Discover a fabled cloud forest, different from the Amazon but equally a rainforest, technically a subtropical montane rainforest. The reserve owns over 400 hectares (4 sq km), helping protect a further 300 hectares beyond its borders. Birders find the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Masked Trogon, Ocellated Tapaculo, Tanager-Finch, and the range-restricted Gorgeted Sunangel among the hummingbirds, while rare mammals including the Olinguito, only formally described as a species in 2013, take refuge alongside unusual insects. A guided naturalist hike of around 2 to 2.5 hours covers the trails, with your guide explaining the ecology and adaptations that allow life to flourish here. Lunch at the lodge is followed by free time before the drive back to Quito.

Highlights

Visit the first private reserve to become protected by the nation: Bellavista Private Protected Area (APPB)
Discover the delicate touch of a hummingbird as it lands on your fingers!
Enjoy a guided naturalist hike within the reserve

Activities

Wildlife Viewing

Places Visited

Activity Level: Relaxed

Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.

Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Bellavista: In the Magical Cloud Forest

1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch

Head out of Quito early in the morning for a scenic drive past the Ecuador Monument, climbing up into the Andes as the city gives way to mountain road views. You arrive at a forest reserve lodge in time for breakfast, with hummingbirds hovering constantly around the feeders close by.

After breakfast, your guide leads you into the cloud forest on foot. The hike covers around 2 to 2.5 hours of forest trails, where your naturalist introduces you to the exuberant vegetation, birdlife, and ecological systems that define this environment. You learn how species here have adapted to life in the cloud forest, and even regular visitors spot something new on every hike. Break for lunch at the lodge, then spend the afternoon exploring the trails on your own before transferring back to Quito.

Dates & Prices

Per person starting at

$123 2-3 travelers

Notes

Select a Date

This Add-on is available only for our travelers extending or customizing their itinerary. Rate based on Shared Guide and Transfers

Payment Details

Terms & Conditions

Included

1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
1 Day Locally Hosted Guide Service
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Shared Guide and Transfers

Excluded

Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)

Map

When to Go

Jan

Feb

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Apr

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Aug

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Oct

Nov

Dec

Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.

Lindsay Gompf

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