Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve Area

eBird Hotspot Link: Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge

Species - 456

Checklists - 4713

Projected Time at Site: Moderate (≈ 2 hrs.)

About the Area: 

Bellavista Cloud Forest Lodge is perched high in the subtropical cloud forests of Ecuador’s western Andes, enveloped by mist and moss in a private reserve that spans over 700 hectares. The lodge grounds are a lush mosaic of native vegetation—tree ferns, orchids, bromeliads, and flowering shrubs—designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding forest. Feeders and fruiting trees attract a kaleidoscope of hummingbirds, including the Buff-tailed Coronet, Collared Inca, and Violet-tailed Sylph, which zip through the air in dazzling displays. From the lodge’s wraparound decks and forest trails, guests can observe tanagers, toucanets, and woodcreepers moving through mixed-species flocks, while the haunting call of the Masked Trogon echoes through the canopy.

The surrounding lands of Bellavista are part of the Chocó-Andean biodiversity hotspot, one of the most species-rich ecosystems on Earth. The cloud forest here is characterized by steep slopes, persistent fog, and dense epiphyte-laden trees that create layered microhabitats for over 300 bird species. Notable residents include the Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Golden-headed Quetzal, and the elusive Ocellated Tapaculo, which skulk through the understory. Night walks may reveal Swallow-tailed Nightjars and Common Potoos, while the forest’s upper reaches host raptors like the Barred Hawk and occasional sightings of the Crested Eagle. Bellavista’s commitment to conservation and ecotourism has made it a sanctuary not only for birds, but for the intricate web of life that thrives in this misty montane realm.

The lodge itself comprises guest rooms, 10 km of walking trails and the four storey geodesic dome, which contains a restaurant, viewing platforms and further accommodation. The Reserve was first established in 1991 by a British/Colombian couple. The area won the Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the Americas in 2006, 2007, and 2008.

Top Target Species: 

Gorgeted Sunangel, Violet-tailed Sylph, Collared Inca, Golden-headed Quetzal, Masked Trogon, Red-headed Barbet, Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan,  Crimson-mantled Woodpecker, Strong-billed Woodcreeper, Montane Woodcreeper, Green-and-black Fruiteater, Cinnamon Flycatcher, Turquoise Jay, Glossy-black Thrush, Blackburnian Warbler, Russet-crowned Warbler, Blue-winged Mountain Tanager, Golden-naped Tanager, Golden Tanager, Capped Conebill and Masked Flowerpiercer.

Recap and Reflections (How it played out)

(Stay tuned...)