Sumaco Napo-Galeras National Park

Understand

This is a very large park, covering an area of more than 200,000 hectares. The park is very difficult to access, without roads or other infrastructure. It is best explored by travelers with backcountry skills and experience accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. Treks can be arranged by tour operators in Quito.

Volcán Sumaco Sumaco is an active stratovolcano that is estimated to have last erupted around 1895, though the date is imprecise because the location is so remote that nobody noticed or recorded the event. Sumaco is unlike other volcanoes in Ecuador in that it is away from the cluster of volcanoes in the Andes mountains and analysis of its lava shows that it draws from a different subterranean source and has a different origin than any other Ecuadorian volcano. The volcano has a broad crater covered in jungle foliage with a small crater lake.

History The park was created as part of the Ecuador national parks system in 1994. UNESCO declared the park part of its UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2000.

Landscape The park is part of the Amazon basin and is dense jungle surrounding the volcanic peak of Sumaco. Most of the landscape is dominated by lush vegetation with towering trees.

Flora and fauna

The park is known as one of the most biodiverse places on Earth with thousands of plant species and more than 830 cataloged bird species. High numbers of reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and insects are also recorded in the park. Mammals include big cats like the jaguar and puma as well as endemic species like the giant anteater. Numerous kinds of moneys, from howlers to tamarins, are found in the park and the monkeys seem less timid around humans, few of whom have ever ventured into the park.

Climate

Getting there

The nearest airport with commercial flights is in Quito (UIO IATA). The park is 100 km southeast of Quito, 50 km east of the Andes mountains. Although highways surround the park, there is only one practical access point: Pacto Sumaco, which is near El Chaco. Tour operators in Quito can arrange treks to the park that include ground transportation as well as local guides in the park.

By bus From Quito's Terminal Carcelén, a daily bus operated by Cooperativa de Transportes Loja Internacional goes to El Chaco. The 2-hour trip costs about US$10. From El Chaco, local transportation can be used to reach Pacto Sumaco.

By car From Quito, it is normally a 100-km drive (2-hours) to El Chaco via highway E20. The road is occasionally closed due to landslides. When this happens, the alternate route is a 400-km drive that takes over 7 hours via the Panamericana highway E35, south of Quite, then east and north. Continue on Carr. Panamericana/Troncal de la Sierra/E35. Take E30, Ecuador 45/E45 and E20 to Via Pacto Sumaco in Napo

Do

Backpacking Birdwatching Hiking Mountaineering

Sleep

Backcountry Backcountry camping is allowed but there are no improved camping areas in the park. Follow the advice of your guide regarding site selection and equipment provisioning.