Cloud forest Natural Reserves

Banos Cloud Forest

Duration: 2 days / 1 night
(Anytime from Quito, includes accommodation and all meals).

A scenic drive to Ambato is followed by a stop at the local weaving village of the Salasaca Indians.  From there, we travel on to Baños, a small town nestling in the shadows of the Tungurahua volcano high above the Amazon Basin.  The area is rich in vegetation and orchids and is famed for its nearby hot springs that provide hot running water to the local baths.  Overnight stay at the conformable Hotel in Baños)

Nono Road

Duration: 1 day
(Daily from Quito, including lunch).

A delightful trip along the winding road up the sides of the Pichincha volcano.  Although close to the city, you’ll feel in another world among the unspoiled vegetation and spectacular views with only the sounds of the profuse bird life to disturb you.  Nature lovers and birdwatchers will be in their element.

Pahuma Ecological Reserve

A short drive from the city, passing the Equatorial Monument this ecological reserve is a treasure of orchids in the midst of a cloud forest.  Hidden waterfalls add to the charm of the setting.  Originally, the area was home to the Yumbos, one of the first tribes to settle in Ecuador.

Pasochoa Forest Reserve

Duration: 1 day

A short drive outside Quito brings you to the lower flanks of Pasochoa volcano where an ecological reserve awaits you.  Discreetly but well sign-posted trails meander gently up the slopes of this thickly forested volcano.  A variety of birds and plants indigenous to Ecuador can be spotted among these beautiful surroundings.

Papallacta & Thermal Springs

Duration: 1 day

After travelling along the fertile Tumbaco Valley, we ascend the craggy eastern range of the Andes before descending through a cloud forest, thickly vegetated with bromeliads, here you will do a short hike before you reach the small town of Papallacta and its Thermal Springs.

Papallacta is a small village located 10,491 feet above sea level. A dirt track leads us to the thermal springs (38º C/100º F) nestling in the flanks of the surrounding mountains. A relaxing afternoon is spent in the hot baths that are purported to have medicinal properties and are certainly most invigorating. 

Lunch is provided at a nearby restaurant where you can sample the freshly caught trout before starting out on our return to Quito where we arrive at dusk.

Papallacta

Duration: 2 days / night

Same as described in EX-35 but includes an overnight stay at a nearby comfortable hotel. On the following day we hike out to observe the local bird life.  Lunch is taken at Tumbaco before returning to Quito at dusk.

Papallacta Without Guide

Duration: 1 day

Same as described in EX-35 but this tour is specially designed for those who want to have a more private experience, without the company of a guide

Mindo Cloud Forest 

Duration: 1 day

Set among spectacular scenery a couple hours drive from Quito, Mindo is now a Protected Area.  Among the waterfalls and cloud forest, you can observe numerous species of butterflies, birds, orchids and bromeliads in this diverse microclimate.

Bellavista

Duration: 1 day

After leaving Quito we travel north via the Equatorial Monument and Pululahua volcano crater to Bellavista, a paradise of hummingbirds.  Large numbers constantly hover around the feeders and five or six species can be easily identified at close range.  On a hike into the forest your guide will acquaint you with the exuberant Cloud Forest vegetation, its bird life and the fascinating ways that life has adapted to this special environment.  Lunch is served in the circular restaurant from where we enjoy breathtaking views and the sight of the fluttering hummingbirds and other colorful species close by.  After lunch, you have the opportunity to enjoy another hike into the forest along well-marked and safe trails.

Bellavista

Duration: 2 days / 1 night

Combines Bellavista tour with an overnight stay at the comfortable lodge with Explorandes’  driver and guide

*** Bellavista options are available with Explorandes private services, or with Bellavista shared service, contact us for more information.

Amazon Lodges First Class

Amazon Lodges Tourist Superior