Bellavista Lodge
There are a variety of activities and hikes to chose from during your stay at Bellavista. Usually, on arrival your guides will tailor your activities according to what you would like to do. Below is a sample itinerary of what could be done during a 3 day stay.
Sample itinerary
Day 1
Transfer from your hotel in Quito to Bellavista lodge. On your way you will stop at the Pululahua crater. At around 10:30 you arrive at the lodge and can settle in and enjoy the surroundings. After lunch you are off on a forest hike and a bit of bird watching if you like. Your guide will be happy to arrange an itinerary with you according to your preferences. Dinner is served in our Dome where you can sit and enjoy wonderful views of the cloudforest and watch the hummingbirds up close.
Day 2
Those with a keen interest in birds and those who want to make the very most out of their stay should join their guide on an early morning bird hike before breakfast. And after a delicious breakfast you are off on a forest hike of your choice. You return to the lodge for a hearty lunch before venturing out into the forest again in the afternoon. Maybe take a walk to the beautiful Discovery Falls? And tonight after dinner take your chance to go on a guided night walk – the sounds of the forest by night are unforgettable!
Day 3
On your last day you still have plenty of time to explore, either by yourself or with your guide. You can chose to go on another early morning bird hike, or hike along one of the many trails after breakfast. Lunch is around 13:00 and your transfer back to Quito does not leave until approximately 15:30, so take a last chance to relax in these magical surroundings! You arrive in Quito around 18:00.
Various trek options within the reserve along the following trails:
Antpitta Trail: The Giant Antpitta bird has occasionally been seen and filmed here. An easy trail, great for viewing bird flocks and botanical exploration.
Chaquiñan Trail: An ancient trail that snakes down the mountain to the town of Tandayapa.
Discovery Falls Trail: A trail that takes you from the Heliconia trail to a small waterfall with a stream cascading down the mountain.
Field Trail: Takes you through a regenerating forest with spectacular views of the dome and the valley.
Grotto Trail: A short trail off the Tarzan's Folly Trail to a mossy overhang.
Heliconia Trail: This trail takes you past distant views of parallel ridges into a towering old-growth forest.
Ocellated Tapaculo Trail: The Ocellated Tapaculo can be seen in the bamboo thickets on this trail. Trail is steep in some areas.
Ridge Trail: This trail leads you through a dense bamboo forest to a breathtaking look-out point.
Stream Trail: Possibilities for exploration abound on this trail, also you can scramble up to the Hidden Falls, a true adventure.
Tarzan's Folly Trail: An adventure trail which sweeps you through a deep valley, this trail joins the Giant Antpitta Trail.
Water Trail: This is a steep climb close to the dome with superb views of primeval forest.
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