Ecuador Holidays – Bellavista Lodge, the Hummingbird Paradise and Cloudforest Reserve in Ecuador

Deep in the heart of the cloud forest, where clouds and trees blend in a tapestry of mystery and magic, discover a protected reserve with an overwhelming profusion of life. It’s a place for adventure, relaxation and deep contact with nature, home to hundreds of species of plants, birds and other animals. Immerse yourself in this natural sanctuary in the company of those who have dedicated their lives to conserve this unique place.

Conservation and ecotourism are buzzwords with a meaning. You as a visitor help directly in a viable effort to preserve and learn from the forest. Bellavista started in 1991 as a partially deforested farm of 55 hectares, which was purchased by a British–Colombian couple, Richard and Gloria. It has grown through further purchases, and additions by like–minded people, to become a reserve of 700 hectares in the buffer zone of the Mindo – Nambillo Protected Forest. Areas of disturbed forest have regenerated, and now 10 km of trails lead through primary and secondary forest, and to hidden waterfalls. And moreover, Bellavista is one of the first 13 officially certified ecotourism projects in Ecuador.

At an elevation of 1650 to 2350 meters, with plunging valleys and tall trees festooned with orchids and bromeliads, Bellavista is a perfect place to discover the beauty of a cloud forest. The elevation is too high for malaria to survive, and there are no hidden dangers in the forest. Restricted range birds such as the Plate–billed Mountain Toucan, the Toucan Barbet, and the rare Tanager–Finch live here.

Live a truly original, comfortable lodging experience in our Geodesic Dome, the Trailhead House,the Bamboo House or the House in the Woods. In addition, we offer the Research Station/Hostel or camping for the budget–minded. Naturalmente hablamos español, English spoken, on parle français, man spricht deutsch.

–Comfort, gourmet food and good wines combined with unique lodging.
–We believe in personalized service, and strive to provide the ingredients for your own, individual experience.
–Exploration of an exquisite cloud forest.
–Colourful birds and beautiful orchids.
–Magical trails and waterfalls.
–Opportunities to explore the undiscovered northwest of Ecuador.
–Idyllic setting for retreats and honeymoons.
–Relaxation and peace.

* Birding here is always productive, from the joy of watching hummingbirds on your private balcony, to explorations to find elusive forest species. 320 species of birds have been recorded in the Tandayapa Valley – a true birding paradise!
* Hikes through primary and secondary forests – immerse yourself in the magic of this peaceful place.
* Naturalist guides and specialist birding guides available.
* Horse–back riding: short rides in the Bellavista area, or whole day tours in the region.
* Self–guided trail: take this option designed for schools and young people of all ages (10 to 101!) who want to discover and experience the forest alone or with special friends, or of course with a naturalist guide.
* Natural history study programmes can be arranged for interested groups.
* Waterfall discovery: the exuberance and joy of discovering something truly pristine and wild, where few people have walked.
* Day trips to elfin forest on the Nono road, higher elevation forest, different wildlife.
* Day trips to Mindo with its butterfly farm, orchid farm, and different bird species to be discovered.
* Mountain biking from Quito or within the region.
* Visit to the "Mitad del Mundo" (Equator Monument) possible en route to or from Bellavista.
* In the rainy season, combine with rafting trips on the rushing rivers of the northwest.
* Day trip to new archaeological sites at Tulipe.

Day Trip: Leaving Quito early at 6.30 a.m., this option is excellent when your clients schedule an extra day in Quito, and are possible to arrange at the last minute. Breakfast and lunch included, and guided naturalist hikes.
2 days / 1 night: Leaving Quito after breakfast, this package includes various hikes – birding, cloud forest ecology, waterfalls, etc. Return to Quito late afternoon, 2nd day.
3 days / 2 nights: The additional day gives more hiking, birding, exploration options to clients, and importantly the time to relax! Our various optional day trips are recommended for this and longer overnight packages.
4 days / 3 nights: Gives time to fully explore Bellavista. Again, day trip options are worth considering. In the rainy season, adventure–oriented clients can combine this with a white–water rafting trip at the beginning or end of the trip.
Longer packages: Popular with those looking to truly unwind, also avid birders, orchid specialists, photographers and artists, and of course day trip options.

1 Day trip
	1 person	2 persons	3 to 4 persons	5 or more
USD	$ 99	$ 79	$ 73	$ 63
EUR	€ 82	€ 65	€ 60	€ 52
GBP	£ 55	£ 44	£ 40	£ 35

2 days /1 night
	2nd floor (private bath)		3rd floor (shared facilities)		children under 12 years of age
	1 person	2 or more	1 person	2 or more	2nd floor	3rd floor
USD	$ 173	$ 142	$ 149	$ 116	$ 86	$ 69
EUR	€ 143	€ 117	€ 123	€ 96	€ 71	€ 57
GBP	£ 96	£ 79	£ 83	£ 64	£ 48	£ 38

3 days / 2 night
	2nd floor (private bath)		3rd floor (shared facilities)		children under 12 years of age		Extra nights adults
	1 person	2 or more	1 person	2 or more	2nd floor	3rd floor	2nd floor	3rd floor
USD	$ 213	$ 197	$ 173	$ 156	$ 118	$ 93	$ 55	$ 40
EUR	€ 176	€ 163	€ 143	€ 129	€ 97	€ 77	€ 45	€ 33
GBP	£ 119	£ 110	£ 96	£ 87	£ 66	£ 52	£ 30	£ 22

Bellavista Hummingbird Paradise and Cloudforest Reserve

"Ecuador"