Bellavista

Overview

Setting

In the heart of the Cloud Forest Canopy.

The accomodation itself is simple, but comfortable. The forest around the lodge is literally buzzing with hummingbirds, which you can observe from your private balcony and the main area around the lodge.

As well as spotting some spectacular birdlife the 360 degree view from the Dome also allows you to see across the forest canopy to the rugged peaks of the Pichincha and Cotacachi Volcanoes in the distance.

At an elevation of 1,650 to 2,350 meters, with plunging valleys and tall trees festooned with orchids and bromeliads, Bellavista is a perfect place to discover the beauty of a cloud forest.

Restricted range birds such as the Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, the Toucan Barbet, and the rare Tanager-Finch live here.

Making a Difference
Bellavista started off in 1991 as a deforesested farm of 55 hectairs which was purchased by the British-Colombian owners. It is now a reserve of over 700 hectares in the buffer zone of the Mindo-Nambillo Protected Forest.

 

If you would like any more information or to chat over the details of the trip we would be delighted to help. Telephone 01482 872 716 for more information or email us today.

Facilities

Rooms

15 rooms have hot showers and comfortable beds in different houses:

• The Trailhead House: the newest construction made from brick and wood with spacious balconies each with chairs and hammocks. Can accommodate a family of 6 on the second floor and with two cosy double rooms on the first floor.
• The Dome: offers 5 double rooms with private baths and balconies. On the top two floors dormitory-style with 12 beds and shared bathroom, with 360 views and a large balcony. ** Although they have great views we don’t recommend the Dome for anyone with mobility problems as you have to access the rooms via very steep ladder-style steps.
• House in the Woods: If you would like your own mountain forest hideaway there is a 2 storey house with a bathroom on each floor offering complete seclusion.

Rates

Price per person sharing double room $98 (approx GB£70)1, single Room $116 (approx GB£82), for dormitary accomodation $61 (approx GB£43) – full board including 22% taxes

Check-out

Flexible depending on availability.

Amenities

Bellavista offers an excellent network of more than 10 km of trails through the 700 hectaire reserve around the lodge. The trails range from easy to genuinely adventurous through some truly beautiful forest filled with amazing birdlife with some small waterfalls hidden deep under the forest canopy. Although many trails are self-guided, naturalist guides and specialist birding guides are available (and recommended for at least part of your stay, to really bring the forest alive for you).

Food & drink

Simple but tasty Ecuadorean and international cuisine (vegetarian, trout, chicken – red meat not usually offered)

Activities

Fantastic birding, from the joy of watching hummingbirds on your own private balcony, to explorations to find elusive forest species, with over 320 species of birds recorded in the Tandayapa Valley where the lodge is located. Emerse yourself in this truly magical forest through the range of trails with self guided trails designed for anyone from aged 10 to 101. Nearby visit to Mindo, with its Butterfly and Orchid Farms and different bird species to be discovered. Horse-back riding and mountain biking are also available.

 

If you would like any more information or to chat over the details of the trip we would be delighted to help. Telephone 01482 872 716 for more information or email us today.