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Blog - Jim's Thoughts

Ecuador Tours and Travel

Bellavista Lodge

The British-run Bellavista Reserve is located in the spectacular cloud forests of northwestern Ecuador, on the edge of the Choco bio-region, one of the most biodiverse areas in the world.The expanding 700 hectare (2,000 acres) reserve is characterized by sharply angled and deeply forested mountains which descend into gorges sprinkled with cascading waterfalls and crystalline streams. We are concentrating our efforts to have a minimal impact on this pristine environment in the hope to truly practice sustainable tourism.

Only two hours from Quito, Bellavista is an ideal place for adventure and relaxation. It's a great option for those traveling to the Galapagos and don't have time for a trip to the Amazon. But above all, Bellavista is a wonderful place for discovering the cloud forest and its magical diversity of bird and plant life. And perhaps most importantly, you can walk the trails in peace at your own pace without bumping into crowds of other people.

We offer our guests a unique stay above the forest canopy! Some prefer our 4-storey , thatch-roofed geodesic dome, while others prefer our unusual Bamboo House, the half-timbered Trailhead House , or our House in the Woods.

In this lofty dome paradise you can lie in bed and watch the sun rise over Bellavista or watch the mist lift from the deep valleys below. The 360 degree view from the dome allows you to gaze upon the rugged peaks of Pichincha and Cotacachi in the distance. You can also sit out on your private balcony and observe the activity at your own hummingbird feeder. Our Dome offers all the comforts of home: hot showers, comfortable beds, friendly staff, plenty of relaxation, and delicious food. Our kitchen staff provides the finest in Ecuadorian and international cuisine (largely vegetarian, trout also a specialty) and refreshments. Full board and individual meals are provided. The dome offers 5 double rooms with private baths and balconies. Then on the top two floors, there is dormitory-style accommodation with a shared bath and large balcony. On the ground floor is our library and bar.

The Bamboo House close to the dome, which offers a further 3 rooms - one with 4 beds upstairs and access to a 2 storey balcony with an extra bed and a true bird´s eye view of the Tandayapa Valley! Downstairs there are two rooms, each with private bath and and also a nice big balcony. Designed for small groups or families, people are finding this to be a wonderful alternative!!

And again, if you want to be alone in your forest cabin, we have a 2 storey house with a bathroom on each floor, offering complete seclusion, truly your own mountain forest hideaway!

The "Trailhead House" Is our newest construction made of brick and wood designed to fit into the forest and the surrounding landscape. We have included spacious balconies each with chairs and hammocks, where our guests can rest while watching the hummingbirds come and go. The house has two floors and is decorated in our very own Bellavista style. It can accommodate a family of 6 on the second floor and has a couple of very cosy double rooms on the first floor."

That makes a total of 16 rooms with private bath, and 12 beds in shared accommodation, so families and larger groups can be accommodated in comfort.

Staff speaks English, Spanish, French, and German.

The Bellavista Reserve is composed of pre-montane cloud forest. The elevation ranges between 1400 and 2600 meters above sea level, with an average mean temperature of 14-22 degrees celsius. Bellavista's forest contains a high level of epiphyte (plants that grow on other plants) diversity, so trees are festooned with hanging gardens of guest plants. Because of the steep slopes, light penetrating the forest floor allows a veritable jungle to grow. Within this enchanting green kingdom a profusion of life awaits your discovery, including botanical treasures such as bromeliads and orchids, as well as the fascinating families of Gesneraceae and Melastomataceae. Since Bellavista is located on the equator, flowers are in bloom year round.

Bellavista Reserve is affiliated with the Fundacion Siempre Bosque Forever Forest Foundation, a conservation organization being set up for the preservation of cloud forests in the Western Andes of Ecuador (as well as other regions), for educational, scientific, and recreational purposes. The Reserve's goal is to educate the public about the significance of biodiversity in tropical cloud forests and the ever increasing importance of protecting these unique ecosystems.

Within this magical place of mist and mystery, Bellavista and the Tandayapa Valley boasts 320 recorded species of birds...and the list continues to grow! The Tanager-finch, Giant Antpitta, Swallow-tailed Nightjar, Plush-capped Finch, Beautiful Jay, and White-faced Nunbird are all found here. Birders and nature lovers alike thrill to the sight of brightly colored tanagers and the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, and everybody loves to simply sit in our four-story dome and admire the multitude of hummingbirds hovering around our feeders. Bellavista's resident mammals include the endangered Spectacled Bear, (rarely seen but protected by the reserve), as well as the puma, Andean coati and tayra, to name a few.

Whether you want to bushwack with machetes through the Valley of Mist, hike upstream to the Hidden Falls, catch sight of the of epiphytes, or just relax in a hammock in the whirring company of fearless hummingbirds, Bellavista is a great place to commune with nature -- and yourself. Our guides are knowledgeable in tropical ecology and are familiar with the forest's elusive inhabitants and trails. Let us know what adventure you are craving and our guides will custom-tailor your days' adventures. (Rubber boots are provided.)

We are now offering horseback riding around Bellavista on quiet and friendly horses, which will also have a gallop if desired. Small extra cost. For those who want a longer horse riding experience, we offer horse rides originating in Pululahua Crater near the Equator Monument and ending up in Bellavista (or viceversa).

2010 Package Prices: including accommodation, round trip transportation, guide service and meals. Tax and Service are included. Note: Specialist birding guide, or individually exclusive guide service, costs extra). Add $50 for English-speaking transfer person.

ALTERNATIVE TRAVEL OPTIONS

Day Trips to Bellavista are at the following costs. Note these prices include round trip transport from Quito, shared naturalist guide, breakfast, lunch and taxes. :

Prices 2010:1 person: US$115, 2 pax: US$95 / person, 3 to 4: US$87 / person, 5 or more: US$75 / person

These prices are subject to be changed anytime and without any previous notice according to the economic conditions in the country and/or the world.

Alternative packages

Adventure Special One: Includes an adventure trek up to the waterfalls of Bellavista, and a flight of exhilaration on the Tucanopy Zipline. Incluye trek de aventura por las cascadas de Bellavista y un vuelo de exuberancia por el Tucanopy

3 days 2 nights: includes 2 nights lodging with private bath, 7 meals, guided visits in Bellavista Reserve, round trip transport from Quito, and also includes a visit with entry fee and transport included to the Tucanopy Zipline, IVA tax, and service.

US$275 per person (2 pax or more).

3 dias 2 noches: incluye 2 noches con baño privado, 7 comidas, visitas guiadas dentro de Bellavista, transporte ida y regreso desde Quito, incluye una visita con entradas y transporte incluido al Tucanopy Zipline, IVA y servicio: US$275 por persona (2 pax o mas)

Adventure Special Two: Includes an adventure trek up to the waterfalls of Bellavista, and a flight of exhilaration on the Tucanopy Zipline. Then a visit to Mindo to cross a river on a swinging “tarabita”, and a visit to a waterfall paradise and / or “tubing” in inner tubes down the rushing river Mindo. Incluye trek de aventura por las cascadas de Bellavista y un vuelo de exuberancia por el Tucanopy De allí una visita a Mindo para cruzar un río en “tarabita”, y una visita a un paraíso de cascadas y / o “tubing” en tubos inflados de auto por el caudeloso río Mindo.

4 days 3 nights: includes 3 nights lodging with private bath, 10 meals, guided visits in Bellavista Reserve, round trip transport from Quito, and also includes a visit with entry fee and transport included to the Tucanopy Zipline, IVA tax, and service.

US$399 per person (2 pax or more).

4 dias 3 noches: incluye 3 noches con baño privado, 10 comidas, visitas guiadas dentro de Bellavista, transporte ida y regreso desde Quito, incluye una visita con entradas y transporte incluido al Tucanopy Zipline, IVA y servicio: US$399 por persona (2 pax o mas)

Bird and Orchid Delight: A chance to experience more of the fantastic diversity of birds and orchids in our region of northwestern Ecuador. Una oportunidad especial para conocer a la inmensa diversidad de aves y orquideas en el noroccidente del Ecuador.

3 days 2 nights: includes 2 nights lodging with private bath, 7 meals, guided visits in Bellavista Reserve, round trip transport from Quito, and also includes a visit with entry fees and transport included to the Pahuma Orchid Reserve and the Alambi Hummingbird and Tanager Reserve, IVA tax, and service.

US$275 per person (2 pax or more).

3 dias 2 noches: incluye 2 noches con baño privado, 7 comidas, visitas guiadas dentro de Bellavista, transporte ida y regreso desde Quito, incluye una visita con entradas y transporte incluido a la Reserva Pahuma de Orquideas y a la Reserva Alambi (colibries y tangaras etc diferentes) IVA y servicio: US$275 por persona (2 pax o mas)

Local Area Birding Bonanza: Any birder´s heaven, our region of northwestern Ecuador has won the Christmas Audubon Bird Count in 2006, 2007, 2008 ... here is your chance to experience some of these avian wonders in our immediate region - Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan and Toucan Barbet at Bellavista, a myriad hummingbirds at different elevations, , the spectacular Cock-of-the-Rock and up to three species of Antpittas. El paraiso de las aves, pues nuestra zona inmediata ha ganado el conteo navideño Audubon de aves en el 2006, 2007, 2008! Su oportunidad para conocer unas maravillas de aves en nuestra zona inmediata – Tucan Piquelaminado, Yumbo en Bellavista, colibríes de muchas especies según la altura, el espectacular Gallo de la Peña, hasta 3 especies de Antpitas, y mas.

4 days 3 nights: includes 3 nights lodging with private bath, 10 meals, guided visits in Bellavista Reserve, round trip transport from Quito, and also includes a visit with naturalist guide, entry fees and transport included to Angel Paz Antpitta Reserve (Cock-of-the-Rock and Antpittas), as well as a visit to the Alambi Hummingbird and Tanager Reserve, IVA tax, and service.

US$399 per person (2 pax or more) with naturalist guide. A specialist bird guide costs US$250 per day in addition, for up to 4 pax .. for larger group, please advise.

4 dias 3 noches: incluye 3 noches con baño privado, 10 comidas, visitas guiadas dentro de Bellavista, transporte ida y regreso desde Quito, incluye tambien una visita con entradas, guia naturalista y transporte incluido a la Reserva de Antpitas de Angel Paz (Gallo de la Peña y Antpitas), ademas de una visita a la Reserva Alambi (colibries y tangaras etc diferentes) IVA y servicio: US$399 por persona (2 pax o mas) con guia naturalista. Guia especialista de aves cuesta US$250 por día adicionales, hasta 4 pax. Para grupos mas grandes, por favor preguntar.

Northwestern Ecuador Birds Galore: Any birder´s heaven, northwestern Ecuador, with its sharp differences in elevation, has extraordinarily high avian diversity! Beginning with the immediate area in and around Bellavista, Mindo, Nono Road (Paseo del Quinde), which won the Christmas Audubon Bird Count in 2006, 2007, 2008 ... then we continue to lower elevations with other spectacular reserves, all accessible by vehicle / on foot. All this makes Bellavista and northwestern Ecuador an ideal destination for a rewarding and in-depth birding tour! Hummingbirds, toucans, antpittas, manakins, the spectacular Cock-of-the-Rock and much more….

5 days 4 nights: includes 4 nights lodging with private bath, 13 meals, guided visits in Bellavista Reserve, round trip transport from Quito, and also includes a visit with guide, entry fees and transport included to Angel Paz Antpitta Reserve (Cock-of-the-Rock and Antpittas), as well as a visits to the Alambi Hummingbird and Tanager Reserve, Milpe Reserve, Rio Silanche Reserve, Mirador del Rio Blanco and more, IVA tax, and service.

US$575 per person (2 pax or more) with naturalist guide. A specialist bird guide costs US$250 per day in addition, for up to 4 pax .. for larger group, please advise.

5 dias 4 noches: incluye 4 noches con baño privado, 13 comidas, visitas guiadas dentro de Bellavista, transporte ida y regreso desde Quito, incluye tambien una visita con entradas, guia naturalista y transporte incluido a la Reserva de Antpitas de Angel Paz (Gallo de la Peña y Antpitas), ademas de una visita a la Reserva Alambi (colibries y tangaras etc diferentes), Reserva Milpe, Reserva Rio Silanche, Mirador delñ Rio Blanco y mas, incluye IVA y servicio: US$575 por persona (2 pax o mas) Guia especialista de aves cuesta US$250 por día adicionales, hasta 4 pax. Para grupos mas grandes, por favor preguntar.

Northwestern Ecuador Explorer: Bellavista and Mindo: Get to know some of the famed attractions of the Cloud Forests of Bellavista and Mindo - hummingbirds, waterfalls, colourful butterflies and exquisite orchids. Conozca unos de los atractivos mas famosos de los bosques Nublados de Bellavista y de Mindo – colibríes, cascadas, mariposas de todos los colores, y orquídeas exquisitas.

3 days 2 nights: includes 2 nights lodging with private bath, 7 meals, guided visits in Bellavista Reserve, round trip transport from Quito, and also includes a visit with naturalist guide, entry fees and transport included to Mindo with its Orchid Farm, and Butterfly Farm as well as a visit to the Alambi Hummingbird and Tanager Reserve, IVA tax, and service.

US$299 per person (2 pax or more).

3 dias 2 noches: incluye 2 noches con baño privado, 7 comidas, visitas guiadas dentro de Bellavista, transporte ida y regreso desde Quito, incluye una visita con guia naturalista, entradas y transporte incluido a Mindo con su Reserva der Orquideas y Mariposario, ademas de una visita a la Reserva Alambi (colibries y tangaras etc diferentes) IVA y servicio: US$299 por persona (2 pax o mas)

SERVICIO DE GUIA NATURALISTA / ESCORT NATURALIST GUIDE acompañante desde / from Quito: US$50 mas 12% IVA (hasta 4 pax) (up to 4 pax)

SERVICIO DE GUIA ESPECIALISTA DE AVES: costo por día con auto / daily cost with vehicle: US$250 (hasta 4 pax) (up to 4 pax)

RAFTING : Una opción excelente en la zona del noroccidente, posible de combinar con una estadía en Bellavista / A great option in the Norrthwest, possible to combine with a stay at Bellavista. (Precio aproximado US$75 por persona, precios transporte variable) (Price guideline: US$75 per person, variable transport costs)