Located about 1 ½ hours Northwest of Quito, the Ecuadorian subtropical evergreen mountain forest is characterized by a permanent incidence of canopy level mist cover, resulting in the reduction of direct sunlight and thus of evaporation.

The warm and humid environment promotes the development of an abundance of epiphytes, bromeliads, moss and ferns. With tree species like cedar, wild avocado, white cinnamon, black raspberry, and stinging nettles. Perhaps the most characteristic trait of this region is the richness of orchids and birdlife in a range of 350 different varieties species including cock of the rock, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, etc. Its butterflies, bats, squirrels, deer, spectacled bear and small amphibians are also an attraction.

Maquipucuna Reserve

The Maquipucuna Reserve is a 4,500-hectare privately owned and managed nature reserve, 80% of Maquipucuna consists of steeply-sloped, undisturbed cloud forest. Covering four different life zones ranging from 1,200 to 2,800 meters above sea level, it  houses a tremendous diversity of flora and fauna. In fact, it is located next to the Choco bioregion of northwestern Ecuador, which is one of only ten “biodiversity hotspots” in the world; this diversity of plants rivals that of lowland tropical forests and is a result of the humid conditions due to nearly constant mists at high altitudes.

Tandayapa Reserve

The Tandayapa Valley, dominated by humid cloud forest, has some of the highest diversity of epiphytes anywhere in the world, holding many epiphytic orchids (over 80 species identified to date) and bromeliads, tree ferns, and moss-covered trees. The valley forms the most easily accessible part of the threatened Chocó Endemic Bioregion of southwest Columbia and northwest Ecuador, which hosts 61 range-restricted birds, and 9000 plant species (more than 10 percent of the Neotropical flora!).  With the use of hummingbird feeders 31 species have so far been recorded in the area, and seeing twenty species in a single day is not a rare event. .

Lodges

ARASHA RESORT & SPA

An excellent combination of a first class spa surrounded by tropical forest. Located just 2 hours Northwest of Quito, Arashá is the ideal destination for those looking to relax in the swimming pool or get a stimulating massage after a day's walk bird watching in the nearby cloud forest of Tandayapa or Mindo. The lodge offers 27 bungalows with private facilities and all the modern comforts; a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, spa, restaurant, bar, games room, theater, a natural swimming pool at El Negrito Creek and wonderful gardens.