Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge

Transfer from your hotel in Quito at around 06.30 to Bellavista lodge. At around 08.30 you arrive at the lodge, have breakfast, and can settle in and enjoy the surroundings.

After lunch you are off on a forest hike and a bit of bird watching if you like.

Dinner is served in our Dome where you can sit and enjoy wonderful views of the cloudforest and watch the hummingbirds up close.

Those with a keen interest in birds and those who want to make the very most out of their stay should join their guide on an early morning bird hike before breakfast. And after a delicious breakfast you are off on a forest hike.

You return to the lodge for a hearty lunch before venturing out into the forest again in the afternoon.

Maybe take a walk to the beautiful Discovery Falls?

And tonight after dinner take your chance to go on a guided night walk – the sounds of the forest by night are unforgettable.

On your last day you still have plenty of time to explore, either by yourself or with your guide.

You can chose to go on another early morning bird hike, or hike along one of the many trails after breakfast.

Lunch is around 13.00 and your transfer back to Quito does not leave until approximately 15.30, so take a last chance to relax in these magical surroundings!

You arrive in Quito around 18.00.

Various trek options within the reserve along the following trails:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tarzan’s Folly Trail: An adventure trail which sweeps you through a deep valley, this trail joins the Giant Antpitta Trail.

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

Ecuador is the second smallest South American country, and one of the most varied.

It comprises three main geographical areas: the coast, highlands and Amazon plus is home to the Galapagos Islands.

Because of its relatively compact size, it makes a great holiday destination as you can move from highlight to highlight fairly easily and rapidly.

Landscapes vary from the drier south to the more humid north.

The Highlands, or sierra, encompass two Andean Cordilleras (the Central and Western), which run north to south through the country. Ecuador’s largest volcano is Chimborazo (6,310m) whose summit, because of its proximity to the equator, is the closest point on earth to the sun. Several of Ecuador’s volcanoes are still active, and it’s a great area for trekking.

Descending the steep, east-facing slopes of the eastern Cordillera, one passes through a transition zone comprising dense cloud forest and humid high jungle, before entering the Amazon lowlands.

This mainly primary rainforest covers a third of the country, accounts for 5% of the population and stretches across Ecuador, from its Colombian to its Peruvian borders.

The Galapagos Islands are simply unique. Lying 600 miles off the mainland, the archipelago comprises the summits of gigantic equatorial volcanoes.

The flora and fauna of the Galapagos, long separated from their continental cousins, have evolved differently. Charles Darwin used his observations there to develop his theory of Evolution.

Ecuador lies between latitudes 4º south and 2º north. Overall, climate varies according to time of year, altitude and region.

The Sierra 

In the Ecuadorian highlands, there is little temperature variation by season as temperature depends largely on altitude.

In Quito, shade temperatures range from 6 to 10ºC in the morning and from 19 to 23ºC in the afternoon, with cool nights. In the lower basins between mountains, it gets significantly warmer.

Rainfall depends on whether an area lies closer to the eastern or western Andes. To the west, June-Sept is the dry period and Oct-May the wet (with often a short, dry spell in Dec or Jan).

The best period to visit Quito and trek and climb volcanoes such as Cotopaxi is the west Andean dry season of June-Sept and Dec/Jan. This is also Ecuador’s high season. During the Oct-May wet season, most rainfall is in the afternoons.

To the east, Oct to Feb are dry and Mar-Sept are wet. Overall, the southern highlands are drier than the northern highlands.

The Coast

On the Pacific coast, rainfall becomes less from north to south. The coast can be enjoyed year-round, although from June-Sept mornings are often grey with the garua mists.

Jan-May is the hottest and rainiest time of year.

The Amazon

In Ecuador’s Amazonian region, rain can fall at any time, but Dec-March is usually the driest season and Mar-Sept is usually the wettest period.

The Galapagos Islands

Galapagos can be visited at any time of year.

The warm season is Jan-Jun, bringing calm, warm waters (around 70°F) and sunny days (72-9°F or 22-32°C), February and March being the hottest and sunniest months with blue skies and sunshine.

The islands receive slightly more rainfall during these months, occasional heavy bursts in the afternoon. Great for snorkelling and you can spend a lot of time in the water without wetsuits, with great, clear waters.

The dry ‘garua’ season is Jun-Dec an it’s a great time for marine life. August and September are the coolest when you may need a jacket in the evenings and the sea can be choppy and temperature drops around 15-24ºC on average.

There can be mist on the islands in the mornings (garua) which usually burns off by midday leaving overcast skies or a sunny afternoon.

Sea temperatures may drop to 60°F- 72°F (15-22°C) during this time and snorkellers will want a wet suit for prolonged periods in the sea.