Cloudforest nature reserve and highland market
Daily from Quito
4 days, 3 nights
Travel northwest from Quito over the skirts of Pichincha Volcano and continue to Nanegalito - a spectacular drive through native cloud forest.
The different ecological zones (from 3200 to 1400m) are remarkable for their flora (nearly 2000 plant species including orchids and bromeliads).
Among the fauna are armadillos, anteaters, agoutis and over 350 species of bird including the quetzal, toucanet and motmot.
Mid-morning arrival at the protected forest of Mindo- Nambillo, a large nature reserve in the cloudforest. After lunch in the forest, take a guided walk for bird watching, overnight at a lodge.
Early next morning there is a bird watching walk and later, an optional horse-riding trip through the forest, passing exquisite waterfalls and local farms with tropical plantations. Drive to Otavalo and overnight at a colonial-style hacienda.
On the third day visit Otavalo with time to shop for local handicrafts and continue on to the towns of Peguche and colonial Ibarra. Next day visit the serene Cuicocha crater lake and Cotacachi before returning to Quito.
Our comment
"Even if you’re not a birdwatcher, you will love this trip: the cloud forest is spectacular and the variety, colour and sheer abundance of birds leaves you speechless." |