BEST LODGES IN ECUADOR’S CLOUD FOREST

BEST LODGES IN ECUADOR’S CLOUD FOREST

In Ecuador’s cloud forest you will find the best lodges surrounded by total natural harmony. Amidst the lush valleys, lush trees, rivers and waterfalls, home to thousands of birds and magnificent animals, you will find comfort and peace. 

According to Rainforest Rescue, Ecuador’s cloud forests are ranked as the richest hotspot on the planet. They are home to almost 20% of the world’s birds. Among the most outstanding are the hummingbirds, as well as emblematic species such as the Cock-of-the-Rock, the Giant Antbird, the Golden-winged Magpie, the Bearded Toucan and the Torrent Duck, to name just a few. 

Also, it is home to more than 400 species of orchids, a large number of ferns, bromeliads and mosses that grow on the branches of the forest trees. Of course, animals can’t be missed, sloths, capuchin monkeys are the most common to see. Others like ocelots and spectacled bears are found in the higher parts of the forest. 

Read on to learn more about the best lodges in Ecuador’s cloud forest and immerse yourself in these magical hideaways.

BEST LODGES IN THE CLOUD FOREST 

• Mashpi lodge 

Topping our list is the stunning Mashpi Lodge, located in the heart of the cloud forest, in a 3,200-acre reserve. Just three hours from Quito you can find this natural hideaway. 

Mashpi lodge is wrapped in a design of simplicity, elegance that combines the warm tones of the earth, with iron, stone and glass, in prominent perspectives: a true chrysalis in the middle of the forest. The lodge is characterized for its sustainable construction techniques which respects nature’s environment, passing unnoticed and not affecting the site’s harmony. 

Staying at Mashpi goes beyond a simple stay, visiting the lodge is a total natural connection experience. Bird watching, hiking trails to beautiful waterfalls, visiting the butterfly farm and other activities make you disconnect from the world.

• Bellavista lodge 

Bellavista Lodge, just outside the charming town of Mindo, deep in the Tandayapa Valley. The 2000-acre reserve is home to an astounding variety of birds. it’s the ideal place to cross many species off your list! Morning walks through the lush forest, accompanied by attentive guides, reveal hundreds of birds feeding in the daylight.

Bellavista offers rustic, well-appointed cabins surrounding the main lodge, where hearty meals are served, including locally sourced trout, while hummingbirds come and go from the window-side feeders.

• Coffee Lodge Cristal Glamping & Spa

Located just 5 minutes from Mindo’s central park and close to tourist attractions. This fabulous lodge is the ideal option to relax and unwind while enjoying the Cloud Forest in its purest state.

Coffee Lodge Cristal Glamping & Spa also features a spa center and heated pool. Guests can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant, which features a terrace with mountain views. The property offers a coffee shop service as well a laundry service.

• Septimo Paraiso 

Séptimo Paraíso, one of the best lodges in Ecuador ‘s cloud forest, is located in the hills of Mindo, 96 km from Quito. 

The design of Septimo Paraiso is wrapped in a rustic atmosphere, with wooden interiors, elegant furnishings and spectacular views of the forest. There is a lounge, massage service and bird watching excursions. 

Guests can relax in the comfortable rooms with a writing desk and wooden furniture. The bathroom includes a shower or bathtub. Some bedrooms have a gilt-framed mirror, four-poster bed and decorated cushions. WiFi is available for a supplement.

• Sachatamia Lodge

Sachatamia is a stunning private ecological reserve of more than 120 hectares of cloud-rainforest. While staying in this natural environment, you will feel your senses rejuvenated.

Sachatamia is privileged to be located next to the Mindo-Nambillo Protected Forest. Being an area of high biodiversity in flora and fauna. As a result, it has achieved the first place in the annual count of bird species worldwide.

Serenity, Peace, Spiritual balance. The natural paradise of Sachatamia offers an undisturbed world where guests can escape from the noise, pollution and stress of big cities.

Contact us to arrange a trip to the amazing cloud forest to get to know all its wonders and of course to stay in the best lodges.