Bellavista is known as a bird lover’s
paradise. 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
4600-8500 ft (1400m - 2600 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.
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.
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