Cock of the Rock
Discover the enchanting world of Ecuador’s cloud forest on our 3 Days / 2 Nights Cock of the Rock Tour at Bellavista Lodge & Reserve. This immersive experience invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature in one of the planet’s most vibrant biodiversity hotspots, just a short drive from Quito.
Nestled within a 700-hectare private reserve, Bellavista offers the perfect setting for observing the magnificent Andean Cock of the Rock, alongside over 330 other bird species, orchids, butterflies, and exotic wildlife. With two full days to explore, you’ll enjoy expert-led birdwatching walks, peaceful forest hikes, and the chance to witness the unforgettable dawn display of the Cock of the Rock at its lek.
This extended stay allows for deeper connection with the cloud forest environment while enjoying warm hospitality, delicious local meals, and the serenity of eco-friendly lodging. Ideal for birders, photographers, and nature lovers, this tour offers a memorable journey into one of Ecuador’s ecological treasures.
Itinerary
Day 1:
At 6:30 AM your driver will collect you at your hotel. We’ll start driving along the Calacali – Nanegalito road with colorful landscapes and ever-changing vistas all the way Somewhere along the road we will turn left and on to the secondary road which for about 30 more minutes will take as to Bellavista Lodge, perched on top of the Tandayapa Valley. Arrival at Bellavista. Your guides will greet you here and will show you your room and facilities before going for breakfast.
Settle in after breakfast and then meet your guide
at an appointed place in the lodge for short briefing, and right away your hike will commence. Your guide will choose the best trails and hike options according to the group size (no more than 7 hikers), weather and trail conditions.
After 2 or more hours of easy and very educative hike, you are back in the lodge for lunch.
Your package includes another forest hike into a different trail among the man trails in Bellavista – discover the ecology of this mysterious forest. Dinner and overnight You may well get a good sighting of the delightful Olinguito, right at the Lodge!
Day 2: Cock of the rock
4:45 AM Departure with private transfer to a local reserve to experience the Cock-of-the-Rock lek, and possibly other avian wonders. Back to lodge about 8:30 AM for breakfast and guided hike in Bellavista.
An option to go and discover the trails on your own, along the self-guided trail or by the aid of our trail-map. This will definitely be a highly exciting moment. Or, join your included guided hike with your guide at 3 PM or just sit and
chat with other guests while watching the feeders at close quarters full of hummingbirds of 10-12 different species! Dinner and overnight.
Day 3:
As your guide had mentioned the day before, today you have the option (included in your package) to go on this early 6:15 / 6.30 AM morning bird hike. Your guide will only be focusing on the birds of Bellavista, all around the Lodge.
At 8:00 AM we serve our special Bellavista breakfast.
Once again and as appointed by your guide, you will meet and chat about your next hike. Different trails every time, perhaps this time you will go and discover our waterfalls along the adventurous Yumbo / Immersion Trail.
Lunch at 1 PM.
At 3:00 PM and after looking at our great selection of souvenirs or extras, you driver will be waiting for you to embark for your transfer back to Quito City. At around 5 PM you will be arriving back at your hotel in Quito
- Meals.
- Accommodation.
- Access to the 400 hectares of the Bellavista reserve.
- Shared walks in Bellavista
- Excursion to the Rooster of the Rock lek with tickets and transportation included
- Quito-Bellavista-Quito transportation
Drinks, tips, personal items and other services.
Prices are Per Person – 2026
Tours
Included in all rates
- Meals.
- Accommodation.
- Access to the 400 hectares of the Bellavista reserve.
- Shared walks in Bellavista
- Excursion to the Rooster of the Rock lek with tickets and transportation included
- Quito-Bellavista-Quito transportation
Accommodation
- Superior rooms
Mountain View 1 Twin / 2 Double Mattresses / 1 Family Room (3 beds)
- Standard rooms
(Single / Double / Twin / Triple / Family)
- Private dome rooms
(Single / Double / Twin / Triple)
- Shared dome room
(Multiple)
Bellavista Lodge & Reserve - Birding Tours
Tour Cock of the Rock
2 Days – 1 Night
2 Days – 1 Night
We offer our guests a unique stay in paradise, above the forest canopy, surrounded by myriads of hummingbirds!
Tour Cock of the Rock
3 Days – 2 Nights
3 Days – 2 Nights
This trip is a wonderful way to become acquainted with the special environment of a cloud forest so close to Quito
