador
Sangay National Park, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983, is a testament to the rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes found within Ecuador. Spanning across five provinces - Morona-Santiago, Chimborazo, Tungurahua, Cañar, and Azuay - this expansive protected area showcases an extraordinary array of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to glacial peaks, creating a mesmerizing contrast that captivates visitors and researchers alike.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
With its outstanding natural beauty and two active volcanoes, the park illustrates the entire spectrum of ecosystems, ranging from tropical rainforests to glaciers, with striking contrasts between the snowcapped peaks and the forests of the plains. Its isolation has encouraged the survival of indigenous species such as the mountain tapir and the Andean condor.
UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site
Criterion (vii): The Sangay National Park contains one of the world’s most complex series of ecological habitats. With an altitudinal range extending from 900 to 5,319 metres above sea level, the park includes three volcanoes: Tungurahua (5,016m), Sangay (5,230m), and Altar (5,319m). These volcanoes have a superlative aesthetic beauty, including a rare combination of grasslands, rainforests and many other fragile habitats. The property includes a vast system of wetlands with 327 lakes, covering a surface of 31.5 km2, which protect and generate environmental services of local, national and regional importance. The park also contains one of the largest areas of páramo (a montane grassland vegetation) occurring in Ecuador.
Criterion (viii): Sangay (a perfect cone-shaped volcano) is notable globally for its long period of continuous activity. The area exhibits a rugged topography with deep, steep-sided valleys, abundant cliffs and many rocky jagged peaks. A number of large rivers, draining eastwards into the Amazon Basin, are characterized by fast and dramatic variations in water level. Run-off is extremely rapid due to high rainfall and steep slopes. Erosion is a constant danger, although controlled by thick forest vegetation. Numerous waterfalls occur, especially in the hanging valleys of the glacial zone along the eastern edge of the Cordillera.
Criterion (ix): The presence of an active volcano means that primary succession is a continual process which influences species composition in a number of special ecosystems in the park, including rainforest, cloud forest, grasslands and moorlands (páramos). For example, many plant species in the páramo, in particular bunch grasses and cushion plants, have adapted to cold weather conditions and have evolved specialised structures for water capture. These areas also provide an excellent example of ongoing succession, where volcanic ash creates fertile soil and new habitats for plant colonization. Although the flora is poorly known, at least 3,000 species are expected to occur in the park and, given the special conditions, probably exhibit a high degree of endemism. At the same time the associated fauna, including a large number of birds and insects, is also expected to be unique. The park comprises two Endemic Bird Areas, the Central Andean páramo (home to some 11 bird species of restricted range), and the Ecuador-Peru East Andes (home to 17 restricted-range species). It is important to note that the high diversity of ecosystems and different vegetation types in the park increases the likelihood of evolutionary changes.
Criterion (x): Natural vegetation has been well conserved and covers around 84.5% of the entire park. With its different ecosystems, the park has the best and least disturbed assemblage of native species in the region. At least 3,000 species of flowering plants are expected to occur in the park and recent reports describe 107 mammal, 430 bird, 33 amphibian, 14 reptile and 17 fish species. Perhaps the highest profile animal is the endangered Mountain Tapir, for which the Sangay Park represents one of its last refuges. The park is also one of the three protected areas with the largest populations of Spectacled Bear, classified as vulnerable. Other emblematic species include the Andean Condor, Andean Cock-of-the-rock, Jaguar and Giant Anteater, classified as vulnerable because its populations are declining in many parts of its range. The Lowland Tapir, another vulnerable rainforest species, only survives in undisturbed areas.
Encyclopedia Record: Sangay National Park
Sangay National Park is a national park located in the Morona-Santiago, Chimborazo, Tungurahua, Cañar, and Azuay provinces of Ecuador. The park contains two active volcanoes, one extinct volcano El Altar. Protecting a range of elevations from 900 to 5,319 meters above sea level, Sangay National Park contains a wide variety of habitats, including glaciers, volcanic landscapes, tropical rainforests, cloud forests, wetlands, grasslands, and one of the largest regions of páramo in Ecuador. 327 lakes feed into a vast wetland system covering 31.5 square kilometers (12.2 sq mi).Additional Site Details
Area: 271,925 hectares
Number of Components: 1
(viii) — Outstanding example representing major earth stages
(ix) — Outstanding example representing ecological and biological processes
(x) — Contains most important habitats for biodiversity
Coordinates: -1.83333 , -78.33333
IUCN World Heritage Outlook
The 2025 Conservation Outlook on Sangay National Park reports the following assessment:
Source: International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) · View assessment
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World Heritage Research
Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Sangay National Park from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.
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Six new species of Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae) from Llanganates National Park and Sangay National Park in Amazonian cloud forests of Ecuador
Researchers have identified six new species of rainfrogs belonging to the genus Pristimantis (Strabomantidae) from Amazonian cloud forests in Ecuador, specifically within Llanganates and Sangay National Parks. These discoveries expand the subgenus Huicundomantis and introduce a highly divergent clade consisting exclusively of newly described species. The study utilized mitochondrial and nuclear gene analyses, including 16S rRNA, 12S rRNA, ND1, and RAG1, alongside high-resolution x-ray computed tomography to describe osteological features. Notably, the new species lack vocal slits and tympanic membranes, distinguishing them from related taxa. All six species are endemic to a single locality within their respective national parks, warranting Data Deficient (DD) Red List status. The findings also report the presence of intercalary elements in two species, marking the first such observation in the subgenus Terrarana.
Ortega, J. A., Brito, J., & Ron, S. R. (2022). Six new species of Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae) from Llanganates National Park and Sangay National Park in Amazonian cloud forests of Ecuador. PeerJ, 10, e13761. Portico. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.13761
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A Nature Tourism Route through GIS to Improve the Visibility of the Natural Resources of the Altar Volcano, Sangay National Park, Ecuador
A new nature tourism route for the Altar Volcano, Sangay National Park, Ecuador, has been designed to enhance visitor experiences while promoting sustainable tourism. The study identified 19 key attractions and structured an itinerary that integrates diverse tourist activities, leveraging GIS mapping (ArcGIS 10.5®) to optimize distances and transportation logistics from base camps. This approach ensures a high level of tourist satisfaction by balancing natural resource visibility with practical accessibility. The research contributes to the sustainable development of tourism in Sangay National Park by providing a scientifically informed framework for future visitor management.
Gavilanes Montoya, A. V., Esparza Parra, J. F., Chávez Velásquez, C. R., Tito Guanuche, P. E., Parra Vintimilla, G. M., Mestanza-Ramón, C., & Vizuete, D. D. C. (2021). A Nature Tourism Route through GIS to Improve the Visibility of the Natural Resources of the Altar Volcano, Sangay National Park, Ecuador. Land, 10(8), 884. https://doi.org/10.3390/land10080884
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Link between cattle and the trophic status of tropical high mountain lakes in páramo grasslands in Ecuador
Extensive cattle grazing in the high-altitude páramo grasslands of Ecuador's Andes significantly influences the trophic status of tropical mountain lakes, with cattle abundance emerging as a key predictor of chlorophyll-a concentrations. A survey of 30 lakes in Cajas National Park revealed that higher cattle presence correlates with increased phytoplankton biomass and shifts in community composition, favoring diatoms and dinoflagellates over chlorophytes. Notably, Lake Culibrillas in Sangay National Park, where livestock farming is more intensive, exhibited chlorophyll-a levels more than double those observed in Cajas NP lakes, marked by a pronounced dinoflagellate bloom. Despite these increases, water quality remained low in eutrophication terms (0.02–1.8 µg/L), suggesting that while current grazing practices do not cause severe degradation, further intensification could deteriorate lake conditions. The study highlights the potential ecological risks of expanding livestock farming in páramo ecosystems.
Van Colen, W., Mosquera, P. V., Hampel, H., & Muylaert, K. (2018). Link between cattle and the trophic status of tropical high mountain lakes in páramo grasslands in Ecuador. Lakes & Reservoirs: Science, Policy and Management for Sustainable Use, 23(4), 303–311. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/lre.12237
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Xylariales: First results of mycological exploration in the Sangay and Llanganates National Park, Ecuador
A mycological exploration of Sangay National Park (SP) and Llanganates National Park (LP), Ecuador, identified eight fungal species belonging to the genus Xylaria within the order Xylariales. Among these, one record remains unidentified at the species level, suggesting it may represent a new species. The study employed bioinformatic tools to analyze ribosomal DNA sequences (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and constructed a Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic tree to assess diversity and relationships among collected samples. These findings provide foundational data for designing conservation strategies aimed at preserving fungal biodiversity in these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Guevara, M.-F., Salazar, P., Mátyás, B., & Ordoñez, M.-E. (2018). Xylariales: First results of mycological exploration in the Sangay and Llanganates National Park, Ecuador. F1000Research, 7, 222. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.13623.1
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Xylariales: First results of mycological exploration in the Sangay and Llanganates National Parks, Ecuador
A mycological exploration of Sangay and Llanganates National Parks, Ecuador, has uncovered eight fungal samples belonging to the genus Xylaria within the order Xylariales. Two of these were identified from Sangay National Park, while six originated from Llanganates. Notably, four samples defied species-level identification, hinting at potential new species. The study employed phylogenetic analysis using Maximum Likelihood methods on ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 ribosomal DNA sequences to achieve taxonomic identification. This research provides foundational biodiversity data crucial for the conservation of fungi in Ecuador's protected areas.
Guevara, M.-F., Mátyás, B., & Ordoñez, M.-E. (2018). Xylariales: First results of mycological exploration in the Sangay and Llanganates National Parks, Ecuador. F1000Research, 7, 222. https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.13623.2
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Analytical methods comparison for soil organic carbon determination in Andean Forest of Sangay National Park-Ecuador
A study comparing two methods for determining soil organic carbon (SOC) in the Andean eyebrow forest of Sangay National Park, Ecuador, found that while both the ignition loss (LOI) and DUMAS combustion methods yield similar SOC measurements (R² = 0.99), the DUMAS method offers greater precision with reduced time and labor requirements. The research involved analyzing soil samples from five plots at four depths (0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, 20-30 cm, >30 cm) across three conglomerates in the southwestern zone of Sangay National Park. Though the correlation between methods was low, DUMAS demonstrated a slightly higher variability (3.38%), likely due to sample volume and equipment precision. These findings suggest that DUMAS combustion is a robust alternative for SOC determination, balancing accuracy with operational efficiency.
Cargua Catagña, F. E., Rodríguez Llerena, M. V., Damián Carrión, D. A., Recalde Moreno, C. G., & Santillán Lima, G. P. (2017). Analytical methods comparison for soil organic carbon determination in Andean Forest of Sangay National Park-Ecuador. Acta Agronómica, 66(3), 408–413. https://doi.org/10.15446/acag.v66n3.52467
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New species of arboreal rat of the genus Rhipidomys (Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae) from Sangay National Park, Ecuador
Researchers have identified a new species of arboreal rat, belonging to the genus Rhipidomys, within Sangay National Park, Ecuador. This discovery was made through a comprehensive analysis combining cranial and external morphology, morphometrics, and phylogenetic studies based on the cytochrome b gene. The new species is distinguished by its relatively small body size (average head–body length 123 mm) and unique cranial features, such as a constricted interorbital region, a barely perceptible postorbital crest in females, and a wide, round braincase. It also exhibits distinctive dental characteristics, including a large and deep hypoflexid on the third molar (m3). This species is currently known only from the southeastern portion of Sangay National Park, suggesting it may be endemic to the Cordillera Oriental of Ecuador. The study further provides insights into its natural history, reproductive behavior, vocalizations, habitat preferences, and phylogenetic placement.
Brito, J. M., Tinoco, N., Chávez, D., Moreno-Cárdenas, P., Batallas, D., & Ojala-Barbour, R. (2017). New species of arboreal rat of the genus Rhipidomys (Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae) from Sangay National Park, Ecuador. Neotropical Biodiversity, 3(1), 65–79. https://doi.org/10.1080/23766808.2017.1292755
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A New Species ofPristimantis(Amphibia: Strabomantidae) from the Cloud Forest of Sangay National Park, Ecuador
Researchers have identified a new species of frog, Pristimantis tinguichaca, within the cloud forests of Sangay National Park, Ecuador. This discovery belongs to the Pristimantis unistrigatus group and is distinguished by unique morphological traits such as small conical tubercles on its upper eyelids and heels, along with a reddish iris. The species also exhibits distinct ulnar and tarsal tubercles and produces a single, sharp metallic call. Stomach content analysis revealed that its diet primarily consists of beetles (51.7%). The study highlights the biodiversity of Sangay National Park and contributes to the understanding of amphibian diversity in Andean cloud forests.
Brito M., J., Ojala-Barbour, R., Batallas R., D., & Almendáriz C., A. (2016). A New Species ofPristimantis(Amphibia: Strabomantidae) from the Cloud Forest of Sangay National Park, Ecuador. Journal of Herpetology, 50(2), 337–344. https://doi.org/10.1670/13-103
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A new species of shrew-opossum (Paucituberculata: Caenolestidae) with a phylogeny of extant caenolestids
Researchers have identified a new species of shrew-opossum, Caenolestes sangay, within Sangay National Park, Ecuador. This discovery expands the known diversity of northern shrew-opossums (Caenolestes), which are endemic to the northern Andes. The new species is characterized by distinctive morphological features, including a large major palatine foramen and a diastema between teeth I4 and C. Phylogenetic analysis suggests C. sangay is closely related to C. caniventer. The study highlights the region's high biodiversity but also underscores threats from habitat fragmentation due to road construction and land conversion. Limited sampling on the eastern Andes slopes restricts a full understanding of its distribution, emphasizing the need for further research in this understudied area.
Ojala-Barbour, R., Pinto, C. M., Brito M., J., Albuja V., L., Lee, T. E., & Patterson, B. D. (2013). A new species of shrew-opossum (Paucituberculata: Caenolestidae) with a phylogeny of extant caenolestids. Journal of Mammalogy, 94(5), 967–982. https://doi.org/10.1644/13-mamm-a-018.1
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Birds, Lower Sangay National Park, Morona-Santiago, Ecuador
A preliminary avifauna inventory of the lower zone of Sangay National Park, Ecuador, recorded 127 bird species across 39 families, including four notable range extensions: White-bearded Hermit, Black-mandibled Toucan, Spectacled Bristle Tyrant, and Wing-banded Wren. The study also documented threatened species such as Wattled Guan, Ecuadorian Piedtail, and Cerulean Warbler, along with reproductive data for the Scaled Pigeon. This represents the first ornithological survey conducted at this specific site within the park, providing critical baseline data for biodiversity assessment in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Guevara, E., Santander, T., Guevara, J. E., Gualotuña, R., & Ortiz, V. (2010). Birds, Lower Sangay National Park, Morona-Santiago, Ecuador. Check List, 6(2), 319. https://doi.org/10.15560/6.2.319
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