Cloud forests, correctly termed pre-montane/subtropical rain forests, cloak the steep slopes of the Andes from about 900 meters to about 2500 meters. They are forests of high biodiversity, with a profusion of little-studied wildlife and plants. The yearly precipitation level is above 2000 mm. The more moist the air is at the foot of the Andes the more lower is the cloud zone. The moist and cool air in connection with the rich light offer allows a plant growth similar to the rainforest.  The only difference is that in the tropical cloud forest you can find a greater variety of flora and fauna. Birders and nature lovers alike thrill to the sight of brightly colored tanagers and the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, and everybody loves to admire the multitude of hummingbirds hovering around. The ecuadorian cloud forest resident mammals include the endangered Spectacled Bear, (rarely seen but protected by the reserves), as well as the puma, Andean coati and tayra, to name a few. Botanical treasures are such as bromeliads and orchids, as well as the fascinating families of Gesneriaceae and Melastomataceae.  

For more information please visit Wikipedia.

	Santa Lucia Cloud Forest Reserve offers a wide range of attractions such as hiking through primary forest to mountain waterfalls on trails used by the Yumbo people; first class birding with over 394 species of birds including a dawn visit to the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek. Read more…
	Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve Bellavista is at the southern edge of the Choco/Andean hotspots of biodiversity – that stretches from south western Colombia to northwestern Ecuador. And equally important, Bellavista is part of the Mindo Area of International Importance for Birds, the first area so designated in South America, by Birdlife International in 1997. Read more….
	Carmelo de Mindo We would like to invite you to experience the beauty and the serenity of our lodge nested in the Mindo Nambillo cloud forest.  One of the most important places in South America for bird watching. El Carmelo de Mindo is located only a 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Quito. It’s a family run business, established in 1994, whose main goal was to build a lodge where guests can  enjoy nature while respecting and protecting the environment. Read more….
	Kaony Lodge In a corner far away from daily life, outside all eras you will find Kaony Lodge, a place where your senses are intensified and the first breath of air will make you feel as though you are in a rare and special environment, sheltered under the song of a variety of birds, the murmur of the river and the pleasure of attentive service. Read more…