Swim in cool, mineral-rich mountain waterfalls. Glacial runoff from the high Andes feeds clean, emerald pools hidden deep in the reserve gorges.
Swim in cool, mineral-rich mountain waterfalls. Glacial runoff from the high Andes feeds clean, emerald pools hidden deep in the reserve gorges.
| Month | High / Low | Rain Days | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 70.5° / 63.9°F | 20 | Okay |
| Feb | 71° / 64.6°F | 19 | Okay |
| Mar | 71.9° / 64.9°F | 22 | Okay |
| Apr | 72.6° / 65.3°F | 21 | Okay |
| May | 72.5° / 65.3°F | 18 | Good |
| Jun | 71.3° / 64.5°F | 15 | Peak |
| Jul | 71.1° / 64.1°F | 10 | Peak |
| Aug | 70.8° / 63.8°F | 9 | Peak |
| Sep | 70.9° / 63.6°F | 11 | Peak |
| Oct | 71.4° / 64°F | 16 | Good |
| Nov | 71.2° / 63.8°F | 15 | Okay |
| Dec | 70.8° / 64.2°F | 18 | Okay |
The high-altitude Andean aviation hub serving as the sole gateway.
A 3,000-acre private biodiversity reserve protecting primary forest.
An open-air cable car gliding slowly over the jungle canopy for 2km.
A scenic waterfall dropping into a clear swimming pool flanked by copal trees.
A clearing with feeders attracting dozens of species of hummingbirds daily.
The volcanic clay soil of the cloud forest is continuously humid and slick. Normal sneakers do not offer enough traction; wear high-quality, waterproof hiking boots with deep tread to prevent slips on muddy forest tracks.
The high humidity and constant mist can cause camera condensation and lens fogging. Keep cameras inside water-resistant cases when not shooting, and pack plenty of silica gel packets and lens cloths.
The road to the cloud forest starts in high-altitude Quito (9,350 feet) before descending to the reserves (around 3,100 feet). Spend 24 hours in Quito to acclimatize to the thin air before starting active hikes.
Wildist-vetted hotels for Ecuador Cloud Forest coming soon.