Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve
The Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve is a 2,000-acre (8.1 km2) certified conservation area on the North-Western slopes of the Andean mountain range and is located 52 km from the Ecuadorian capital city of Quito. The lodge itself comprises guest rooms, 10 km of walking trails and the four storey geodesic dome, which contains a restaurant, viewing platforms and further accommodation. The Reserve was first established in 1991 by a British/Colombian couple. The area won the Audubon Christmas Bird Count for the Americas in 2006, 2007, and 2008.
In 1991 the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve was first founded by British/Colombian couple Richard and Gloria Parsons, with the purchase of a 136-acre (0.55 km2) area of cloud forest in the Tandayapa Valley region. Over the 19 year period since its purchase, the reserve has been added to with further purchases of land for conservation, expanding the reserve to 2,000 acres (8.1 km2).
In 1991 construction on the Eco-lodge began, starting with the central geodesic dome, designed by local architects and Richard Parsons. This proved to be difficult in construction due to the carefully measured glass panels and precise wood fittings required. Guesthouses have also been added to the reserve, examples being the 'German House', 'Trailhead House' and 'Glorias' Honeymoon House'.
During its time as a functioning lodge the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve has been officially certified through Rainforest Alliance and Smart Voyager as an Eco-lodge. The Bellavista Reserve is also a founding member of the Network of Private Protected Forests of Ecuador
The Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve is located entirely within the Pichincha Province of Ecuador, and is itself located on the North-Western slopes of the Andean mountain range, situated at 2000 metres altitude. It is located approximately 52 km from Quito, the central plaza of which is at 2800 metres altitude. Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve is in the northern section of the Andes which runs through Venezuela, Colombia, and Ecuador and consists of two parallel ranges, the Cordillera Occidental and the Cordillera Oriental.
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