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Home > Destinations > South
America > Ecuador > Bellavista Cloud Forest
Bellavista Cloud Forest
Explore the lush surroundings of Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge, a haven for exotic birds and wild orchids, approximately 1 1/2 hours northwest of Quito. Whether you prefer to bushwhack through the Valley of the Mist, hike upstream to the Hidden Falls, or simply relax with a cup of coffee on the deck admiring the view from the top of the Tandayapa valley, Bellavista will take your breath away with its stunning beauty. Spend a day or the night in the comfortable lodge. Your gracious local guides will insure hours of discovery and delight in the verdant forest.
DAY 1 : BELLAVISTA
From Quito we will drive around the northwestern slopes of the Pichincha Volcano to the cloud forests of Bellavista, one of the most diverse and accessible endemic bird areas in the world. Traveling from the high sierra towards the coast, we will pass through diverse landscapes and protected forests that shape the ecological integrity of the region. The Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve and the Tandayapa Valley boast over 330 recorded species of birds, and the list continues to grow! The Tanager-finch, Giant Antpitta, Swallow-tailed Nightjar, Plush-capped Finch, Beautiful Jay, and White-faced Nunbird are all found here, along with some species found nowhere else on earth. Overnight at Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge. [BLD]The one day adventure includes transportation to and from Quito (departing at 6:30 am and returning at 6:00pm), guided hike, lunch, and time to explore the trails on your own. Note: For serious birders, ask the program director about the new eco-route which departs from Quito, climbs the Occidental bypass and follows the Alambi River to the Tandayapa Valley, traversing through the Yanacocha reserve and many different ecological zones.
DAY 2 : BELLAVISTA / QUITO
Take a minute after breakfast to sit in the four-story dome at the Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge and admire the multitude of hummingbirds hovering around the feeders. There is a profusion of bromeliads and orchids, and since Bellavista is located on the equator, flowers are in bloom year round. Resident mammals include the endangered Spectacled Bear and the puma (rarely seen but protected by the reserve), Andean coati and tayra, to name a few. Enjoy another birdwatch and nature walk led by a naturalist guide. Return to Quito for your flight home or continue on the Galapagos Islands. [BLD] Note: Add an additional night in Quito for $130 per person.
| - Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services - |
Days: 1 | Grade: I, Easy Hiking (click for grades definition) | 2012 Price: From $155 per person. Land cost based on Group Size | Per person | 2-3 | 4-6 | Group Services | 1 day | $235 | $180 | $155 | 2 days / 1 night | $660 | $540 | $295 |
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| Single Supplement: $95 (click for info) | *Ask your program director for information concerning private and group services. | | | | | 2012 Departure Dates | 2013 Departure Dates | | | (Available upon request) | (Available upon request) |
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| | | Included: Services as specified in the itinerary above include first class/deluxe (where available) lodging and accommodations; English-speaking certified naturalist guides; guided tours and excursions; airport-hotel transfers and land transportation; meals as specified [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner]; services of in-bound land operator offices for airline reconfirmation; and tour operations and Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services. | | | Not Included: Services unless specified otherwise in the itinerary above such as international and local air transportation; airport taxes; tips and gratuities; optional or suggested services that are on your own; insurance of any kind; personal expenses; extra beverages and alcoholic drinks; medical costs; and hospitalization and evacuation and any other extra expenses due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond control. Meals, souvenirs and other local and personal expenses not specified in the above itinerary are also not included. | | | Trip Notes: The 1 day trip departs from your Quito hotel at 6:30A, and includes lunch and 1 guided hike. The 2 day/1 night departs from your Quito hotel at 8A, and includes breakfast, 2 lunches and dinner. Transfers from Quito may be with a group or private transport, naturalist guide services at Bellavista can be with a group or private. A private birding specialist may be requested at additional cost. Horseback riding and the visit to the Hummingbird House are at additional cost. | |
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