Welcome to Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve in Ecuador. We invite you to enjoy our natural reserve.

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.  

We are dedicated to saving the Clouds, through a compromise between conservation and ecotourism, preserving the forest and learning from the forest.

At Bellavista lodge you will find 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.

Join us in our mission:  "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" 

At Bellavist nature reserve birders and nature lovers alike thrill to the sight of brightly colored tanagers and the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, and everybody loves to simply sit in our four-story dome and admire the multitude of hummingbirds hovering around our feeders.  
 
Bellavista's resident mammals include the endangered Spectacled Bear, (rarely seen but protected by the reserve), as well as the puma, Andean coati and tayra, to name a few.

Bellavista Reserve, a founding member of the Network of Private Protected Forests of Ecuador, collaborates with local conservation organizations, working to preserve the cloud forest of Northwestern Ecuador for the unique and fascinating species that live there, and for educational, recreational and scientific purposes. The wonderful news is that many Ecuadorians are becoming more aware of the importance of their unique natural heritage and are increasingly concerned about its conservation.

Adventure in the Clouds  

Whether you want to bushwack with machetes through the Valley of Mist, hike upstream to the Hidden Falls or equally have a leisurely stroll on a couple of our easy trails, we have lots of trail exploration opportunities to choose from! If you want to look for the stunning Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, admire the orchids and epiphytes, or simply relax in a hammock, in the whirring company of fearless hummingbirds, Bellavista is a great place to commune with nature -- and yourself.

Our guides are knowledgeable in tropical ecology and are familiar with the forest's elusive inhabitants and trails. We have more than 10 trails for you to choose from.

Let us know what activities you prefer, and our guides will custom-tailor your day´s discoveries. (Rubber boots provided - not always necessary).   

Some possibilities are:

• Exploration of an exquisite cloud forest.
• Colourful birds and beautiful orchids.
• Magical trails and waterfalls.
• Idyllic settings for retreats and honeymoons.
• Relaxation and peace. 

Things to do at Bellavista   

• Birdwatching: Birding here is always productive, from the joy of watching hummingbirds on your private balcony, to explorations to find elusive forest species. Over 330 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 (0-101!) 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. 

Rooms:

We offer our guests a unique stay above the forest canopy! Some prefer our 4-storey , thatch-roofed geodesic dome, while others prefer our unusual Bamboo House, the half-timbered Trailhead House , or our House in the Woods. And for the budget-minded, we offer our Research Station / Hostel or camping options. 

In this lofty paradise you can lie in bed and watch the sun rise over Bellavista or watch the mist lift from the deep valleys below.   

The Dome

The Dome offers 5 double rooms with private baths and balconies. On the top two floors, we have dormitory-style, shared bath accommodation, with 360 degree views and a large balcony!  gaze upon the rugged peaks of Pichincha and Cotacachi in the distance. You can also sit out on your private balcony and observe the activity at your own hummingbird feeder. 

House in the Woods

If you want to be alone in your forest cabin, we have a 2 storey house with a bathroom on each floor, offering complete seclusion, truly your own mountain forest hideaway!

Trailhead House

The "Trailhead House" Is our newest construction made of brick and wood designed to fit into the forest and the surrounding landscape. We have included spacious balconies each with chairs and hammocks, where our guests can rest while watching the hummingbirds come and go. The house has two floors and is decorated in our very own Bellavista style. It can accommodate a family of 6 on the second floor and has a couple of very cosy double rooms on the first floor." 

Bamboo house

"Our Bamboo House" close to the Dome offers a further 3 rooms - one with 4 beds upstairs and access to a 2 storey balcony with an extra bed and a true bird´s eye view of the Tandayapa Valley! Downstairs there are two rooms, each with private bath and also a nice big balcony. Designed for small groups or families, people are finding this to be a wonderful alternative!!.

Glorias House

And for honeymooners or others who just want their own company, Gloria´s House offers a private sanctuary.

That makes a total of 15 rooms with private bath, and 12 beds in shared accommodation, so families and larger groups can be accommodated in comfort.

Our Lodge offers all the comforts of home: hot showers, comfortable beds, friendly staff,  plenty of relaxation, and delicious food. Our kitchen staff provides the finest in Ecuadorian and international cuisine (vegetarian, trout, chicken - red meat not usually offered) and refreshments. Full board and individual meals are provided. 

Staff speak English, Spanish, French, and German. 

Hostel / Research Station

For budget-minded travelers with an adventurous edge, we offer a self-catering hostel, as well as private camping areas within the reserve. The hostel, open year-round, doubles as a research station .  A simple but comfortable facility, with the same trails and the same vastness of forest. Scientists are very welcome! We encourage study groups and retreats, and for student groups (any age), Bellavista at only 2 hours from Quito is ideal for a study program - ask for details!! 

Services:

• We have an excellent network of trails, over 8 km in length, ranging from easy to genuine adventure.
• We have 4 waterfalls on the property of 700 hectares, all deep in the forest and truly beautiful. 
• We offer guided hikes with emphasis on general natural history, or birds or botany – group guiding or personal specialist guiding available.
• We have up to 16 species of hummingbirds at feeders, seen at amazingly close range.
• We offer acclaimed gourmet food, emphasis on local trout, vegetarian and chicken.