ITINERARY

DAY 1: Transfer Quito to Bellavista
DAY 2: Bellavista
DAY 3: Drive to Mindo
DAY 4: Mindo
DAY 5: Drive to Tinalandia
DAY 6: Tinalandia
DAY 7: Drive to Sangolqui
DAY 8: Visit Pasochoa, in the afternoon to Quito

DESCRIPTION OF PLACES VISITED

BELLAVISTA

Cloud forests, correctly termed pre-montane/subtropical rain forests, cloak the steep slopes of the Andes from about 900 meters to about 2500 meters. They are forests of high biodiversity, with a profusion of little-studied wildlife and plants. Bellavista is at the southern edge of the Choco/Andean hotspots of biodiversity - that stretches from south western Colombia to northwestern Ecuador. And equally important, Bellavista is part of the Mindo Area of International Importance for Birds, the first area so designated in South America, by Birdlife International in 1997. The New York Botanical Gardens wrote that the diversity of epiphytes ("air plants" that grow on other plants) is higher in the cloud forests of Ecuador, Colombia and Peru than anywhere else on the planet.

Within this enchanting green kingdom a profusion of life awaits your discovery, including botanical treasures such as bromeliads and orchids, as well as the fascinating families of Gesneriaceae and Melastomataceae. Since Bellavista is located on the equator, flowers are in bloom year round.  

The Reserve's goal is to educate the public about the significance of biodiversity in tropical cloud forests and the ever increasing importance of protecting these unique ecosystems. Bellavista and the Tandayapa Valley boasts over 330 recorded species of birds...and the list continues to grow! The Tanager-finch, Giant Antpitta, Swallow-tailed Nightjar, Plush-capped Finch, Beautiful Jay, and White-faced Nunbird are all found here.
Birders and nature lovers alike thrill to the sight of brightly colored tanagers and the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, and everybody loves to simply sit in our four-story dome and admire the multitude of hummingbirds hovering around our feeders.

Bellavista's resident mammals include the endangered Spectacled Bear, (rarely seen but protected by the reserve), as well as the puma, Andean coati and tayra, to name a few.

MINDO
The settlement is surrounded by dairy farms and a unique cloud forest and much of the area has been set aside as a nature reserve. This Ecuador´s north western area is one of South America’s most diverse  places for bird life with over 400 species and also has some amazing flora and fauna, beautiful forest and waterfalls.

TINALANDIA
Tinalandia rests on the Western slope of the Ecuadorian Andes at the southern end of the "Choco Bioregion" which stretches from Columbia to Ecuador. The late ornithologist Ted Parker and botanist Al Gentry proclaimed this area to be the most bio-diverse region in the world, and the ideal location of Tinalandia at 2000 feet takes advantage of most of what this region has to offer.
Located about 2 hours from Quito, Tinalandia is one of the most accessible wildlife areas from the Ecuadorian capital.

Tinalandia is perhaps best known for its exceptional birdwatching opportunities. Over 350 species, have been recorded by some of the world’s most renowned birding experts.

We have been offering "eco-tourism" since before the word existed, and were one of the pioneers in eco-tourism in South America. Tinalandia is an actual and historical hacienda (ranch) and hence offers service and accommodation a "notch above" most eco-lodges, and has a variety of activities beyond strict eco-tourism that entire families can enjoy and share.

Over 500 species of birds recorded within walking distance of Tinalandias lodges
Tinalandia is considered to be a premiere location for bird watching in Ecuador due to its outstanding biodiversity and proximity to Quito.  Located on the Western Slope of the Andes, botanists and ornithologists consider this region to be the most bio-diverse region in the world.  A simple morning walk among the grounds of Tinalandia brings you in  contact with flocking groups of up to 15 Toucans --often for visitors that are not even out birding.

PASOCHOA
Located just an hour from Quito, Pasachoa Forest Reserve is popular destination for tourists and nature lovers. This 1,000 acre Reserve is the habitat of a large number of birds and mammals. Home to roughly 120 kinds of birds, the Reserve's forests are filled with the songs of such species as blackbirds, plateros, and turtledoves. Rich in vegetation, trees such as the pumamaqui and the alder cover the Reserve's hillsides, which can be climbed by all types of nature enthusiasts on guided and self-guided paths.

PROGRAM INCLUDES:

• Lodging at Middle class hotels
• Daily American Breakfast
• Birdwatching English speaking guide
• Private tourist transportation

PROGRAM DOES NOT INCLUDE:

• Drinks, meals not indicated, tips, personal expenses.