Ecuador has a large number of protected natural areas, nature reserves and national parks. You will find them in all regions of the country and you can get to know the country’s pristine flora and fauna. But the protected nature of the natural areas is often trampled on; you will find in some “protected” areas, in addition to traditional Indian communities, villages of indigenes, haciendas, and in some natural areas in the Amazon you will even find petroleum companies.

The boundaries of the parks are rarely accurately described and the few park rangers who work there usually sit at the entrance to the parks. Furthermore, the infrastructure in the parks is either basic or non-existent. Natural areas are divided into categories. The national park is the most accessible park, with park rangers and limited infrastructure. There are 9 areas with national park status. The reserves are theoretically more protected for their natural value than the parks. Tourism is not encouraged there: the reserves are often difficult to access.