Luxury travel to the Cloud Forest made for you
Spot wildlife
the forests are home to over 500 species of bird
Go on night walks
and see olinguitos and treefrogs
Explore the outdoors
on canopy ziplines and bike rides
Exuberant natural world that's blissfully peaceful
Encountered where the Andean highlands run down to the Pacific coastline, set amid tumbling hills blanketed in rainforest and home to diverse wildlife, is where you will find Ecuador’s stunning Cloud Forest. The area of Chocó (Tumbez-Choco-Darien) is a particularly rewarding location, stretching all the way from Panama and through Colombia and Ecuador. This bioregion is home to thriving ecosystems which are relied upon by thousands of species.
There are relatively few visitors to the Cloud Forest region, ensuring that experiences here feel exclusive and give you the opportunity to connect to nature. Set just a few hours north west of Ecuador’s capital, Quito, it works perfectly to combine the hustle, bustle and history of the city with the mesmerising flora and fauna of one of the country’s most biodiverse regions. Home to over 500 species of birds, thousands of species of orchid, numerous mammals and many colourful reptiles, this is a nature lover’s haven, best explored during day and night walking trails.
Beyond the obvious lure of the fascinating nature that resides amid Ecuador’s Cloud Forest, the landscapes here also promise rewarding adventure opportunities. From climbing observation towers and swimming beneath waterfalls, to riding canopy zip lines and darting along mountain bike trails, there are countless ways to discover and absorb these breathtaking surroundings.
Highlights
Head out on daily hikes and expeditions with naturalist guides.
Visit the El Pahuma Orquid Reserve and hike to the Pacaya waterfall.
Spot bird species such as hummingbirds, barbet toucans and golden-headed quetzals.
Luxury accommodation in the Cloud Forest
There are many incredible places to stay in the Cloud Forest. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your specific interests, tastes and preferences, providing helpful tips and honest advice based on first-hand knowledge of the destination.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant travel concierges are hand-picked to provide a genuine experience, bringing your destination to life with care and passion.
Responsible travel
Our luxury trips are designed with responsible travel principles that prioritise travel experiences that are both good for you and good for the planet.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our Ecuador example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
Where to go
Baños
Shortened from Baños de Agua Santa, meaning Baths of Sacred Water, it will come as no surprise that the town’s greatest attraction is the hydrothermal springs of the Cascada de la Virgen (The Virgin’s Waterfall). Baños is also known by the moniker ‘The Gateway to the Amazon’, for it is the only city located in the mountain region found just before the start of the Amazon jungle.
Discover more
Cotopaxi
The central sierra of Ecuador is a beautifully scenic highland area and it’s here you’ll find the aptly named Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Discover more
Cuenca
A vibrant colonial city set in the south of Ecuador, Cuenca is the country’s third largest city and is packed with historic landmarks and rich heritage.
Discover more
Guayaquil
What started out as a small port town has impressively developed into a vibrant, bustling city; the largest in Ecuador in fact.
Discover more
Midwest Lowlands
Heading east of Guayaquil, and just before you hit the mighty Andes mountains, you’ll find yourself in Ecuador’s midwest lowlands. Despite being just 74km from the country’s biggest city, it is a quiet and secluded region and perfect for exploring Ecuador’s natural beauty.
Discover more
Otavalo Area
The heart of Ecuadorian craftsmanship and folk traditions, Otavalo is the place to experience authentic Ecuadorian culture. The handicraft market here is world renowned and a good place to pick up some excellent souvenirs, as well as learn more about the indigenous identity of Ecuador.
Discover more
Quito
Squeezed between mountain peaks amid the dramatic Andes, Quito’s setting is just as dramatic and inspiring as its character and identity, which can be discovered in everything from historic streets and bustling markets, to vibrant restaurants and awe-inspiring nature.
Discover more
Riobamba
Set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Chimborazo volcano, Riobamba is primarily used as a base for excursions into the surrounding wilderness, although there are a handful of attractions within the city to keep you occupied, even if your stay is a brief one.
Discover more
The Amazon
One of the world’s last great natural areas of wilderness, the Amazon is a truly awe-inspiring location that has to be experienced to be fully understood. Home to one fifth of the world’s fresh water, the sheer scale of the Amazon River is breathtaking, with new fish, bird and animal species constantly being discovered amid its wild landscapes.
Discover moreMeet your Latin America team
When to visit
Though often used as a gateway for the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador is home to so much more. There are different highlights year round, so the best time to visit Ecuador depends on when you want to go.
The country has two main seasons – a wet, warm season which runs from January to April and a dry, cool season from May to December.
Wet season
January - April
Dry season
May - December
Trekking
All Year
Ecuador travel guides
Plan your trip to The Cloud Forests
Whatever you want from your adventure in The Cloud Forests, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
