Mindo is located in the western cloud forest of Ecuador. It is known for its high bio-diversity of flora and fauna and it famous for the abundance of bird life.
Bellavista is a protected reserve that was totally reforested after having been pasture land. Only in the very steep slopes there where reminiscent of native flora and thanks to it, the reforestation occurred quite rapidly and the diversity came back as well. Now you can follow paths with lush secondary forest where you can find islands of primary forest. The area surrounding the Hotel has many colorfour flowers that attracts hummingbirds and also there are quite a few hummingbird feeders, which is a photographer paradise to capture birds in flight and feeding.
Enjoy a superb day tour from Quito into the Cloud Forest, spending the day around Bellavista Cloud Forest accompanied by an expert guide.
An early start (6:30) is required to make the most of the day. Depart Quito with your own driver and guide, passing the Ecuador Monument, and shortly afterwards start dropping from the inter-Andean valley to the Mindo - Tambillo protected mountain forest.
The views are superb on the 90-minute drive.
Once at Bellavista, the hummingbirds will take your full attention! Large numbers hover constantly around the feeders, and it is easy to identify six to ten species at very close range.
After breakfast on arrival, a naturalist guide will take you on a hike for 2 to 2.5 hours into the forest.
Your guided hike will acquaint you with the exuberant vegetation of the Cloud Forest, its bird life, and the fascinating adaptations to life in this fascinating environment.
Every hike reveals something new, even for those that live in the forest every day!
After the hike, a hearty lunch is served in the circular restaurant in the dome, with breathtaking views.
After lunch, there is the option to relax and watch the hummingbirds and admire the constantly changing play of cloud and light, or go for a self-guided hike on the easy to follow trails, which are safe and well marked.
Your driver will expect you back at the dome at 3 pm for the return to your hotel in Quito.
