Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve

The Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve is a 2,000-acre (8.1 km2) certified conservation area on the North-Western slopes of the Andean mountain range and is located 52 km from the Ecuadorian capital city of Quito.

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.

In 1991 construction on the Eco-lodge began, starting with the central geodesic dome, designed by local architects and Richard Parsons.

This proved to be difficult in construction due to the carefully measured glass panels and precise wood fittings required.

During its time as a functioning lodge the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve has been officially certified through Rainforest Alliance and Smart Voyager as an Eco-lodge.

The Bellavista Reserve is situated at the southern edge of the Chocó/Andean biodiversity hotspot areas which stretch from south western Colombia to northwestern Ecuador.

Species such as the tanager-finch, giant antpitta, swallow-tailed nightjar, plush-capped finch, beautiful jay, and white-faced nunbird are also seen, as well as the plate-billed mountain-toucan and toucan barbet.