Ecuador

Cloud Forest

Ecuador cloud forest
Mashpi Lodge
Spectacled bear, Ecuador
Cock of the Rock, Ecuador

Why visit Ecuador’s Cloud Forest

The cloud forests of Ecuador are among the most biodiverse places on Earth, where warm air from the Amazon meets the cool slopes of the Andes to create a landscape of mist-shrouded trees, tumbling waterfalls and astonishing wildlife. Despite being within a few hours of Quito, stepping into the cloud forest feels like entering another world.

This is a destination for travellers who enjoy slowing down and looking closely. Guided walks reveal orchids clinging to moss-covered branches, brilliantly coloured hummingbirds darting between flowers and troops of monkeys moving through the canopy. More elusive residents include the spectacled bear, ocelot and the striking Andean cock-of-the-rock, while after dark the forest comes alive with frogs, insects and nocturnal mammals.

The experience is enhanced by a collection of exceptional lodges, many set within private reserves dedicated to protecting these fragile ecosystems. Whether you’re enjoying breakfast surrounded by hummingbirds, exploring hidden trails with expert naturalists or relaxing on your terrace listening to the sounds of the forest, nature is never far away.

For us, Ecuador’s cloud forest is far more than a wildlife destination. It offers a rare opportunity to disconnect, immerse yourself in nature and experience one of the planet’s richest ecosystems in genuine comfort.

Ecuador's cloud forest

Highlights of the Cloud Forest

  • Wildlife around every corner – Search for colourful toucans, tanagers, hummingbirds, monkeys, sloths, spectacled bears and, with luck, the elusive Andean cock-of-the-rock.
  • Stay in world-class rainforest lodges – Spend your days exploring pristine cloud forest from exceptional lodges, where expert naturalist guides and immersive experiences are included throughout your stay.
  • One of Earth’s richest ecosystems – The constant mist creates an extraordinary habitat supporting thousands of plant species, orchids, butterflies and an astonishing diversity of wildlife.
  • Explore by day and night – Venture along forest trails, cross canopy walkways, visit waterfalls and discover a completely different world on guided nocturnal wildlife walks.
  • A paradise for birdwatchers – With hundreds of species recorded, including dozens of hummingbirds, the cloud forest offers some of the finest birdwatching anywhere in the Americas.
  • Easy to combine with the Andes – Just a few hours from Quito, the cloud forest pairs perfectly with the capital, Otavalo or Cotopaxi, adding an unforgettable wildlife experience to your Ecuador itinerary.
Biodiversity

A single hectare of Ecuadorian cloud forest can contain more tree species than are found in the whole of the UK, making it one of the most botanically diverse habitats on Earth.

Humming forest

Ecuador’s cloud forests are among the best places in the world to see hummingbirds, with more than 130 species recorded across the country, accounting for almost one in three of all hummingbird species on Earth.

Good to know

Getting to the Cloud Forest

The journey from Quito to the cloud forest takes between 2 and 3.5 hours by road. The journey is part of the experience as you descend from the high Andes into the lush, mist-covered forests of the Chocó bioregion.

When to go

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OUR FAVOURITE TIME TO VISIT

June is a wonderful month to be in the cloud forest when there is less rainfall than in other months, and the birdlife is easier to spot while out hiking the trails and canopy walks.

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