Cloud Forest
A two-hour bus ride northwest of Quito, the cloud forest is a jungle-like region of colorful birds, spectacular butterlies, epiphytes and more.
Above: The cloud forest covers the rugged Andes close to the equator northwest of Quito.
In Mindo, a two-hour bus ride from Quito, this huge ginger blossom thrives in the cloud forest.
In the cloud forest, huge leaves a couple of feet across create interesting patterns even when they are dead.
Reminiscent of Hawaii, lush tropical foilage surrounds waterfalls at the El Pahuma Orchid Reserve.
The El Pahuma Orchid Reserve, in the heart of the cloud forest northwest of Quito, features dozens of carefully tended orchids.
