Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge and Regional Nature Tours

• Galapagos Cruises
• Galapagos Tours -  Single Hotel-based
• Galapagos Tours -  Island Hopping
• Amazon Lodges and  Cruises
• Cloud Forest Lodges
• weekly regular mainland tours
• Best of Ecuador and Galapagos Tour
• Suggested  Tours
• Multisport Tours
• Walking Tours​
• Northern Ecuador Bicycle Tour
• Self-drive Tours
• Pacific Coast Cruise

The Bellavista Reserve is located in the spectacular cloud forests of northwestern Ecuador, on the edge of the Choco bio-region, one of the most biodiverse areas in the world.The expanding 2,000 acre reserve hasdeeply forested mountains which descend into gorges sprinkled with cascading waterfalls and crystalline streams.

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Only two hours from Quito, Bellavista is an ideal place for comfortable adventure and relaxation. It's a great option for those traveling to the Galapagos and don't have time for a trip to the Amazon. But above all, Bellavista is a wonderful place for discovering the cloud forest and its magical diversity of bird and plant life. And perhaps most importantly, you can walk the trails in peace at your own pace without bumping into crowds of other people.

They offer  guests a unique stay above the forest canopy! Some prefer their new Superior rooms while others prefer the  Mirador Suite, the unusual Bamboo House, the half-timbered Trailhead House , the 4-story, thatch-roofed geodesic dome,  or the House in the Woods.

• Rooms offer views towards daybreak and the Pichincha Volcano, or deep into the Tandayapa Valley .. often with a chance to watch the mist rise from the deep valleys below. Relax in your room and lose yourself in the deep green of the forest around you.
• The 360 degree view from the dome allows you to gaze upon the rugged peaks of Pichincha and Cotacachi in the distance.
• You can also sit out on your private balcony and observe the activity at your own hummingbird feeder. 
• The 4 new superior rooms are large, with vast views towards the Pichincha Volcano and beds that are fully 2 meters (6'6" long).
• The Bamboo House has 3 rooms, including the upstairs rooms with 4 beds and access to a 2 story balcony with a true bird´s eye view of the Tandayapa Valley! 
• The Trailhead or German House has two floors and is decorated in the Bellavista style. It can accommodate a family of 6 on the second floor and has 1 twin and 1 double room on the first floor. Pichincha view and Tandayapa Suite offer 2 further options for couples, twins or small families. 
• and if you like quirky accommodation, tree-house style, the Geodesic dome offer pie-shaped rooms with private bath and 2 storys with shared bath for a true experience of 360 degree views. 

Superior room

The lodging offers all the comforts of home: hot showers, comfortable beds, friendly staff, plenty of relaxation, and delicious food.

That makes a total of 18 rooms with private bath, and 10 beds in shared accommodation, so families and larger groups can be accommodated in comfort.  They also offer a research station/hostel, where student groups are accommodated in simple bunk bed accommodation in a different area of the 2000 acre reserve.

The kitchen staff provides the finest in Ecuadorian and international cuisine (local trout is a specialty, also meat-based dishes, vegetarian options, good salads. Allergies, etc. are catered for) and refreshments (wine, beer, juices and colas). In early 2017, they will offer a completely new resaurant area with sweeping views towards Pichincha!

Staff speaks English, Spanish, French, and German.

• The Bellavista Reserve is composed of of 700 hectares (2000 acres) of subtropical pre-montane cloud forest. The elevation ranges between 1400 and 2600 meters above sea level, with an average mean temperature of 14-22 degrees celsius.
• Bellavista's forest contains a high level of epiphyte (plants that grow on other plants) diversity, so trees are festooned with hanging gardens of guest plants.
• Because of the steep slopes, light penetrating the forest floor allows a veritable jungle to grow. This forest contains a high level of epiphyte (plants that grow on other plants) diversity, and within this enchanting green kingdom a profusion of life awaits discovery:  trees are festooned with hanging gardens of Bromeliads, Orchids and Mosses, as well as the fascinating families of Gesneraceae and Melastomataceae. Since Bellavista is located on the equator, flowers are in bloom year round.

Bellavista Reserve is affiliated with the Foundation for the Conservation of Northwest Ecuador,  a conservation organization being set up for the preservation of cloud forests in the Western Andes of Ecuador (as well as other regions), for educational, scientific, and recreational purposes. The Reserve's goal is to educate the public about the significance of biodiversity in tropical cloud forests and the ever increasing importance of protecting these unique ecosystems.

• Within this magical place of mist and mystery, Bellavista and the Tandayapa Valley boasts 320 recorded species of birds...and the list continues to grow!
• The Tanager-finch, Giant Antpitta, Swallow-tailed Nightjar, Plush-capped Finch, Beautiful Jay, Plushcap,  Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Toucan Barbet and White-faced Nunbird are all found here.
• Birders and nature lovers alike thrill to the sight of brightly colored tanagers , and everybody loves to simply sit in front of the Trogon's Lounge and admire the multitude of hummingbirds hovering around the feeders.  Even the names are amazing - Violet-tailed Sylph, Booted Rackettail, and Andean Emerald.
• Bellavista's resident mammals include the endangered Andean Spectacled Bear, (rarely seen but protected by the reserve), as well as the puma, Jaguarundi, Kinkajoo and Andean coati, as well as the sleek tayra (Giant Weasel) that often visits in the mornings!

An Olinguito has started to visit the lodge regularly and very visibly every evening. This highly attractive animal is the first new mammal discovered by science in the Americas  in the past 35 years, so to have such high probability of seeing this animal at close quarters at Bellavista is truly something special! An overnight stay is required.

​Andean Spectacled Bear signs are frequently seen on the trails, and occasionally somebody sees one of these wonderful and harmless animals up close.  Just to know such a fascinating and rare (sadly endangered) species moves through the reserve is fantastic! As they very recently downloaded the photos on one of the camera traps, they found photographs of a large bear (likely a male)  breaking down a heart of palm tree, and eating the freshly-forming leaves  .. and less than 10 minutes walk on an easy trail from the Lodge! Bellavista is part of the recently- declared "Corredor del Oso (Corridor of the Spectacled Bear, which is working to protect bears and conserve their habitat in the Quito Metropolitan District.

​Whether you want to catch sight of the of epiphytes on an easy trail near the lodge bushwack with machetes through the Valley of Mist, hike upstream to the Hidden Falls, or just relax in a hammock in the whirring company of fearless hummingbirds, Bellavista is a great place to commune with nature -- and yourself. Their bilingual guides are knowledgeable in tropical ecology and are familiar with the forest's elusive inhabitants (birds, mammals, lizards, and more). Let us know what discovery experience you are craving and their guides will custom-tailor your days' adventures. (Rubber boots are provided.)

"Bellavista is FANTASTIC. I was thinking of it as a bookend to my trip, not expecting too much. Truly wonderful how they've set up everything there. Richard is amazing (didn't meet Gloria). 
 All in all, I've highly recommended you already to all my friends!! Thanks again"  Cara 

"We had a wonderful time at Bellavista Lodge.  All of the transfers went smoothly, the lodge was very comfortable, the staff was friendly and helpful, and, with the help of our expert guide, Juan Carlos Crespo, we enjoyed some excellent birding during our four-day Birding Bonanza.  We were surprised at how few other birders were there, so we are trying to spread the word in our local birding community. Thanks very much for your help in making the booking and other arrangements, and for answering all of our questions.  You made it all easy for us." Rachel and Joseph 

                                       2 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - At 6:30 AM your driver will collect you at your hotel. We’ll start driving along the Calacali – Nanegalito road with colorful landscapes and ever-changing vistas all the way Somewhere
along the road we will turn left and on to the secondary road which for about 30 more minutes will take as to Bellavista Lodge,
perched on top of the Tandayapa Valley. Arrival at Bellavista. Your guides will greet you here and will show you your room and facilities before going for breakfast.

Settle in after breakfast and then meet your guide at an appointed place in the lodge for short briefing, and right away your hike will commence. Your guide will choose the best trails and hike
options according to the group size (no more than 7 hikers), weather and trail conditions. After 2 or more hours of easy and very educative hike, you are back in the lodge for lunch.

PM: your package includes another forest hike into a different trail among the man trails in Bellavista – discover the ecology of this
mysterious forest. Dinner and overnight You may well get a good sighting of the delightful Olinguito, right at the Lodge!

​Day 2 -  As your guide had mentioned the day before, today you
have the option (included in your package) to go on this early
6:15 / 6.30 AM morning bird hike. Your guide will only be
focusing on the birds of Bellavista, all around the Lodge. At 8:00 AM we serve our special Bellavista breakfast. Once again and as appointed by your guide, you will meet and chat about your next hike. Different trails every time, perhaps this time you will go and discover our waterfalls along the adventurous Yumbo / Immersion Trail. Lunch at 1 PM.

At 3:00 PM and after looking at our great selection of souvenirs or extras, you driver will be waiting for you to embark for your transfer back to Quito City. At around 5 PM you will be arriving back at your hotel in Quito.

End of the trip!

Note: Various types of hikes are offered, from leisurely hikes to full-scale adventures!

Cock-of-the-Rock Option on day 2 - 
4:45 AM Departure with private transfer to a local reserve
to experience the Cock-of-the-Rock lek, and possibly other
avian wonders. Back to lodge about 8:30 AM for breakfast
and guided hike in Bellavista. Rest of day as on regular day 2.

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                    3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: as on 2 day itinerary above

Day 2: AM: Early morning bird hike. If you are not a birder, just
lie down and listen to the awakening of the forest as the
sun appears and sets the world in motion.
8:00 AM: Breakfast, further guided hikes for discovery of the exuberant forests around the lodge are as planned in your package or just relax in our lounge or talk to your guide for any Day Excursions we may have available for today outside Bellavista!

PM: An option to go and discover the trails on your own, along the self-guided trail or by the aid of our trail-map. This will definitely be a highly exciting moment. Or, join your included guided hike
with your guide at 3 PM or just sit and chat with other guests while watching the feeders at close quarters full of hummingbirds of 10-12 different species! Dinner and overnight.​

Day 3: As your guide had mentioned the day before, today you
have the option (included in your package) to go on this early
6:15 / 6.30 AM morning bird hike. Your guide will only be
focusing on the birds of Bellavista, all around the Lodge. At 8:00 AM we serve our special Bellavista breakfast. Once again and as appointed by your guide, you will meet and chat about your next hike. Different trails every time, perhaps this time you will go and discover our waterfalls along the adventurous Yumbo / Immersion Trail. Lunch at 1 PM.

At 3:00 PM and after looking at our great selection of souvenirs or extras, you driver will be waiting for you to embark for your transfer back to Quito City. At around 5 PM you will be arriving back at your hotel in Quito. End of the trip!

Note: Various types of hikes are offered, from leisurely hikes to full-scale adventures!

Cock-of-the-Rock Option on day 2 - 
4:45 AM Departure with private transfer to a local reserve
to experience the Cock-of-the-Rock lek, and possibly other
avian wonders. Back to lodge about 8:30 AM for breakfast
and guided hike in Bellavista. Rest of day as on regular day 2.

NOTE THAT THIS 3 DAY PACKAGE CAN EASILY BE EXTENDED AN EXTRA DAY OR MORE! 

2025 Package Prices: including accommodation, round trip transportation from Quito, guide service for 3 hikes a day and meals. Tax and Service are included. Note: Specialist birding guide, or individually exclusive guide service, costs extra. 

​Transfers from/to Tababela airport, south Quito and surrounding valleys are available at moderate extra cost. 

2 days/1 night	-	-	-
-	Sup	Stan	Dome
1 person	$388	$332	$285
2 or more	$322	$287	$235
child 5-11	$183	$161	$137
with Cock-of-the-Rock	-	-	-
1 person	$490	$438	$406
2 or more	$384	$349	$322
child 5-11	$228	$207	$190
3 days/2nights	-	-	-
1 person	$483	$432	$370
2 or more	$449	$392	$337
child 5-11	$249	$222	$190
with Cock-of-the-Rock	-	-	-
1 person	$580	$523	$472
2 or more	$501	$453	$408
child 5-11	$290	$265	$244

CANCELLATION POLICIES
More than 30 days - $35
29 days to 15 days 30%
14 days to 7 days 60%
6 days or less or no show 100% 

Extended Packages
​for More Birding

    Optional Day Tours at Extra Cost

• Hummingbird Garden 1 - Beautiful hummingbird and tanager garden on the banks of the Alambi River. The variety of birds is frankly incredible! Sometimes you can see quetzals…
•  Hummingbird Garden 2 - This particular garden is well-known for its photography options, often offering good close-ups of 2 species of toucan.
•  Hummingbird Garden 3 - The startlingly beautiful Velvet-purple Coronet is often seen here!
•  MINDO VALLEY - Mindo and region (that includes Bellavista of course!) is the most famous site in Ecuador for bird watching. A lower elevation means different species to enjoy. The small town is well set-up for nature activities in general—and if you have a taste for adventure, learning about chocolate, etc., a day spent here is well worthwhile.
  
•  El Quetzal Chocolate Factory - Chocolate, from the bean to the final delicious product... discover the whole process here at this well-known chocolate factory.
•  Orchid Farm - The dedication with which this small but highly productive orchid garden has been created by the owners is exemplary.
•  Butterfly Farm - Learn about the life-cycle of these beautiful animals. Colorful butterflies fly around you, and the most amazingly camouflaged pupae are on display.
•  Tubing tour -  Sit in these “boats” created of three or four large inflated inner tubes… you float down the rushing river and ride up and over the rocks without danger
•  Canopy Zipline Tour - Flying over the canopy of the cloud forest, trees far below. Safe but exhilarating!
•  Cock-of-the-Rock Lek -  The experience of the bright red-coloured Cock-of-the -Rock males prancing on the branches screeching their individual beauty to the elusive females, is something you should not miss…
•  Antpittas Reserve - The owner of this piece of forest has succeeded in getting these normally elusive forest birds to come very close... various species can be seen.
•  Milpe Reserve -  Feeders at this lower elevation reserve bring in Rufous Motmot, various species of toucan and more avian surprises such as Club-winged Manakin
•  Silanche Reserve - Speciality birds include Choco Trogon and Bi-coloured Antbird
  
• Umbrella Bird Lek - Imagine a bird whose male displays a long feathered beard … 
•  Amagusa Garden - Great for Moss-backed Tanager, Glistening-green Tanager, and Choco Vireo
•  Santa Rosa Garden - A photographer´s Paradise... bright tanagers including Black-chinned Mountain-Tanager and others – some seen with their reflection in small natural pools.
•  Tulipe Museum - The indigenous pre-Incan Yumbo culture created pools, which would have been filled with water to reflect the constellations and make decisions for crops and festivities. An informative on-site museum makes this a very interesting excursion.
•  Yanacocha Reserve - High elevation birding includes the Sword-billed Hummingbird, Sapphire-vented Puffleg, White-throated Screech-Owl.
•  Oilbird Cave - Quite a spectacle, these birds use large caves over water as their roost
•  Coffee Farm - Learn the process for this universal beverage. Shade-grown organic coffee in harmony with the forest.
•  Panela Operation (Sugar Cane) Piles of sugar cane are crushed, and the juice boiled in large vats to create thick raw brown sugar called “panela”
•  Antisana Reserve - A majestic volcano, and the best place in Ecuador to see the Andean Condor soaring overhead or at its cliff-top nesting sites. Spectacled Bear sometimes seen too!
•  Zuroloma - A new reserve well- known for special high altitude species: Buff- tailed Mountain-Tanager, Chestnut- naped Antpitta and even the rare Black- breasted Puffleg if we are really lucky!