As the Andes mountain-chain descends to the coastal and jungle regions, the mountains lose altitude and the vegetation grows larger and thicker. These Andean slopes have concentrated humidity that rises from the coast and Amazon regions, and are known as cloud forests. This magical ecosystem has a biodiversity comparable only to the Amazon Jungle and has very irregular geography, including ravines, waterfalls, secluded lakes, rivers, and hundreds of microclimates populated by a great variety of animal species. To put this in perspective, in the cloud forest of the Ecuador is possible to find more bird species than in all of North America combined.
The cloud forest in Ecuador also presents great conditions to practice many adventure sports, like rappelling down waterfalls (i.e. canyoning), rafting, canopying, mountain biking, trekking and many more activities. The cloud forest is also very accessible, as this ecosystem surrounds the Andes to either side and, thus, is possible to visit in just a short drive from Quito or other major cities.
From Quito
Quito
3 Days
This forest lodge offers a range of accommodation options in several buildings.
Spectacled Andean bears spotting, birdwatching, orchids and butterfly’s observation, night hikes through the cloud forest, processing coffee, preparing your own cocoa and much more.
The lodge was built to complement its natural surroundings, providing a beautiful and authentic accommodation and experience.
This forest lodge offers a range of accommodation options in several buildings.
Spectacled Andean bears spotting, birdwatching, orchids and butterfly’s observation, night hikes through the cloud forest, processing coffee, preparing your own cocoa and much more.
The lodge was built to complement its natural surroundings, providing a beautiful and authentic accommodation and experience.
*The selected hotels are subject to availability at time of booking the tour. In case of unavailability, we will offer a hotel of the same caliber.
* Tours and itineraries suggested by Bespoke Galapagos in order to have a functional trip.
** Excursions may change due to climate conditions.
A 30-meter-high monument is located at latitude 0o 0 ́0”, and gives you the unusual opportunity of standing in both the north and south hemispheres simultaneously while straddling the Equator. To one side of the monument, a replica Spanish Colonial village offers a leisure area, gift shops, and restaurants. This site was highly significant for the ancient Andean people whose “cosmovision” worshipped the unity of the cosmos, nature, and family many thousands of years ago.
The lodge has many wonderful paths to explore and take in one of the most biodiverse areas of our planet. On the trails, you can observe the enormous quantity of orchid species that grow here, attracting and supporting hundreds of bug and beautiful butterfly
species in many varieties and colors. There are 32km of paths crossing rivers and waterfalls, offering a chance to take a dip in the refreshing waters after a walk through the forest. Don’t forget your swimsuit!
Other exciting activities on the lodge include the harvesting and processing of coffee, cooking lessons, learning to roast and prepare cocoa for a chocolate massage and a magical night walk to observe the nocturnal frogs, baths
and insects. This day is yours to enjoy and relax.
La Florida is a small but enigmatic tomb complex of the Yumbo culture, who were contemporary to the Incas. The Yumbo developed an intricate trail system through the cloud forest – connecting the highlands to the lower-altitude valleys – used to commercialize products without being detected by their enemies.
La Florida is a small but enigmatic tomb complex of the Yumbo culture, who were contemporary to the Incas. The Yumbo developed an intricate trail system through the cloud forest – connecting the highlands to the lower-altitude valleys – used to commercialize products without being detected by their enemies.