Description
This 3 day extension is designed to be added to any of our Ecuador and Galapagops trips. You could fit this in either before or after our main trip. It can also be combined with our other extensions, depending on your time restrictions.
This trip is a wonderful way to become acquainted with a cloud forest so close to Quito - only 1hr45 minutes away! Our itinerary gives you the choice of a varierty of guided activities, or the chance to explore on your own, or simply just to relax. You can choose according to your interests and level of physical challenge you want, from easy hikes to a full-scale adventure.
You'll leave Quito early in the morning of day 1, then when you reach the turn to Bellavista, you climb to the top of the mountain. This is where Bellavista's lodge is perched, and the views are amazing - both forest and mountain views, above the forest canopy, surrounded by humming birds. The lodge dishes out generous servings of gourmet food, and on day 1 you'll enjoy your first fabulous breakfast, and then the first hike, either with a guide or on your own. After lunch you can take another forest hike through a different trail, with some spectacular bird watching. Your guided hike will explain all about the cloud forest's special environment. The evening is relaxed, with more lovely food and you can learn about the incredible variety of moths, many of which are unknown to science!
After a refreshing night's sleep and an ample breakfast, you'll take a guided hike or explore further on your own. Then after lunch there's a highly recommended afternoon hike, deep into the valleys of the reserve. In the evening you may see night birds.
Day 3 there's an early morning bird walk, and after breakfast there's an adventurous hike to a waterfall deep in the forest. Or you may prefer a more leisurely stroll along trails closer to the lodge, or to simply soak in the fascination of the ever-present hummingbirds. After lunch, you choose your own departure time. Some people take a final hike in the forest, some enjoy a peaceful siesta, while others watch the wildlfie or just admire the changing patterns of mist, cloud and sunny mountain vistas...Finally, you leave to be back in Quito by dusk.
