When Quito feels overwhelming due to traffic, a busy schedule, or noise, there is a quick plan to relax: get in a car and venture into a cloud forest. Tandayapa is close enough to go and return in one day, but it is so different that it feels like another country. In that environment, Bellavista Cloud Forest is one of the best places to see mist, walk along trails, and observe real birds. It is ideal for those who love birdwatching due to its great biodiversity.
Why is Bellavista in Tandayapa the perfect getaway near Quito?
The best thing about Bellavista is not just the green you see. It is the feeling of entering an ecosystem that lives at a different pace: humid air, trees with hanging plants, silence interrupted only by the songs of birds, and that mist that lowers the intensity of the world. In addition, it is a practical destination if you have little time: the road from Quito is short and direct, perfect for a weekend getaway or even a day trip. Its location in the Chocó Andino also makes it ideal for experiencing the cloud forest at high altitude in Ecuador.
Distance and real time from Quito
Normally, getting from Quito takes about 1 hour and 28 minutes by car, covering around 52 km (depending on where you leave from in the city). This means you can leave early, enjoy the whole morning in nature, have lunch with a view, and return to Quito before nightfall.
Altitude and average temperature
The area is between 1,400 and 2,600 meters above sea level, with average temperatures between 14 and 22°C, perfect for walking without getting too hot (although you do need to wear layered clothing). In addition, Tandayapa is located to the west of the Andes, within the Chocó area – one of the most biodiverse regions – and is ideal for nature photography and birdwatching near the capital. The Bellavista Valley Reserve and Tandayapa offer a wide variety of species in the Ecuadorian cloud forest.
The Bellavista experience (why it is different)
Bellavista stands out for its focus on nature and birdwatching: the lodge has a geodesic dome structure with panoramic views and platforms, as well as trails within the forest. This lodge is perfect if you want to immerse yourself in the beauty of the cloud forest while seeing many species of birds.
If you are traveling on a low budget, this matters because you can hike, enjoy viewpoints, and observe birds here without having to move between different places.
How to get there from Quito without complications and without spending much
The key is to choose according to your travel style: total comfort, good balance between cost and time, or maximum savings.
Option 1 – Car or private transportation (the fastest)
If you are going by car, it is best to leave early to avoid traffic and take the western route to the Tandayapa valley. The journey takes about 1 hour and 28 minutes under normal conditions.
Option 2 – Bus + taxi (good combination of savings and comfort)
If you don’t have a car, you can take a bus to the nearest point and then a taxi to the lodge or reserve. This method takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes and costs between USD 11 and 15, depending on the exact location and combinations.
Option 3 – Day tour (worry-free, ideal if you work remotely)
If you are a digital nomad and want to relax, the tours pick you up, take you there, and bring you back. They usually include a guide and stops to see nature, often focused on birds. Here you pay not only for transportation but also because you make better use of the day without having to plan anything along the way.
What to do in Bellavista Cloud Forest: birds, trails, and relaxation
If it’s your first time, think of Bellavista as three experiences in one: birdwatching up close, walking through the cloud forest, and relaxing.
Birdwatching for everyone
Bellavista is famous for birdwatching near the lodge. Hummingbirds come very close to the feeders, making it easy to enjoy even if you don’t have professional binoculars.
You don’t need to search for species for hours; many can be seen from nearby points.
Useful tips
- If you leave between 6:00 and 8:00 am, you’ll arrive with good light and more bird activity.
- Return before 4:30 or 5:00 pm to avoid driving at night in fog.
- Decide what time you want to return to Quito before leaving.
- Bring divided cash to pay for taxis if necessary at the end of the trip.
Easy to Moderate Trails
The reserve has a network of trails that total approximately 10 km. You can choose short or medium routes depending on your energy level.
The cloud forest is special because many plants grow on top of others (epiphytes), giving a unique feeling of “hanging” and vibrant vegetation.
Recommended Mini Itinerary for a Day/Night Stay
If you can stay overnight, Bellavista has a lodge within a large private reserve (around 700 hectares). This gives you more options for walking and birdwatching at different times of the day.
Staying there changes everything: you listen to the forest without rushing, wake up early without traveling first, and make better use of natural activity.
What to Bring with You
- Lightweight waterproof (it can rain even in summer).
- Shoes with good grip (the trails are usually wet).
- An extra layer for the afternoon or evening (temperature drops).
- Soft repellent and cover to protect camera or cell phone.
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Conclusion
Bellavista Cloud Forest in Tandayapa is perfect because it is close to Quito, ideal for quick getaways, and offers a true experience in the cloud forest with many birds and trails. If you have little time, visit during the day and take advantage of the morning; if you want to experience it thoroughly, stay overnight. In either case, you will enjoy the silence, mist, and beautiful nature that Quito has to offer in less than two hours.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Bellavista Cloud Forest is located in Tandayapa, approximately 52 km from Quito, about a 90-minute drive by car.
Its proximity to Quito, accessible within 1 hour 28 minutes by car, combined with its rich cloud forest environment, birdwatching opportunities, and network of hiking trails make Bellavista an ideal spot for short nature-focused trips.
The recommended departure time is between 06:00 and 08:00 to catch good light and active bird activity. Returning before 16:30–17:00 is advised to avoid night driving in foggy conditions.
Visitors can enjoy birdwatching—especially hummingbirds near lodge feeders—cloud forest walks along approximately 10 km of trails with short to medium routes, and relaxation amidst nature.
Pack a lightweight raincoat, grippy shoes suitable for hiking, an extra layer for cooler evenings or nights, mild insect repellent, and protective covers for cameras or cellphones due to the moist environment.
For limited time visitors, a morning or day visit focusing on bird observation and gentle hikes is recommended. For a complete experience with more hiking and birdwatching opportunities within the large private reserve (~700 hectares), an overnight stay at the associated lodge is ideal.
