ECUADOR’S CLOUD FOREST LAST GUIDE

Ready to know the Cloud Forest of Ecuador? One of the most beautiful and biodiverse regions.  Considered as one of the greatest hot spots to observe birds, orchids, butterflies and mammals. 

You will be dazzled by the scenic beauty of the cloud forest, as if you were in a fairy tale. Rivers, waterfalls, streams, and great vegetation will be the perfect place for photographs, as well as to enjoy various activities. Tubing and canopy are the main attractions. 

If you are looking for a different experience, Ecuador’s Cloud Forest is your best option! Find out more about this magnificent place.

CLOUD FOREST CHARACTERISTICS

Cloud forest is located high up in the Andes, at an altitude of 900 m to 2500 m, you will find a humid, dense, jungle-like and dense ecosystem. Thanks to its climatic characteristics there is a great diversity of plants, birds and animals.

WHERE IS LOCATED?

Just two hours from Quito city, you will find the cloud forest, which extends from the north of Quito to the border of Peru. Being the perfect place to relax and connect with nature.  

5 REASONS TO VISIT ECUADOR’S CLOUD FOREST 

1. BIRDWATCHING 

Definitely the cloud forest ranks among the best places for bird watching, so if you are a bird lover you can’t miss it. The forest is home to more than 500 different species of birds. Toucans, hummingbirds, the Golden-headed Quetzal, the iconic Andean Cock-of-the-Rock are some of the beautiful creatures flitting around the forest. Hummingbirds are the most abundant birds, with more than 30 species mostly seen in the corridors of the ornithological refuges.

2. OUTDOOR SPORTS 

Cloud forest geographic conditions are ideal for outdoor activities. Try the zip line for a spectacular view of the forest. River rafting is also a popular activity in the area. Hiking, mountain biking, tubing, are some of the activities that will allow you to enjoy nature and its hidden charms.

3. ORCHIDS AND BROMELIADS

Ecuador no doubt is a privileged country, recording the largest number of orchids on the planet. The cloud forest is home to more than 400 species of orchids and a large number of bromeliads. 

Mindo, part of the cloud forest, is one of the best places to observe orchids. You can go with a guide to further enhance your experience and learn all about these gorgeous plants.

4. PROTECTED NATURE RESERVES

Due to the great diversity of flora and fauna, large extensions of the cloud forest are protected. The Mindo Nambillo Reserve, the Bellavista and Tandayapa Valley Reserves, the Intag Cloud Forest Reserve, the Milpe and Silanche River bird sanctuaries, and the Mashpi Reserves are open to all visitors. 

These areas are home to several species of plants, as well as several mammals, the spectacled bear, puma, deer and armadillo. If you are lucky you will be able to see some of them.

5. MINDO CHOCOLATE AND COFFEE TOURS

If you are a chocolate and coffee lover, you definitely have to visit Mindo, Ecuador. Here you will find several products made from cacao and coffee. Perfumes, beer, whiskey, wine, fruity chocolates, are some of the varieties you will find. You will learn all the properties and benefits of using these products in your daily life. 

You will be able to participate in the tours that show the whole process, from the harvesting of the cacao beans to the fermentation cycle, the separation of the cacao butter and the aromatization of the final product. 

Visiting Ecuador’s Cloud Forest is one of the best experiences you can ever have in harmony with nature. Venture on one of our trips and enjoy it to the fullest. 

Contact us and we will help you plan a trip to your liking.