Bellivista Cloud Forest Reserve

Located in the heart of the cloud forest, Bellavista is a place for adventure, relaxation and contact with the plants, birds and animals of the cloud forest. The Lodge is located deep in the forest on a quiet road less than 2 hours from Quito. The property of the Bellavista Reserve is in the Tandayapa Valley where 340 species of birds can be found. It is over 700 hectares in size and contains 4 waterfalls and a network of trails over 10 km in length. The Lodge offers guided hikes with emphasis on natural history, birds and botany.

Guests at Bellavista are offered a unique stay above the canopy in a 4 story, thatch-roofed geodesic dome. The rooms are original and comfortable and all have balconies and private bathrooms with hot water. The dome offers a 360 degree view of the cloud forest and views of the rugged peaks of mountains in the distance. At the lodge, the staff is friendly, the atmosphere is relaxing and the food is delicious. The kitchen staff provides the finest in Ecuadorian and international cuisine and refreshments.

What is a Cloud Forest?

Cloud forests, correctly termed pre-montane/subtropical rain forests, cloak the steep slopes of the Andes from about 900 meters to about 2500 meters. They are forests of high biodiversity, with a profusion of little-studied wildlife and plants. Bellavista is at the southern edge of the Choco/Andean hotspots of biodiversity - that stretches from south western Colombia to northwestern Ecuador. And equally important, Bellavista is part of the Mindo Area of International Importance for Birds, the first area so designated in South America, by Birdlife International in 1997.

The Bellavista Trails

A: Antpitta Trail: The Giant Antpitta has occasionally been seen and filmed here. An easy trail, great for viewing bird flocks and botanical exploration

C: Chaquiñan Trail: An ancient trail that snakes down the mountain to the town of Tandayapa

D: Discovery Falls Trail: A trail that takes you from the "H" trail to a small waterfall with a stream cascading down the mountain

F: Field Trail: Takes you through a regenerating forest with spectacular views of the dome and the valley

G: Grotto Trail: A short trail off the Tarzan's Folly Trail to a mossy overhang.

H: Heliconia Trail: This trail takes you past distant views of parallel ridges into a towering old-growth forest

O: Ocellated Tapaculo Trail: The Ocellated Tapaculo can be seen in the bamboo thickets on this trail. Trail is steep in some areas.

R: Ridge Trail: This trail leads you through a dense bamboo forest to a breathtaking look out point

S: Stream Trail: Possibilities for exploration abound on this trail, also you can scramble up to the Hidden Falls, a true adventure.

T: Tarzan's Folly Trail: An adventure trail which sweeps you through a deep valley, this trail joins the Giant Antpitta Trail.

W: Water Trail: This is a steep climb close to the dome with superb views of primeval forest.

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