Bella Vista cloud forest possible directly from airport?
 

We are traveling the last few days of January 2013 and hope to spend a few days birding before heading on to Galapagos. Is it possible to get round trip transportation from airport to either Bella Vista or Mindo? Do the lodges offer this or do we need to hire someone when we land? What should we expect to pay and how far are this two places from the airport? asking this as we will arrive quite late and leave very early to Galapagos. Thanks for your help in sorting out our best options!

Hi,

in 2010 we spent 3 nights at the Tandayapa Bird Lodge http://tandayapabirdlodge.com/ I would estimate that the drive was about 2.5-3 hours from Quito, it would be worth checking with them regarding a transfer straight from the airport. The Lodge has a hummingbird terrace where we sat for the most of the afternoon on the day we arrived just watching the activity at the feeders. It was a good base from which to visit Milpe and the Upper Tandayapa Valley. Accommodation and food were of a very good standard.

The first 9 photos here were taken during our stay, https://picasaweb.google.com/Treepol...uadorGalapagos

Happy planning,


Pol

Thanks so much. Will check them out! What month did you travel? I enjoyed your photos! Thanks!

We travelled the last week in July 2010.


Regards,


Pol.

The Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve (lodge) has 2-3 day stays and picks you up and drops you off in Quito. Get in touch with them to see if they will pick you up at the airport.

http://www.bellavistacloudforest.com...ery_photos.php

Thanks for the link to your pictures Pol, very helpful, including the ones in Africa.

Femi, you are very welcome.

I have your Wildlife and Tea TR bookmarked as I hope in 2014 to be heading to India and Sri Lanka. Trouble is, with ideas from Lynn's great reports I think I will need about 8 weeks to do these destinations justice!

Regards,


Pol

Lynn makes it so tough to choose! I'm keeping an eye on her plans for Peru:)

bbobo I'm visiting Tandayapa on a day trip from Quito. They are very helpful when it comes to customizing your visit, and you can arrange for as much or as little support as you would like. They will be picking me up for a private trip and returning me to Quito at the end of the day.

Will look forward to hearing about you day there! We have planned a six day excursion with them spending time in both Tanayapa and Milpe.