Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve

Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve

After spending New Years Eve with fellow overlanders at CodaVista, we set off to visit the cloud forest to the west of Quito. This involved a drive up into the hills on tarmac before turning onto a track and climbing into the cloud forest and our destination, Bellavista Lodge. On the way, we camped in a town called Calacali which is located on the equator. We thought it would be quite fun to camp with Big Bertha’s front wheels in the southern hemisphere and the rear in the northern hemisphere.

After leaving Calacali, and continuing our climb, we stopped at a café known for the hummingbirds that feed there. We had a lovely coffee and watched the birds before continuing.

Arriving at Bellavista, we manged to squeeze into the carpark right next to a feeding station; there was hardly any need to get out of the truck!

We saw many, many, birds in the lodge’s grounds. No doubt because of the feeding stations. We did a long hike with Erin and Richard whilst there, and although the scenery was stunning, there were few birds to be seen.

And now for some wildlife pictures….

On the way back to Quito we met up with Philippe and Gigi and we spent an hour chatting before going our separate ways.

We stayed overnight at Calacali again and had lunch the next day at a local restaurant. The owner turned out to be a real character and he insisted on showing us his ‘chess hall’ and got us to sign his flags (the Union Jack and Trinidad & Tobago).