Bellavista Cloudforest

Just over an hour outside of the city you can disappear into the wilds of the cloudforest. A visit to the Bellavist Cloudforest Reserve is a must if you have some extra time in the Quito area. I only did a day trip to the reserve, while worth it, I would recommend an overnight. Just sitting at the lodge you can see dozens of hummingbird species on the feeders spread around the lodge. That experience alone is well worth the trip! Please note: These photos are NOT zoomed in!

The group ventures out on guided hikes through the reserve to learn about the cloudforest ecosystem and the amazing diversity of species that coexist here. There is such a beautiful stillness in the clouds among the trees. I did spy one of my favorite birds, a Toucan!