South America is a unique continent in many respects and situated on the northeastern coast of the continent is the small nation of Ecuador. Bordered by Colombia in the north, Peru to the south and east, and the western frontier meets with the Pacific Ocean, this coastal region has a unique ecosystem, which we take a look at in this article.
Ecuador Cloud Forest
These forests are located on the slopes of the Andes, from 900m – 2,500m above sea level, hence the name ‘cloud forest’, as the clouds are located at this height. The bulk of the forest lies at around 2,000m above sea level mark and it is home to a diverse range of wildlife. The forest is approximately 50km from the capital city, Quito and the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve is an important site for many endangered bird species, including hummingbirds, finches and jays. The Mindo Valley is a stretch of land where two ecoregions meet; the Tropical Andes meets the Chocoan lowlands and 3 rivers irrigate the area, namely the Mindo, Saloya and Cinto.
A Diverse Range Of Tourism Activities
The Mindo Valley is a very popular eco-tourism destination where you can enjoy the following:
- Rafting and tubing
- Horseback riding
- Trekking and mountain hiking
- Canoeing
- Birdwatching
Keen birdwatchers love Mindo Valley, as there are so many beautiful birds that live in the area, while there are 5-star ecolodges for the perfect accommodation that are situated in the heart of the valley. You can book one of the Ecuador escorted tours arranged by a leading South American tour operator, then prepare yourself for the holiday of a lifetime in a tropical cloud forest.
Mindo Town
This quaint town has long been the backpacker’s favourite place to stay; all the activities are available, plus you are sure to meet other like-minded travellers, who are eager to explore. This is a jungle paradise with rivers, lush vegetation and a range of extreme activities; definitely, a town not to be missed.
Climate
Temperatures at Mindo generally remain between 21-22C, with humidity ranging from 60-80%, depending on the time of year. The wet season runs from December to May, but it never rains for long and the sunshine soon dries everything out. Mornings are usually very pleasant and the wildlife is very active before noon.
Nature Photography
If you are into taking nature photos, you will love the cloud forest and with an English-speaking guide, you’ll be very happy that you chose a guided tour, ensuring that you get all the best shots. There are hides where you can sit and observe the wildlife and with a high-powered lens, you can get amazing close-up photos of the diverse wildlife.
Sourcing An Established Tour Operator
Google can help you make contact with a leading South American tour operator, where you will find a wide range of guided tours that include the following:
- Ecuador
- Chile
- Argentina
- Mexico
- Brazil
- Colombia
The tour operator has the connections and know-how to make sure that your holiday is tailored to suit your needs. Read the information on the website to be able to make an informed decision.
Much like Madagascar, there are many unique species of wildlife in the Mindo Cloud Forest and by talking to the right tour operator, you can arrange every aspect of your trip.
Book Early
If you are planning to visit the Mindo Cloud Forest in 2023, make sure you book well in advance, as these natural vacations are extremely popular. Once on the tour operator’s website, you can read about the many tours on offer and get ready to experience a tropical paradise.
