Ecuador Cloud Forest – Bespoke Itineraries

As you descend the western slope of the Ecuadorian Andes, you will find yourself surrounded by clouds, mist, jungle, and butterflies – almost a dream-like environment. This is Ecuador’s Cloud Forest, a worthy addition to any Ecuador journey, and a reasonably easy add-on, reachable by car from Quito (about 3 hours).

The Cloud Forest, found between 3,000-8,200 feet in altitude, is a cool and humid environment with frequent canopy level cloud cover. It is divided into and protected by a number of reserves including The Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve, Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve, Intag Cloud Forest Reserve, and the Mashpi Reserve. The reserves are hotspots for biodiversity, offering incredible flora and fauna, such as: 300 species of moths and butterflies, sloths, monkeys, frogs, bears, 400 species of birds (including cock of the rock, hummingbird, toucans), and immense orchid diversity.

A small vivid red and black bird perches on a branch against a lush green background.

Two hikers with walking poles stand on a narrow trail cutting through lush cloud forest.

A narrow winding road disappears into dense mist-covered cloud forest in Ecuador.

Why visit Ecuador's Cloud Forest?

Each reserve offers something special, but we particularly adore the Mashpi reserve. Sitting at slightly lower elevation than many other reserves, Mashpi comprises both cloud forest and rain forest (and so much in between), providing visitors with an incredibly dynamic experience. It is home to one of our favorite properties, Mashpi Lodge, which, in addition to offering luxury accommodations, contributes tremendously to the research and conservation of its environment.

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Each reserve offers something special, but we particularly adore the Mashpi reserve. Sitting at slightly lower elevation than many other reserves, Mashpi comprises both cloud forest and rain forest (and so much in between), providing visitors with an incredibly dynamic experience. It is home to one of our favorite properties, Mashpi Lodge, which, in addition to offering luxury accommodations, contributes tremendously to the research and conservation of its environment.
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The Choco bioregion (where the Mashpi Reserve is found) is home to more than 1000 species of plants, 400 species of birds, and 200 species of mammals, most of which are often seen in the Mashpi reserve. Mashpi is one of the most biologically diverse parts of Ecuador, and Ecuador is arguably the most biologically diverse country in the world.
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A trip to the Cloud Forest is great for the active traveler, animal lovers, and bird watchers. Accompanied by your naturalist guide, set off on walking tours, bird watching trails, treks to waterfalls, and enjoy “aerial activities” (for birding and treetop views), such as canopy towers and observation platforms.

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Other areas to explore

A visit to the Cloud Forest puts you within easy reach of many other beautiful and fascinating parts of Ecuador.

Quito

Everything about Quito – from its setting along the slopes of Pichincha volcano to having the best preserved historic center in Latin America – makes it a capital city worth visiting.

Two blue-footed boobies stand on a lava rock ledge, preening and calling in soft light beside shallow water.

Galápagos

Endemic species, both weird and wonderful, reawaken wonder for the natural world

Red macaw flies with wings spread wide, showing bright scarlet feathers and long tail against a blurred green forest.

Amazon Rainforest

A vast natural wonder visible from space, the Amazon Delta needs no introduction. Shared by eight countries, Brazil claims the lion’s share and contains pockets so remote they’ve never been explored.

A humpback whale breaches fully from the ocean surface off the coast of Ecuador.

Ecuador's Pacific Coast

Ecuador's Pacific Coast is a long, varied ribbon of pristine beaches, fishing villages, mangrove forests, and Afro-Ecuadorian communities running along the country's western edge.

Why book with Extraordinary Journeys?

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There will undoubtedly be extraordinary unscripted moments: hippos emerging at sunset, the impossible blue of Arctic ice. We know that meaningful memories often live in personalized details.