I want to book a tour to the Cloud Forest while we are in Quito. I have contacted two different vendors. They both want a check for the deposit and want it sent to a US bank. Has anyone done this and is it a legitimate way to do business in Ecuador? One is Mindo Bird Tours and the other is The Bellavista Reserve and Lodge.

Hi Nell,

I can't answer your question, however my recent experience (yesterday) might be useful to you.

I have just booked and paid for a cloud forest stay with Tandayapa Bird Lodge, http://www.tandayapa.com/. I wired the full cost of the 3 day trip from my bank in Australia to Ecuador. The planning and communication with Maria was trouble free and we are looking forward to this part of our holiday. We are not birders, however we have enjoyed the birds on previous African safaris and I described myself to Maria as someone with a growing interest in birds.

I did look at Bellavista which is convenient as they have a hostel in Quito that is a good base but went with Tandayapa in the end due to the good reports on Travelling Birder and Birdforum.

Happy planning,


Pol.

many in Ecuador do business this way but lots of scammers

also do business this way.

If you wire money there are lots of extra bank fees

and odds are great you will NEVER see that money again

regardless of delivery of the tour you book

always better safer to book with credit card

through an agent like

www.ecuadorexplorer.com

www.enchantedexpeditions.com

A poor guy from Jersey lost $10K wiring money

for a Peru tour that looked legit on line

not long ago so be VERY careful...

either way

www.insuremytrip.com

always a must for me...

Ask if they accept Paypal.

Mundo Bird Tours agreed to us paying cash to the tour guide after I asked about accepting Pay Pal. Just how much cash are we going to have to take with us? Credit cards have spoiled me.