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Ecuador🇪🇨 | national parksBellavista Cloud Forest ReserveLodge feeders, antpitta stations, night walks, Tandayapa mist | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve
👍 Recommendednational park ranked #6
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

Hummingbird feeders hang along the veranda of the main lodge, and the whirr of violet-tailed sylphs and buff-tailed coronets starts the second you step out of the door. Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve sits on the western slope of the Andes in northern Ecuador, in the Tandayapa Valley northwest of Quito. Expect steep muddy trails, mist, tanagers, toucan barbets and more orchids than you can count, plus a quiet, birder-heavy vibe. The downsides: roads are winding, public buses stop short, and rain arrives fast. I sipped a hot canelazo on the porch for about US$3 and watched the feeders until dusk. Book lodge meals and guided walks ahead, since the nearest food is far, and arrange transport from Quito before you leave.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Ecuador Travel Guide.
Best time to go: May - September
Daily cost: US$66 to 150
Duration: 2 days
Distance: 8 kilometers
Total ascent: 800 meters


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✨ Why go?
Ranked #6 national park in EcuadorWhat sets this place apart

Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve suits backpackers who want serious wildlife without a tour bus. The forest is wrapped around a single lodge, so you can step straight onto trails at your own pace, which beats paying for a guided day trip from Quito. Three reasons stand out. First, the hummingbird feeders at the main lodge put a dozen or more species within arm's reach, so you do not need expensive optics or long treks to get great views. Second, the reserve sits in the Tandayapa Valley, one of Ecuador's best-known birding areas, so you can pair walks with neighboring reserves for variety. Third, the quiet ridge trails are rarely crowded, which gives you space to linger, photograph orchids and listen for mountain toucans. Self-guided walking works well here because paths are marked and short … read more 👉
Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve suits backpackers who want serious wildlife without a tour bus. The forest is wrapped around a single lodge, so you can step straight onto trails at your own pace, which beats paying for a guided day trip from Quito. Three reasons stand out. First, the hummingbird feeders at the main lodge put a dozen or more species within arm's reach, so you do not need expensive optics or long treks to get great views. Second, the reserve sits in the Tandayapa Valley, one of Ecuador's best-known birding areas, so you can pair walks with neighboring reserves for variety. Third, the quiet ridge trails are rarely crowded, which gives you space to linger, photograph orchids and listen for mountain toucans. Self-guided walking works well here because paths are marked and short loops are easy to repeat at different hours, when different birds appear. Bring rain gear and a flexible plan.

💡 HighlightsKey sights and experiences for travelers

  1. Hummingbird Feeders: The lodge terrace is what the reserve is best known for. Violet-tailed sylphs, collared incas and booted racket-tails crowd the sugar-water stations, and early morning is busiest.
  2. Mountain Toucan Viewing: These blue-gray toucans often appear at forest edges in the mornings, and local guides know the fruiting trees where they feed.
  3. Orchid Trails: Short paths through mossy forest reveal tiny orchids, bromeliads and ferns draped over branches, best in soft light.
  4. Antpitta Feeding Spots: Shy ground birds such as the ochre-breasted antpitta may come to worms at certain forest stations when guides call them.
  5. Tanager Flocks: Mixed flocks move through the canopy at the lodge's edge, with bright blues, golds and reds including the flame-faced tanager.
  6. Night Walk: After dark, guides
… read more 👉
  1. Hummingbird Feeders: The lodge terrace is what the reserve is best known for. Violet-tailed sylphs, collared incas and booted racket-tails crowd the sugar-water stations, and early morning is busiest.
  2. Mountain Toucan Viewing: These blue-gray toucans often appear at forest edges in the mornings, and local guides know the fruiting trees where they feed.
  3. Orchid Trails: Short paths through mossy forest reveal tiny orchids, bromeliads and ferns draped over branches, best in soft light.
  4. Antpitta Feeding Spots: Shy ground birds such as the ochre-breasted antpitta may come to worms at certain forest stations when guides call them.
  5. Tanager Flocks: Mixed flocks move through the canopy at the lodge's edge, with bright blues, golds and reds including the flame-faced tanager.
  6. Night Walk: After dark, guides search for owls, frogs, moths and sometimes a glimpse of an olingo or a kinkajou along the lodge paths.
  7. Tandayapa Valley Viewpoints: Ridge clearings open onto misty valley views, and the lodge deck is a good spot to watch clouds roll up from the slope.
For a first visit, start with the hummingbird feeders, since they need no guide, no fitness and almost no luck.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do near Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve

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Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🌤️ When to go?When to go for the best experience

June through September is the driest stretch at Bellavista, with the best odds of clear mornings and open views toward the Andean ridgelines.
  • Dry Season (June to September): Days run 14 to 20°C (57 to 68°F), nights drop to 8 to 11°C (46 to 52°F). Trails are firmest, hummingbird feeders stay busy, and weekends fill with Quito visitors. Lodge rates sit at their highest.
  • Wet Season (October to May): Afternoon drizzle is common, and March to May brings the heaviest rain. Trails turn to slick mud, though mist-wrapped forest and quieter lodges appeal to many. Expect 12 to 18°C (54 to 64°F) by day.
  • Daylight: Day length barely changes, so plan to be back on the trail before dusk falls in the early evening.
  • Birding Periods: Bird activity peaks in the first hours after dawn in any month, and moth traps
… read more 👉
June through September is the driest stretch at Bellavista, with the best odds of clear mornings and open views toward the Andean ridgelines.
  • Dry Season (June to September): Days run 14 to 20°C (57 to 68°F), nights drop to 8 to 11°C (46 to 52°F). Trails are firmest, hummingbird feeders stay busy, and weekends fill with Quito visitors. Lodge rates sit at their highest.
  • Wet Season (October to May): Afternoon drizzle is common, and March to May brings the heaviest rain. Trails turn to slick mud, though mist-wrapped forest and quieter lodges appeal to many. Expect 12 to 18°C (54 to 64°F) by day.
  • Daylight: Day length barely changes, so plan to be back on the trail before dusk falls in the early evening.
  • Birding Periods: Bird activity peaks in the first hours after dawn in any month, and moth traps and night walks run year-round.
Book weekdays outside July and August for the quietest trails and the best rates.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: fair for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
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🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

The best option is Bellavista Lodge itself, a geodesic-dome style lodge inside the reserve, with the reserve’s own trails starting at the door. Beds range from US$25 to 35 for dorm bunks in the hostel-style building to US$90 to 140 per person for private rooms, including meals in some packages. Dorm space is limited, so reserve ahead, especially on weekends. Meals are served in the main dining room, and the kitchen can handle vegetarian diets with notice. Nights are cold, so bring warm layers because heating is minimal.
If the lodge is full, the nearest towns are Nanegalito and Mindo. Mindo is … read more 👉
The best option is Bellavista Lodge itself, a geodesic-dome style lodge inside the reserve, with the reserve’s own trails starting at the door. Beds range from US$25 to 35 for dorm bunks in the hostel-style building to US$90 to 140 per person for private rooms, including meals in some packages. Dorm space is limited, so reserve ahead, especially on weekends. Meals are served in the main dining room, and the kitchen can handle vegetarian diets with notice. Nights are cold, so bring warm layers because heating is minimal.
If the lodge is full, the nearest towns are Nanegalito and Mindo. Mindo is about 1.5 to 2 hours away by road and has the widest choice of hostels (US$10 to 20 for a dorm bed), cafes and tour operators. Nanegalito is smaller and has a few simple guesthouses. Quito is the main gateway city, roughly 2 to 3 hours away, with many budget hostels in La Mariscal and the Old Town. Most backpackers pair a night or two at Bellavista with a few days in Mindo.
Best hostels in Ecuador


Best quality hotels in Ecuador

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)What things cost and how to budget

Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve costs roughly US$66 to 150 per person per day when you sleep and eat on site in high season. The reserve sits in the Tandayapa Valley, northwest of Quito, and the main lodge is the only real option for beds and meals up here, so most spending is bundled around it.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance and trail accessUS$5 to 15Day visitors pay a small trail fee. Overnight guests usually have access included in the room rate.
Accommodation (high season)US$35 to 60Dorm beds and simple shared-bath rooms cost the least. Private cabins run higher. Dry months from June to September are busiest.
Accommodation (low season)US$28 to 50Rainy months from October to May see slightly lower rates and quieter trails.
FoodUS$18 to 30Meals are served at the lodge, and a full
… read more 👉
Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve costs roughly US$66 to 150 per person per day when you sleep and eat on site in high season. The reserve sits in the Tandayapa Valley, northwest of Quito, and the main lodge is the only real option for beds and meals up here, so most spending is bundled around it.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Entrance and trail accessUS$5 to 15Day visitors pay a small trail fee. Overnight guests usually have access included in the room rate.
Accommodation (high season)US$35 to 60Dorm beds and simple shared-bath rooms cost the least. Private cabins run higher. Dry months from June to September are busiest.
Accommodation (low season)US$28 to 50Rainy months from October to May see slightly lower rates and quieter trails.
FoodUS$18 to 30Meals are served at the lodge, and a full day of breakfast, lunch and dinner is the norm. Bring snacks from Quito, since there are no shops nearby.
Local transportUS$8 to 20Buses from Quito run toward Nanegalito, then a taxi or pickup covers the final stretch on a rough road. Shared costs drop if you split a ride.
Guides and extrasUS$0 to 25Birding guides cost more, but the trails are well marked for self-guided hikes. Cash is handy for tips.
Total Daily BudgetUS$66 to 150Typical figure is about US$90 for a bed, meals, trail fee and transport share.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🥾 TrailsTrail guide for Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve national park

Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve has a network of lodge-maintained paths that climb and drop through humid montane forest, so trails are muddy, steep in places and rooty. Rubber boots help. Some named routes are commonly used, though lengths and times vary with your pace and the weather.
  • Hummingbird Loop: Short and easy, about 1 km, roughly 30 minutes with stops. Starts at the lodge, passes feeders and flowering shrubs.
  • Waterfall Trail: Moderate, about 2 to 3 km round trip and 1.5 to 2 hours. Descends through mossy forest to a small cascade, with a climb back up.
  • Ridge Trail: Moderate to hard, around
… read more 👉
Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve has a network of lodge-maintained paths that climb and drop through humid montane forest, so trails are muddy, steep in places and rooty. Rubber boots help. Some named routes are commonly used, though lengths and times vary with your pace and the weather.
  • Hummingbird Loop: Short and easy, about 1 km, roughly 30 minutes with stops. Starts at the lodge, passes feeders and flowering shrubs.
  • Waterfall Trail: Moderate, about 2 to 3 km round trip and 1.5 to 2 hours. Descends through mossy forest to a small cascade, with a climb back up.
  • Ridge Trail: Moderate to hard, around 4 km and 3 hours. Climbs to higher cloud forest with orchids, tanager flocks and occasional toucans.
  • Antpitta Trail: Easy to moderate, about 1 to 2 km and 1 to 2 hours, best done with a guide so you do not disturb the birds.
  • Night Walk: Easy, 1 to 2 hours near the lodge, with frogs, owls and insects.
Wildlife is the draw. Expect hummingbirds, tanagers, toucan barbets, mountain toucans, and sometimes spectacled bears in remote areas, though sightings are rare. Mornings are best for birds, while afternoons often bring mist and rain.
Getting there is easiest by private taxi or arranged transfer from Quito, since local buses stop in Nanegalito or Tandayapa and leave a long walk uphill. Crowds are light, mostly small groups of birders and guests staying at the lodge. Day visitors usually pay an entrance fee of around US$10 to 20, and guided walks cost extra, so confirm in advance.
⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that's off, I'd love to hear from you, so I can update it for fellow travelers.

🛡️ SafetySafety Tips and Common Scams in Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve

Bellavista is a well-run private reserve where the main hazards are mud, cold and fatigue rather than anything dramatic. Trails climb and descend steeply through wet forest at roughly 2,000 to 2,400 meters (6,600 to 7,900 feet), so footing on roots and clay is the real issue. Wear boots with grip, carry a rain jacket even on clear mornings, and add a fleece because mist rolls in fast and temperatures drop. Stick to marked paths, since dense vegetation makes it easy to lose your bearings. Wildlife is mostly birds, insects and the odd small mammal, and you should not feed or touch animals. Bring water, a small snack and insect repellent. Tell the lodge staff which route you take and when you plan to return, particularly for longer loops. Pace yourself, as the altitude plus climbing tires first-timers quickly.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve

Two to three days is ideal for Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve. One full day covers the main trails and the hummingbird feeders, while a second morning adds early birding. Many backpackers combine it with Mindo, about 1.5 to 2 hours away, for a longer cloud-forest trip.
Yes, Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve can be reached without a car, though it takes some planning. Buses run from Quito’s Ofelia terminal to Nanegalito (around 2 hours, US$2 to 3), and from there you arrange a taxi or pickup truck for the last stretch. The lodge can also organize transfers from Quito for a higher price.
Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve is private, so there is no national park permit. Overnight guests normally have trail access included in their stay, while day visitors may pay a small fee of roughly US$5 to 10. Contact the lodge in advance to confirm current rates and book meals.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

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We 💚 feedbackSumming up the experience

Many travelers rush Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve as a half-day stop, then leave before the birds wake properly. Get it right by staying at least one night so you catch the dawn feeder frenzy and an evening walk. I would pack a light rain jacket and a headlamp, and keep your camera ready.

✈️ When did I visit Ecuador?
Ecuador I visited during my half year trip through South and Central America back in 2003

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Ecuador, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

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