The Equator – the name brings to mind rain forests, lush dripping forests full of wildlife, mystery and wonder! For some this may mean the wonders of the Amazon – but lush rain forests are also much more accessible – "cloud forests" (montane rain forests) are only one and a half hours from Quito. This fascinating ecosystem, literally cloaking the steep slopes of both sides of the Andes from about 1000 – 2500 meters, is amongst the most diverse ecosystems in the world. This is a true jungle with tall trees decorated with a carpet of delicate orchids, mosses, bromeliads, and other epiphytes. While in some ways similar to the Amazon forests, the steepness of the slopes means that the canopy is very uneven, and hence more light penetrates to the forest floor, giving rise to a dense covering of vegetation there also. The steep slopes also give birth to myriad waterfalls, many of which have never been named – just an example of nature’s undiscovered treasures that await you here!

The region of Nono-Tandayapa-Bellavista-Mindo has been declared the first Area of International Importance for Birds in South America, and the area has recently achieved the highest single day bird count during the world-wide Audubon Christmas Count. So for a birder, this region has to be a prime destination. And every 200 meters or so drop in altitude means a change in the species of birds that live there. Consider that Ecuador, which only covers 0.02% of the earth’s land surface, holds about 10% of all bird species found on the planet – and it is not an exaggeration to state that an inordinately high number of Ecuador’s 1600 species of birds are found in the cloud forests! Just to mention a few, some of which are endemic (unique) to this region: Tanager-Finch, Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Tanagers of all colors, Manakins, Cotingas, etc. And for hummingbirds, the number of different species in the Tandayapa and Mindo Valleys is perhaps a world record, with various places offering an unforgettable spectacle at very accessible feeders.

Clearly the high diversity of birds is also reflected in the high diversity of orchids, butterflies, frogs, etc, etc. For the scientist, it is a certainty that new species are there to be discovered. And for the naturalist, every hike reveals new surprises. Take a trail with a guide or alone, walk a self-guided educational trail, perhaps find a spot to just relax and absorb the peace, the variety of bird calls, the remoteness of nature far away from your daily life. This region also is the home of the Andean Spectacled Bear, and although rarely seen, this is perhaps one of the most intriguing species of mammals in this area.

Apart from the trails in the forests, there are places that offer displays of butterflies and orchids, with easy access and knowledgeable interpreters ready to explain the respective ecology.
The northwest and its cloud forests are also a perfect area for adventure sports. Horseback riding, mountain biking, tubing or, during the rainy season, rafting in the rushing rivers, are just some if the varied options this region has to offer. Imagine a day speeding on your bike down a narrow mountain road with a bubbling stream following you as you ride, then a day hiking in the forest, then a day riding on a well-trained horse, feeling like a pioneer on the little-trodden trails that wind through the hills. And if you are a lover of natural swimming holes, there are various places near Los Bancos, Pedro Vicente Maldonado and Puerto Quito that offer sparkling waters amongst dense foliage, deep pools with waterfalls cascading from above, complemented by comfortable cabins nearby to let you unwind completely. At lower elevations, there are interesting opportunities to visit small scale farming enterprises, with a fascinating variety of tropical fruits and the best cacao in the world.

The forests also hide various little-studied archaeological remains – the most accessible of which is the newly-excavated site at Tulipe. A series of what were most likely ceremonial pools have been uncovered, and various "tolas" (mounds) are awaiting further investigation. What is doubly special is that this site of the ancient Yumbo culture is still little known, and it is an added fascination for the visitor to realize that he or she is experiencing archaeological discovery first hand.

Consider Pichincha’s northwest – the region of the two hemispheres (north and south) crossed by the Equator - as a fascinating new frontier, with exuberant nature, fascinating people and culture, and comfortable, original lodging just waiting to be discovered by you!

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