The Cloud Forest Tours & Holidays
The Cloud Forest Small Group Tours & Tailor-Made Holidays
Stretching from Quito to Colombia, the Northern Sierra is taken up by 'cloud forest' the name given to a particular type of ecosystem that plays host to vegetation found between 900 and 2,500m on the slopes of the Andes. These forests have high levels of biodiversity with plunging valleys filled with tall, orchid-festooned trees and a plethora of plants, birds and mammals, making the region a delight for anyone with an interest in ecology. The Bellavista Cloud Reserve spans ...
Stretching from Quito to Colombia, the Northern Sierra is taken up by 'cloud forest' the name given to a particular type of ecosystem that plays host to vegetation found between 900 and 2,500m on the slopes of the Andes. These forests have high levels of biodiversity with plunging valleys filled with tall, orchid-festooned trees and a plethora of plants, birds and mammals, making the region a delight for anyone with an interest in ecology. The Bellavista Cloud Reserve spans 700 hectares and is one of 12 officially certified eco-tourism projects in the country, dedicated to education and preservation of the cloud forest. The trails here are all graded from easy to challenging and lead to areas of astounding natural beauty. Another popular town and jump off point to explore the Ecuadorian cloud forests is Mindo. Hiking, bird watching, horse riding and guided walks with local naturalists are normally advised to make the most of your time in the region.
Best experiences
Be immersed in steamy cloud forest
After a quick stop to peek inside the Pululahua volcanic crater you reach the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve. Spend the day hiking through the clouds and taking in the panoramic views and nature with over 170 species of birds, and many endemic.
Search for the Cock of the Rock
One of the truly spectacular birds of the Andes is the Cock of the Rock. Start a very early cloud forest hike in the San Lorenzo Mountain Range to find these unique birds and many others like the Golden-headed Quetzal and Choco Toucan.
Admire cloud forest butterflies
From Quito, a visit to the Pahuma Orchid Reserve is en route to Mindo. Here, observe the four stages of a butterfly’s life in the butterfly garden and feed one of the 25 species as you’re surrounded by a rainbow of flying colourOUR FAVOURITE PLACES TO STAY
Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve Lodge, Bellavista Cloud Forest
A truly unique place to stay, Bellavista is an ecolodge in an idyllic natural setting. Guests can stay above the forest canopy, some prefer the wonderful four-storey, thatch-roofed geodesic dome while…
El Monte Sustainable Lodge, Mindo
Located in the heart of the lush Mindo Cloud Forest, the quaint El Monte Sustainable Lodge offers a riverside haven for nature lovers on the banks of the Mindo River. Here you will find simplicity and…