Current as of: September 21, 2026 - 18:35
Ecuador Cloud Forest Add-on Tour Trip Notes
- Destination: Ecuador
- Programmes: Trip Extensions
-
Activity Level:
1 out of 7 - Easy
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: XTNCLOUD
Trip Overview
Explore Ecuador’s cloud forest with guided walks, rich birdlife and a stay at Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge
Escape Quito for a short stay in Ecuador’s cloud forest, where changing altitude brings a striking shift in landscapes and wildlife. Based at Bellavista Lodge above the Tandayapa Valley, we explore a network of forest trails with expert guides, searching for birdlife and learning how this ecosystem functions. Optional early walks reveal peak wildlife activity, while varied routes lead to waterfalls and quieter corners of the reserve. With time to absorb the rhythms of the forest and guidance throughout, this is a focused introduction to one of Ecuador’s most biodiverse habitats.
Is This Trip for You?
This trip is graded Activity Level 1 (Easy). For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.
This add-on tour runs on a shared basis with non-Exodus guests.
Water safety: This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Group
Local guides are used at the lodge.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 1
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Quito
- End City: Quito
Land Only Itinerary
Travel to the cloud forest • Walk Bellavista trails
We leave Quito early (6.30am), heading northwest along the Calacalí–La Independencia road (approx. 1hr 30min), where the scenery shifts with altitude from Andean highlands to misty cloud forest. A final stretch along a smaller road brings us to Bellavista Lodge, perched above the Tandayapa Valley.
After settling in and breakfast, we head out on foot with our guide, who selects trails based on conditions and wildlife activity. The cloud forest here is known for its remarkable biodiversity, and our guide helps interpret everything from bird calls to plant life. Following lunch, we explore a different trail, offering a fresh perspective on this layered ecosystem. Back at the lodge, keep an eye out for the elusive olinguito, occasionally spotted near the buildings.
Accommodation: Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge
Search for birdlife • Hike deeper into the forest
For those keen to start early, there’s an optional birdwatching walk (6.30am), when activity is at its peak. Bellavista sits within a key birding corridor, and our guide focuses on identifying species that thrive in this altitude range.
After breakfast, we continue exploring the reserve, choosing from a network of trails that may lead to waterfalls or quieter forest sections. Each route reveals different aspects of the cloud forest, from dense vegetation to open viewpoints shaped by the terrain.
After lunch, we begin our return to Quito (approx. 2hr 30min), arriving mid-afternoon.
Accommodation: Hotel Vieja Cuba (or similar)
Adventure ends in Quito
You’ve walked through Ecuador’s cloud forest and searched for its diverse birdlife, but now it’s time to begin your return journey home or join the start of your main adventure.
Accommodation
Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge
Set high above the Tandayapa Valley, Bellavista Lodge places you within Ecuador’s cloud forest, a habitat known for its rich birdlife and layered vegetation. Rooms are simple yet comfortable, designed to keep the focus on the surrounding environment, with balconies and communal areas offering opportunities to watch hummingbirds and other species up close.
With a network of trails starting directly from the lodge and knowledgeable local guides on hand, it’s an ideal base for exploring this unique ecosystem.
Food & Drink
Meals at Bellavista are hearty and home-style, designed to refuel after time on the trails. Ingredients are locally sourced where possible, with a mix of Ecuadorian dishes and familiar options served in the lodge dining area. Early breakfasts cater to those heading out for birdwatching, while lunches and dinners are relaxed affairs, often accompanied by views into the surrounding forest. Hot drinks are available throughout the day—particularly welcome in the cooler cloud forest climate.
Transport
Weather & Seasonality
It will be hot with high humidity in the Amazon Rainforest. There is a possibility of rain at any time, but not to the extent of spoiling your enjoyment. The driest time in the jungle (in terms of rainfall levels, not number of rainy days) is October to January.
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Lightweight long bottoms
- Long-sleeved lightweight shirts
- Lightweight sweater or jacket
- Raingear (ponchos are provided)
- Sports shoes or hiking boots
- Hat
- Sun protection
- Sunglasses
- Small backpack for daily essentials
- Insect repellent
- Torch (flashlight) or headlamp for night walks
Optional Equipment
- Binoculars
- Camera
Practical Info & Visa
Visa
Ecuador
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Ecuador. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/americas/ecuador
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/ecuador
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ecuador/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Ecuador.html
Vaccinations and Health
Ecuador
All visitors to Ecuador must show valid medical insurance on arrival and cannot enter the country without it.
You also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate (vaccinated at least 15 days before you travel) if you are arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo or Uganda, including if you have transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of those countries.
As updates may happen at any time, please check the latest requirements with your doctor or travel clinic.
Malaria is also a risk in some areas of the country (including the Amazon Rainforest) so we suggest you consult a doctor for more advice. Additionally, dengue, chikungunya and zika, all viral diseases spread by mosquitoes, are known risks in places visited. There are currently no vaccines or prophylaxes available, so take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Recommended vaccinations include tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis, typhoid and yellow fever.
Please check all vaccination recommendations with your doctor or travel clinic.
Methanol: The FCDO warns travellers to be cautious of methanol poisoning when travelling in destinations visited on the trip.
Local Time
Ecuador's time zone: America/Lima (UTC -05:00)
Electricity
Ecuador's electricity:
Plug types A (two flat pins) and B (three pins: two flat, one round) – 120V, 60Hz
Money
Ecuador's currency: US dollar (USD)
ATM Availability
ATMs accepting major credit and debit cards are readily available in Quito. Please contact your bank before travel to ensure compatibility.
You should carry your money in US dollars cash. Try to carry a number of small notes (US$1 or US$5) as many small businesses and taxis do not carry large amounts of change.
Tipping
Tipping forms part of the service culture. Due to the dominance of US visitors in the destination, tips are reasonably high and this is likely to add up during your stay.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.
Important Information
Your Safe Participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call us and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
Travel Safety
For additional information please have a look at the travel safety advice page on our website.
How To Book
Speak to our friendly team of experts to plan your adventure:
- Check availability: our website shows real-time availability of our guided group tours, or contact our team by phone, email or live chat.
- Hold a space: You can provisionally hold a space on any guided group tour to give you time to finalise your travel plans.
- Confirm your booking: Payment of a deposit will complete your booking and secure your place on the trip.
After booking
You will receive a confirmation document and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements. Our dedicated Customer Operations team will help you with any pre-travel questions or arrangements and can easily add extensions or extra accommodation to your booking. Final Joining Instructions will usually be sent out two to three weeks prior to departure.
Adding transfers to your booking
If you have arranged your own flights and would like to add transfers to your booking, please provide your arrival and departure details to our Customer Operations team around four to six weeks before departure.
- Where complimentary transfers are included, they are available for any flight but can only be added to your booking once we have received your flight schedule.
- Where group arrival and departure transfers are available, these operate at fixed times. You will need to arrive in time to meet the scheduled transfer. If the timings don’t align with your travel plans, our team can arrange private transfers once they receive your flight schedule.
Trip Note validity
Trip notes may be updated after booking; if any updates significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary you will be advised in writing. A link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes will be sent out with your Final Joining Instructions before departure.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes, and occasionally it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
