Los Cedros is primarily a place for research and conservation, but all visitors are welcome. A trip to Los Cedros is an extraordinary opportunity to see nature in a direct, unfiltered way. The reserve has no structured tourism program, and for those who wish to seek out nature on their own terms and at their own pace, Los Cedros is a wonderful destination. The staff and management will be pleased to accomodate you and assist you in making the most of your visit. Conservation depends on awareness, and every new visitor builds that awareness. There is a great deal to see at Los Cedros.

You can bring your own gear and go out camping overnight up a trail, taking a cool bath in the Los Cedros river in the morning. Or you can stay in our visitorhouse, full of comfort. You can even take a hot shower here, something which is uncommon even in the crowded areas of Ecuador.

It's an excellent opportunity to do your own little research to what mammals, birds, insects, trees and plants inhabit a cloudforest. And the Los Cedros crew is ofcourse always willing to help you with any questions you may have and can guide you through this wild and beautiful place.

This all together may just be the adventure that makes your trip to or through Ecuador complete.

Being in the Los Cedros Reserve doesn't mean being woken up by the irritating buzz of you clock or by some (boring) radiostation newsreporter! The sound of numerous birds will make getting up at 5:30am enjoyable. Most probably you'll get to see more than one of the 13 colorful hummingbird species, several tanagers and quetzals. There are over 170 species of birds and, if lucky, endangered species like the Andean cock of the rock, toucan barbett or umbrella bird can be seen.

Besides birds, one might see a glimpse of an Andean spectacled bear, a jaguar or puma or even a rare brown headed spider monkey. Other species of cats, bears and monkeys are also present, as are seven small mammals and deer.

Over 1000 species of moths and butterflies can be found, and often pepsis wasps are dragging their victim tarantula into their burrows. Also reptiles and amphibians inhabit the forest floor here, though there's little known about them.

For those who don't like animal life (which we can hardly believe) the large floral diversity might be a reason to come here. Because of the different forest types here, with their diverse climates, a lot of different plants and trees can grow. Especially in the west season (January to March), the forest is worthwhile because of the more than 190 species of orchids flowering.

This rare spectacled bear (Tremarctos ornatus) was sighted in Los Cedros in October of 2001 during trail building. These are the first pictures of a spectacled bear taken in the reserve. The presence of the spectacled bear, which is the only bear found South America, is an indicator of the ecological integrity of the reserve. Visitors should not, however, expect to see a spectacled bear here! Better to leave such a rarity on it's own.

Hiking

There are plenty of possibilities to go hiking in Los Cedros. Highlights are the Cascada, a beautiful 10 meter high waterfall (beware to use rubber boots though as you are to cross the riverbed about 7 times), and the Observatorio, which lies at 1710m and provides a good view over the first section of the reserve on a bright day. At the moment a trail is being developed to go to the highest peak in the area at 2710m and to connect to "Two Palms" at 1965m, completing a circuit around the first section of the reserve.

Coming soon, I hope.

Photography

Los Cedros is high enough to be frequently enclosed within the clouds, giving it a special sense of mystery and depth, and creating for some fantastic photographic possibilities. Light pierces the hillside canopy at interesting angles, and wherever the canopy is open the views are spectacular. Los Cedros' endless roll-call of birds, flowers, insects, trees and other exotic plants provide a wealth of subjects. Any point-and-shoot cameraperson will find plenty to point and shoot at, and serious photographers should consider bringing a lot of film.

Professional nature photographer Murray Cooper made Los Cedros his home and passion for several years, and almost all of the photographs from his extraordinary book Undiscovered Realms were taken within the reserve.

Relaxing in the Reserve

No special effort is needed to enjoy life at Los Cedros. The reserve comes naturally equipped with phenomenal views in practically every direction, mountain breezes, incredible hammock spots, and all the lemon-grass tea you can drink. Bring a book. Thanks to the tide of clouds that roll up and down through the mountains, the panoramas are ever-changing in depth and character. Basic birding can be accomplished from any of the hammocks hung around the main or guest houses. Visitors are free to putter in the vegetable houses if they are so inclined - you will never find a garden with a better view. Sitting around and chatting are also encouraged.

Spacious, open rooms for visitors and researchers are in the newly constructed scientific center. Single beds, a double and dormitory rooms are available. Bedding is provided. Los Cedros boasts a gas-powered hot water shower as well as two solar showers.

Outhouses of Los Cedros

The views from the Los Cedros outhouses.

Fees for overseas visitors are USD $40/person/night, or $20/person/night for students. Fees for Ecuadorean visitors are $5/person/night. Fees include rooms and all meals. Mule transport is provided for bringing luggage up the mountain to the reserve.

Los Cedros is a non-profit reserve. All fees go to wages, reserve maintenance and projects which are part of the reserve's goals of conservation and education.