Llanganates National Park

Llanganates is a protected area between the Andes and Amazon in Ecuador. Since 1996, it has been considered as “Llanganates National Park.” Llanganates translates to "beautiful hill,” and is rightfully named such as this park boasts stunning lakes, rivers, mountains and cloud forests. While Llanganates National Park’s reputation relies predominantly on its rich biodiversity, the park also holds historic legend and myth of ancient hidden treasure. Legend has it that in ancient times general Rumiñahui ordered here, the burial of the El Dorado treasure. The gold was to pay the Spaniards a ransom for the Inca emperor Atahualpa. Although buried treasure has yet to be found, local and visitors alike enjoy experiencing the natural raw beauty and ecology this region exudes.