A vivid tree frog from the rainforests of Sabah, Malaysia. Known for its pale lip and glossy green body, this species thrives in the humid canopies of Borneo.
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A vivid tree frog from the rainforests of Sabah, Malaysia. Known for its pale lip and glossy green body, this species thrives in the humid canopies of Borneo.
A vivid tree frog from the rainforests of Sabah, Malaysia. Known for its pale lip and glossy green body, this species thrives in the humid canopies of Borneo.
After sharing a selection of images from Quito, I'm moving on to a different part of our journey—into the cloud forest northwest of the capital.
Unlike the Amazon, which lies in the lowlands of eastern Ecuador, the cloud forest is located in the foothills of the Andes, between 1,000 and 3,000 meters above sea level. While both are incredibly biodiverse, the cloud forest is cooler, wetter, and often wrapped in mist. It hosts an entirely different mix of flora and fauna, including orchids, mosses, hummingbirds—and insects like this one.
We spotted this striking little beetle during one of our hikes. I took a few shots while it paused on a leaf, almost as if posing. The cloud forest is home to thousands of beetle species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. They play a vital role in the ecosystem: recycling plant matter, pollinating, and serving as food for birds and reptiles.
This remarkable Giant Tree Snail was photographed during my visit to Sinharaja Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich biodiversity. The snail's vibrant shell and slow, deliberate movements are just a few examples of the extraordinary wildlife that calls this tropical rainforest home. Sinharaja is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering an unforgettable experience for those interested in observing unique species in their natural habitat.
Clinging to life, this majestic lizard becomes one with its surroundings — a perfect blend of resilience and grace. Dewdrops glisten like jewels on its textured scales, a reminder of nature’s quiet splendor and the intricate beauty found in even the smallest moments.
Yesterday morning, we left Quito and set off for Mashpi Lodge, a luxury eco-resort deep in the cloud forest, northwest of the city. The lodge is located in the Chocó Ecoregion, one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. Unlike the Amazon rainforest, which is lower in altitude and has a more constant, humid climate, a cloud forest sits at higher elevations, where the air is cooler and misty, creating a unique ecosystem filled with moss-covered trees, orchids, and an incredible variety of wildlife.
Although the distance from Quito is only 117 km (73 miles), the journey took us over 3.5 hours. The last stretch was particularly rough—bumpy dirt roads, landslides being cleared, and at one point, we even had to tow a car out of the mud!
But once we arrived, we were met with a warm welcome and, after a quick lunch, headed straight into the forest for our first guided walk. Our guide pointed out an array of fascinating creatures—beetles, butterflies, exotic birds, and even a tayra (a type of weasel-like mammal). Sadly, we didn’t spot the famous toucan—maybe today will be our lucky day!
Yesterday morning, we left Quito and set off for Mashpi Lodge, a luxury eco-resort deep in the cloud forest, northwest of the city. The lodge is located in the Chocó Ecoregion, one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. Unlike the Amazon rainforest, which is lower in altitude and has a more constant, humid climate, a cloud forest sits at higher elevations, where the air is cooler and misty, creating a unique ecosystem filled with moss-covered trees, orchids, and an incredible variety of wildlife.
Although the distance from Quito is only 117 km (73 miles), the journey took us over 3.5 hours. The last stretch was particularly rough—bumpy dirt roads, landslides being cleared, and at one point, we even had to tow a car out of the mud!
But once we arrived, we were met with a warm welcome and, after a quick lunch, headed straight into the forest for our first guided walk. Our guide pointed out an array of fascinating creatures—beetles, butterflies, exotic birds, and even a tayra (a type of weasel-like mammal). Sadly, we didn’t spot the famous toucan—maybe today will be our lucky day!
Yesterday morning, we left Quito and set off for Mashpi Lodge, a luxury eco-resort deep in the cloud forest, northwest of the city. The lodge is located in the Chocó Ecoregion, one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. Unlike the Amazon rainforest, which is lower in altitude and has a more constant, humid climate, a cloud forest sits at higher elevations, where the air is cooler and misty, creating a unique ecosystem filled with moss-covered trees, orchids, and an incredible variety of wildlife.
Although the distance from Quito is only 117 km (73 miles), the journey took us over 3.5 hours. The last stretch was particularly rough—bumpy dirt roads, landslides being cleared, and at one point, we even had to tow a car out of the mud!
But once we arrived, we were met with a warm welcome and, after a quick lunch, headed straight into the forest for our first guided walk. Our guide pointed out an array of fascinating creatures—beetles, butterflies, exotic birds, and even a tayra (a type of weasel-like mammal). Sadly, we didn’t spot the famous toucan—maybe today will be our lucky day!
A vector illustration of Australian rainforest creatures.
