Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve & Lodge

A bold, geodesic dome, the thatched lodge is rustic but totally eclectic. Inside is a restaurant with fire-orange tablecloths, views that go on forever, and a fantastic menu of Ecuadorian and international cuisine. Trogon's Cloud Lounge is cosy with an impressive collection of books on birding, wildlife and the forest's history. Enjoy a few happy hours on the balcony with your drink of choice, where feeders attract hummingbirds and a host of others to enjoy the nectar in a riot of colour and feathers.

There are a number of room types, all as lovely as the next. Some sit in the half-timbered Trailhead House, while others are more private, but all have gem-bright drapes and two-metre-long beds. The Bamboo House can be booked exclusively and has a larger room with a double bed and two singles, a two-storey balcony and mini kitchen, perfect for families. Across the board, the views are constant and beautiful, ranging from the Tandayapa Valley to the Guagua Pichincha volcano.

There is a fantastic maze of around 20 trails on the reserve, winding past gushing waterfalls and trees alive with birds. There are a number of different elevations to choose from, each offering different birds to spot and gaze at. You can even visit the courting lek of the bright Cock-of-the-rock. The lodge offers three hikes a day, but we would also recommend squeezing in a horse-ride through the forest - and some time for a spot of R&R too.