Swap Quito’s skyline for moss-draped trunks and dawn choruses on a two-day stay at Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge. This short trip pairs early-morning birding with an easy waterfall visit and an intimate lodge experience in the high cloud forest.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Dawn arrives as a slow, green exhale—clouds slide through the canopy and the trail glistens with droplets. At Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge you trade Quito’s concrete horizon for a moss-streaked world where orchids cling to trunks and hummingbirds patrol the air like tiny, bright punctuation marks.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 days
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to handle 1.5–4 km walks on uneven, sometimes steep terrain and early starts
Wildlife
History
The reserve sits on volcanic Andean foothills historically used by Indigenous and mestizo communities for agriculture and forest stewardship.
Conservation
Bellavista contributes to regional conservation by protecting cloud-forest fragments and promoting low-impact tourism; visitors should stay on trails and avoid single-use plastics.
Reserve your spot on the Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge / 2 day tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Rise early for birding
Bird activity peaks before and just after sunrise — be at the trailhead with binoculars and a headlamp.
Layer for variable mountain weather
Temperatures swing quickly in the cloud forest; pack a light insulating layer and a waterproof shell.
Footwear for wet, rooted trails
Sturdy, grippy hiking shoes or light boots reduce slip risk on muddy sections and stream crossings.
Bring insect protection
Mosquitoes and midges increase at lower elevations and near water; use repellent and consider a long-sleeve layer.
Waterproof hiking shoes
Grip and ankle support for wet, root-filled trails.
Light waterproof jacket
Protection from frequent cloud-forest drizzle and sudden showers.
Binoculars
Essential for birdwatching; many species appear high in the canopy.
Daypack with hydration
Carry water, snacks, layers and camera for short walks and waterfall visits.