Exuberant natural world that's blissfully unknown
Encountered where the Andean highlands run down to the Pacific coastline, set amid tumbling hills blanketed in exuberant rainforest and home to diverse and abundant wildlife, hidden here are some of Ecuador’s most stunning and delicate cloud forests. 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.
For many, Ecuador is not a country at the forefront when it comes to exploring and discovering cloud forests, ensuring that experiences here can feel very unique and delightfully exclusive. Set a few hours to the north west of Ecuador’s capital, Quito, visitors can swap hustle, bustle and history for the mesmerising flora and fauna of one of the country’s most biodiverse regions. Home to over 500 species of bird, 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 forests, 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.
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Remarkable stays, handpicked by our experts
Luxury accommodation in The Cloud Forests
There are many incredible places to stay in The Cloud Forests. 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.
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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.
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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.
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Guayaquil
What started out as a small port town has impressively developed into a vibrant, bustling city; the largest in Ecuador in fact.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
































