Maquipucuna is the closest pristine rainforest to Quito. Perfect for a day trip, although we assure you that you will want to stay longer.

Only 45 minutes away from Quito, the first stop at the Maquipucuna Reserve welcomes you with a crazy profusion of birds and orchids. The biodiversity at Maquipucuna rivals that of the Amazon. The altitudinal range of Maquipucuna stretching from 900 meters to almost 2700 meters above sea level further enhances the possibility of encountering an unimaginable diversity of wildlife. The Maquipucuna lodge, which enjoys warm weather year round, sits only 2 hours away from Quito, is easily accessible by car, although we also offer transportation for our visitors.

Maquipucuna harbors over 4% of the world bird diversity, including spectacular birds such as the Toucan Barbet, Cock -of-the Rock, Plate-billed mountain toucan, Lanceolated Monklet, Esmeraldas antbird, Read headed barbet, Golden headed quetzal.

Maquipucuna is also the only Reserve where, during the fruiting season of a small avocado type plant, one can see Spectacled Bears! Not only is our wildlife amazing. Maquipucuna is also history.

Maquipucuna is part of the Cachillacta (land of salt in Quichua) region and it addition to the salt sources, you can find many of the Yumbo paths that our ancestors used to trade salt and cotton among other products. Taking a plunge in our waterfalls and swimming holes is exhilarating.

Our visitors can also experience the only shade-grown coffee tour in Ecuador. And last, but not least, in association with our neighbor communities, we have crafted the most interesting orchid tour, where our visitors will be able to enjoy orchids in bloom at different altitudes as well to purchase baby orchids produced by our unique community –run in-vitro propagation laboratory or the community nurseries.