ANDES TROPICAL FOREST

The tropical forest or cloud forest is a rich bio-diverse area. Unlike the Amazon Rainforest the tropical forest is located in the saddles of the Andes Mountains where the clouds settle and create a moist, lush atmosphere. In Ecuador, the tropical forests near Quito are a Mecca for bird watchers. This area is home to over 1,500 species of birds, that is 50% of the bird species found in South America are found in the tropical forest. The region is known as a bio-diversity hot spot for the number of plants and animals found in the region. Birds like hummingbirds with their colorful plumage and unique tail streamers can be found in quantity here. There are over 100 different species of hummingbirds known to exist in the area. Beyond hummingbirds there are tanagers, toucans, parrots, quetzals, manakins and the colorful cock of the rock.

Within a couple of hours from Quito the tropical forest is a nature lover's dream with hiking, biking, rafting bird watching, orchid hunting and natural hot springs all within easy reach. There are small villages with shaman and interesting local cultures waiting to be discovered as well as ruins that date back to the pre-Incan times.

Whether traveling into the region as a day trip or spending a few days the Andes Tropical Forest offers much for the visitor to see and do.

Mitad del Mundo

Approximately 20 minutes or 14 miles (23 km) north of Quito is Mitad del Mundo translated the name means Middle of the World this is the equator monument. A favorite site for visitors where you can have your photo taken with straddling the line with one foot in each hemisphere.

Modern GPS technology disputes that the actual equator is 240 meters north of the current line, the same technology also disputes Prime Meridian in Greenwich. The monument's location is exact location of the equator as determined by the 1736 Charles-Marie de la Condamine expedition. This mission which first determined the location of the equator also came up with the idea of the metric system and introduced European people to the wonderful flora and fauna of South America.

Mitad del Mundo consists of a small colonial town with restaurants and souvenir shops, a planetarium, a small miniature model of Quito and the pyramid shaped monument. The monument has a 5 ton globe of the world on top. The sun shines on the globe and the shadows cast reflect where the sun is shining on earth. An elevator ride to the top of the monument offers a lovely view of the local countryside and surrounding mountains. A stairway descends through the monument passing through the museum dedicated to Ecuador's various indigenous groups.

Rumicucho

Near Mitad del Mundo is the Incan archaeological site Rumicucho. Known as Pucara de Rumicucho the name translates to stone corner describing this pre-Incan stone fortress. Built by the Tupac Yupanqui in the 15th century Rumicucho was a military outpost defending Quito from the northern rebellious tribes Cayambe, Cochasqui and Caranquis.

The structure is created on a series of five terraces in a pyramid like shape on a small hill. It is believed that the site was also used for ceremonial purposes relating to the sun and moon as the sun crosses directly over from east to west during each equinox. Rock blocks and mortar were used to construct the walls. Houses with wood and straw ceilings made up the interior of the complex. Two oval rooms and a rock were built to represent the solstices and equinoxes.

Mindo

Surrounded by cloud forest on the slopes of Pichincha at 4300 ft (1300 m) is the small town of Mindo. This town has gained fame over the past few years for eco-tourism Mecca. The cloud forest is home to 375 types of orchids, an array of bromeliads, butterflies and more than 450 species of birds including the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Quetzal, and the Andean Toucan.

Mindo provides a quick get-a-way from Quito at only 3-hours away. The warmer temperatures provide visitors the perfect climate for various activities. Mountain biking, horseback riding, tubing and hiking through the cloud forest to bird watch or view the Las Cascades de Nambillo are among the favorite activities of visitors.

Mindo itself is a small town offering a few hostels as accommodation. Just outside the town are private reserves offering basic accommodations in incredible locations. Those visitors planning a trip to Mindo should consider spending at least one night.

The zip line adventures in Mindo offer a tour of the canopy from above. Canopy tours are adventurous excursions for the whole family that provide a way to discover the forest offering the incredible sensation of flying though it while observing astonishing landscapes that would be impossible to experience from below.

During the tour the guides will show us the diversity in flora and fauna that exists in the cloud forest such as the famous toucans that fly from one side to another during the tour. On the hikes between the cables we will be able to observe orchids, bromeliads, anthuriums, vines and an unforgettable landscape that you can only appreciate while on the tour.

Bellavista

Bellavista is known as a bird lover's paradise. Located in the Mindo area, this private reserve was vision of the owners who on a vacation to Ecuador visited the cloud forest and were awed by the birds and orchids. While witnessing large portions of the neighboring forest being cut down for cattle ranching and tree harvesting. They set out on a mission to purchase large sections of the forest in order to protect it and create a sanctuary for the native plants and animals.

Bellavista is the realization of the dream spanning 750 acres (300 hectors) between 4,600 - 8,500 ft (1,400 - 2,600 m) in elevation the entire ridge has been protected. Home to numerous orchids, bromeliads, and at least 270 species of birds including giant antpitta, and the tanager-finch, swallow tailed nightjar and a variety of hummingbirds. More than a dozen trails have been created offering visitors spectacular views of the area.

Papallacta

On the eastern slopes of the Andes, about an 1 1/2 hours from Quito is the town of Papallacta. The area has excellent bird watching and hiking opportunities, yet most people come to Papallacta for the hot springs. Hot water flows naturally from the volcanoes of Cayambe and Antisana nearby where it is diverted into a number of pools of varying temperatures.

The hot water from the pool contrast with the cool and damp outside climate creating a pleasant experience. With views sun capped peaks The waters in the pools have a high mineral count including calcium, sulfates, chloride and sodium making many claim the waters provide health benefits.

Recommended Hotels

San Jorge Eco-Lodge and Botanical Reserve - An 18th century mountain hacienda, situated on 200 acres of untouched, protected land, preserving the wild and natural habitat of the many endemic plants, animals and over 110 different species of exotic birds, native only to the Andes region. We are the only private reserve near Quito, located only 17 minutes from the airport, yet a world away from the busy metropolis to provide guests with peace and tranquility. The three property circuit offers the best of the Andes Tropical Forest.

Arasha Resort - An eco-resort and spa, Arasha is less than 2 1/2 hours from Quito in the middle of a private reserve. The lush property offers large comfortable rooms, eco-tours, cultural experiences all in a luxurious relaxing family-friendly environment.

Hotel Termas Papallacta - This small hotel next to the hot springs at Papallacta has 32 heated rooms with private bathrooms. Meals are a combination of Ecuadorian and international cuisine made from the organic gardens on property.