The privately-owned Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve is nestled in the southern fringe of the Choco/Andean mountains in northwestern Ecuador. Cloud forests support high rates of endemism as a result of geographic isolation. Many unique flora and fauna reside in Bellavista; the reserve is also a refuge for several endangered species. Its picturesque lodge sits at 2,400 m and accommodates keen bird-watchers and researchers alike.

The entomology class spent four days in Bellavista observing insects and birdwatching in the cloud forest.