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Chocó 701: A Peaceful Cloud Forest Escape in Ecuador’s Chocó Andino
Sometimes, you don’t need to travel far from Quito to feel completely disconnected from the city.
That is exactly what we experienced at Chocó 701, a peaceful, sustainability-focused healing reserve in Ecuador’s Chocó cloud forest near Nanegalito.
Just a short trip from Quito, Chocó 701 gave us something we were looking for: peace, quiet, privacy, and a deeper connection with nature.
But what makes this place especially meaningful is not only its beautiful location. Chocó 701 is part of a broader commitment to sustainable tourism, conservation, and reforestation in one of Ecuador’s most important ecosystems.
The lofts are surrounded by the incredible flora of the Chocó region and are located inside an 80-hectare private nature reserve. Here, you can spend your days surrounded by cloud forest while supporting a project that helps protect and restore this fragile environment.
For us, it was the perfect opportunity to slow down, reconnect with ourselves, and experience nature in a more conscious and responsible way.
And if you love birdwatching, the location offers another major advantage. Chocó 701 is close to some of the most famous birding destinations in the Tandayapa–Mindo corridor, making it possible to combine a peaceful forest stay with day trips to explore one of Ecuador’s best birdwatching regions.
Where Is Chocó 701?
Chocó 701 is located near Nanegalito, northwest of Quito, in the lush cloud forests of Ecuador’s Chocó region.
The Chocó region is one of Ecuador’s most biologically diverse areas. The combination of elevation, humidity, and cloud forest creates ideal conditions for an incredible variety of plants, trees, birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.
Protecting this biodiversity is essential, and sustainable projects such as Chocó 701 help create ways for visitors to experience the forest while supporting its long-term conservation.
And that biodiversity is one of the reasons we enjoyed staying at Chocó 701 so much.
How to Get to Chocó 701
Chocó 701 is about 1.5 hours from Quito by car, depending on traffic and road conditions. The scenic drive takes you from the city into the lush Chocó Andino cloud forest. Having your own car is the easiest way to get there. But, if it is the rainy season, it is highly recommended to have a 4×4 car. It is important to remember to book ahead, here.
Staying Inside an 80-Hectare Private Reserve
One of our favorite things about Chocó 701 was its location.
The lofts are located inside an 80-hectare private reserve, surrounded by forest and connected to an ongoing commitment to conservation and reforestation.
That makes the experience very different from staying at a traditional hotel.
Instead of feeling like you are visiting a property surrounded by other buildings, you feel immersed in nature and connected to a place that is being protected for the future. You get privacy, you get peace, you get time to breathe!
You can simply wake up, look around, enjoy the surroundings, and let the forest set the pace.
Staying in a private reserve also encourages a more mindful approach to travel: spending time outdoors, respecting the environment, minimizing unnecessary impact, and appreciating the natural resources that make this region so special.
A Place to Disconnect and Reconnect
The concept behind Chocó 701 is beautifully simple: disconnect to connect.
You leave behind the noise, screens, traffic, and everyday routine.
Instead, you wake up surrounded by the sounds of the cloud forest.
You have time to breathe.
Time to walk.
Time to listen to the birds.
Time to simply be.
Inside your private loft, you can slow down and reconnect with yourself. Then you step outside and reconnect with the incredible ecosystem around you.
It is a different kind of travel.
One that encourages you to stop rushing and start noticing.
Stay in Your Own Private Loft
One of the biggest reasons we enjoyed our stay was the feeling of complete privacy.
Chocó 701 is a place where you can genuinely slow down and reconnect with your essence.
There is something special about waking up surrounded by forest, birds chirping, and fresh air, instead of traffic and city noise.
Birds, Biodiversity and the Chocó Andino
The Chocó region is internationally recognized for its exceptional biodiversity, and the area around Nanegalito, Tandayapa, and Mindo is one of Ecuador’s best destinations for birdwatching.
Even if you aren’t a serious birder, though, you will quickly notice how alive the forest feels.
Birdsong becomes part of your morning.
And every walk offers the possibility of discovering something new.
A Nighttime Show of Fireflies
After sunset, the forest becomes completely different.
If conditions are right, you may be treated to one of nature’s most magical nighttime spectacles: fireflies glowing among the vegetation.
Watching these tiny lights appear in the darkness is unforgettable.
But it is also a reminder of how important conservation is.
Fireflies are increasingly threatened in many parts of the world by habitat loss, artificial light, pollution, and pesticide use.
Protecting healthy ecosystems gives these fascinating creatures a place to survive.
If you are in South America, I would love to see your pictures.
Quality time as a couple at Chocó 701
For couples, it can be a wonderful option for a romantic and sustainable escape. That slower pace is also part of more responsible travel. Instead of rushing from one attraction to another, you have time to stay longer, consume less, and form a deeper connection with the place you are visiting.
Chocó 701 for a Weekend Getaway From Quito
If you live in Quito or are visiting the capital and want to escape the city for a few days, Chocó 701 is worth considering.
The journey takes you from the city hustle and bustle of Quito to one of Ecuador’s lushest ecosystems. A place to disconnect, enjoy the reserve, explore the surrounding cloud forest, and perhaps spend a day discovering Mindo or another birdwatching destination.
And Yes, Chocó 701 Is Pet Friendly! 🐾
We couldn’t finish this blog post without mentioning that Chocó 701 is pet-friendly, which meant Jack could enjoy the experience with us.
Imagine your dog walking through the forest, surrounded by fresh air, greenery, birds, and plenty of new smells to investigate.
Jack certainly approved!
Travel Tips for Visiting Choco 701
The Chocó cloud forest is lush throughout the year, thanks to its humid climate.
That means you should be prepared for changing weather, including rain and cloudy conditions.
- But don’t let the possibility of rain discourage you. Rain is part of what makes this ecosystem so green and biodiverse.
- For birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers, different weather conditions can also create different experiences in the forest.
- Pack comfortable clothing, good walking shoes, a light waterproof jacket, insect repellent, and something to protect your camera or phone from moisture.
And remember that cloud forest weather can change quickly.
- When visiting, it is also important to follow the reserve’s guidelines, stay on designated trails, avoid disturbing wildlife, reduce waste, and leave the forest as you found it—or better.
What to Expect From a Stay at Chocó 701
Chocó 701 is located in Ecuador’s Chocó Andino, near Nanegalito and roughly 1.5 hours from Quito.
It is a wonderful option if you are looking for:
- A peaceful nature getaway near Quito
- A cloud forest experience in Ecuador
- Sustainable accommodation
- Ecotourism and conservation
- Birdwatching
- Forest trails
- A wellness-focused escape
- A private retreat surrounded by nature
- A pet-friendly nature experience
And if you are planning a longer Chocó Andino adventure, don’t stop here.
Explore our other guides to Mindo, birdwatching in the Chocó Andino, Nono, and other nature escapes from Quito.
Stay inside to reconnect with your essence, then step outside to connect with nature, breathe deeply, appreciate the forest, and experience the healing power of the environment around you.
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If you want more in-depth information and also a guide that you can bring along during your trip, I recommend the travel guide Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands
This is an excellent source of information and tips, maps, and all you need if you plan on visiting Ecuador. I like the option of having a hard copy version where I can take notes and have them at hand.
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