A Day Trip to Bellavista is a perfect way of getting to know a subtropical rain forest, so close to Quito! Why spend that spare day in the city when you could be hiking in a forest reserve, discovering colourful and unusual birds, or even relaxing in a hammock admiring the hummingbirds?

We pick you up at your hotel at 6.30h, and travel past the Ecuador Monument , and on down a mountain road with superb views, and then turn off on a dirt road with more fabulous views for our climb to Bellavista.

Once at Bellavista, the hummingbirds take our full attention! Large numbers hover constantly round the feeders, and it is easy to identify six to ten species at very close range.

After breakfast we go for a guided naturalist hike into the forest, of about 2-2.5 hours duration.

Your guided hike will acquaint you with the exuberant vegetation of the Cloud Forest, its bird life, and the fascinating adaptations to life in this special environment. Every hike reveals something new even for those of us who are fortunate enough to live in the forest every day!

After your hike, a hearty lunch is served in our circular restaurant in the dome, with breathtaking views. After lunch, you have the option to relax and watch the hummers and admire the constantly changing play of cloud and light, or take yourselves on another hike into the forest. The trails are well marked and safe, and your vehicle will expect you back at the dome to leave between 3:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to return you to Quito shortly before dusk.

Prices from August 1st 2008
These prices are subject to be changed anytime and without any previous notice according to the economic conditions in the country.

DAY TRIP
Includes: breakfast, lunch and one guided visit, taxes and transport.
For 1 person US$109
2 persons US$87 each
3 to 4 people US$80 each
5 or more people US$69 each
Children 12 years and under have 40% discount on Day Trips
Specialist birding guide: Extra cost

Camping and or a Hostel stay is optional *see website for details

•Round trip transport from Quito
•Breakfast and lunch
•Guided naturalist hike within the reserve

Depends on type of planned lodging
*See website details on camping and hostel stays

Departure: From your Quito hotel at 6.30 a .m. (suggested).
Arrival and breakfast at Bellavista: 8:30 a.m.
Guided Hike: 9:30H – 12:30h.
Lunch: 13:00h
Further explorations: 14:00h – 15:00 / 15.30h
Depart for Quito : 15:00 / 15.30h
Arrive in Quito : 17:00 / 17.30h

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Pick–up and drop-off times are flexible – please let us know what your timetable is, and we will adapt. Pick-up is from any Quito hotel, or from a host family home.

TRANSPORT ´

Several options: (van, jeep). Also, Bellavista Reserve offers birding guides with private transport

Typical:One day Special Options Packages: 2 days/1night or 3 days/2 nights*see website for pricing details

1 or 2 night packages