Bellavista Cloud Forest

Mindo, Otavalo & Mindo, Ecuador
15 rooms / stars / $280

A Natural Sanctuary
Close to Mindo, 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.

To create a space for active cloud forest conservation, and to offer educational recreation and a place for contemplation for visitors of all ages from all over the world".

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 rain forest - among a small handful of internationally recognized hotspots of biodiversity - that stretches from southwestern 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 New York Botanical Gardens wrote that the diversity of epiphytes ("air plants" that grow on other plants) is higher in the cloud forests of Ecuador, Colombia and Peru than anywhere else on the planet.

The Reserve
Conservation and ecotourism are buzzwords with a meaning. As a visitor you 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 1,650 to 2,350 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.

Lodging
Live a truly original yet comfortable lodging experience in the lodge''''s Geodesic Dome, the Trailhead House,the Bamboo House or the House in the Woods.
-Comfort, gourmet food and good wines.
-Belief in personalized service.
-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.

Things to do at Bellavista
. Birding 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 (10-101!) 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.
. Packages with transport available from Quito or elsewhere.
. Time to simply relax during your visit to Ecuador.

Room details: 15 rooms with private bath, and in the dome the top two storeys offer shared bath option.