In 2001 the WWF (World Wildlife Fund) and the Natura Foundation determined the existence of an ecological corridor among the Sangay and Llanganates Parks (National Heritage Sites). This area of 42.052 hectares is endowed with an exceptional biodiversity and the biggest variety of orchids in the world; many are endemic of the area. Because of this in 2002 the WWF nominated this Ecological Corridor in the basin of the Pastaza river a "Gift to the Earth", only the second in Ecuador after the Galapagos Islands and one of only a handful in the hemisphere.

The location of Baños at the very entrance of this corridor offers a unique opportunity for Ecotourism in the area.