Product Description

Venture into the soul of Ecuador’s cloud forest and experience the magic that awaits! Hike in a private reserve, photograph hummingbirds and amazing landscapes, explore our village’s colonial streets, and fall in love with our artisan cuisine.

This is an authentic experience that immerses you in our local culture, nature, and gastronomy. Your trip will contribute to the development of the communities we visit in an organized and responsible way. We will explore the village of Nono, learn about the living history of Ecuador, and meet with a local group of women who weave.  Come experience the special cloud forest in a sustainable way!

Highlights:

• Soak in superb views of the Andes while surrounded by great nature
• Hike in a private cloud forest reserve at 3,400 meters
• Observe up to five species of hummingbirds
• Enjoy a gastronomic experience with a private chef
• Visit a coffee farm and taste coffee grown at a high altitude
• Support our group of local embroiderers visiting their workshop
• Spend relaxing nights at the beautiful Villa Doris country lodge

Our adventure takes us to the Yanacocha Reserve at 3,400 meters above sea level to explore a forest bathed by clouds. We will also visit a family-owned coffee farm for a good cup of coffee, and then head to either an archeological museum or the Solar Museum at the Equator. Along the way, we’ll be eating local, fresh, and tasteful cuisine thanks to our personal chef! One very special part of this trip is when we meet a small group of women who, while weaving their dreams for a better future, embroider beautiful pieces of art. On this trip – seeing our nature, eating our food, and meeting our communities – you become a part of our history!

What is special about Ecuador’s cloud forest?

Ecuador’s cloud forest is impressive for several reasons, including its unique biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and ecological significance. It is a truly remarkable ecosystem that is worth preserving for generations to come.

1. Biodiversity: This is a safe paradise for birds and mammals. The cloud forest is home to an incredible array of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic (found nowhere else in the world). The cloud forest’s unique climate, with frequent fog and mist, supports a wide variety of plant life, including epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants) and orchids. The forest is also home to a number of rare and endangered animals, such as the spectacled bear, the Andean cock-of-the-rock bird, and the mountain tapir. We will likely see up to five types of hummingbirds on this trip! We will also visit a small family project, the Zuro Loma birding reserve, for a closer encounter with hummers.
2. Landscape: The cloud forest is characterized by dramatic mountain landscapes, deep valleys, and rushing rivers. The forest is often shrouded in mist and fog, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that is both eerie and beautiful.
3. Ecological significance: The cloud forest plays an important role in regulating the climate and supporting the ecosystems of the surrounding areas. The forest acts as a sponge, absorbing moisture and releasing it slowly over time, which helps to regulate water levels in rivers and streams. The cloud forest also plays a critical role in storing carbon, helping to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

Related Trips:
[8 days] Immersive Amazon Adventure in Ecuador
[8 days] Diving with Scientists in the Galapagos
[14 days] Self Driving Experience in the Equator Land

Seasonal Notes:
Ecuador enjoys spring-like weather all year round. Most days we enjoy sunny mornings and cooler afternoons with temperatures around 12°C-18°C ( 55°F-64°F). The best time to visit Ecuador’s cloud forest is, in general, during the dry season, which runs from June to August.

During the dry season, you can expect sunny and warm days with less chance of rain, which makes it easier to explore the forest and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting. The dry season is also the best time to see many of the cloud forest’s endemic bird species, including the colorful Andean cock-of-the-rock and the elusive plate-billed mountain toucan.

However, if you’re interested in seeing the cloud forest’s stunning waterfalls at their fullest, you may want to visit during the wet season, which runs from December to May. April usually has quite a bit of rain. During this time, the forest is lush and green, and the waterfalls are at their most spectacular. However, keep in mind that the wet season can bring heavy rainfall and mudslides, which may make some trails and roads inaccessible.

Some regions of Ecuador, such as the Amazon rainforest and the cloud forest, can experience rain throughout the year, so it’s important to be prepared for wet weather if you’re planning to visit these areas.