Tandayapa Cloud Forest Station
A living lab in the Chocó-Andes Biosphere: where science, community and conservation meet.
A biodiversity refuge
Nestled in one of the world’s most biodiverse—and most threatened—mountain ecosystems, the Tandayapa Cloud Forest Station brings together scientists, students, local communities, and partners to generate knowledge and practical solutions for biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
We are located just 1.5 hours from Quito, Ecuador’s capital, within the Chocó Andino Biosphere Reserve.
Our Work
Four lines of action that connect scientific research with the well-being of communities and nature.
Biodiversity Research & Conservation
We monitor biodiversity and its threats in one of the planet’s most important and vulnerable hotspots, generating science that supports conservation action.
Ecosystem Restoration
We restore degraded areas in the Chocó-Andes to protect regional biodiversity, support local communities, and contribute to climate change mitigation.
Education
We promote hands-on learning experiences where students apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges in a unique natural setting.
Community Well-being
We support participatory processes that explore and strengthen sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Wildlife
Some of the iconic species that inhabit our cloud forest.
Camera Trap: Ocelot
Real footage of an ocelot (Leopardus tigrinus) captured by camera traps in our forest.
Video: Becky Zug
Support Us (and Help Mitigate Your Carbon Footprint)
Through NFTree, individuals and organizations can directly support our work at the Tandayapa Cloud Forest Station while contributing to a more sustainable and biodiverse future.
Donate with NFTreeYour donation supports research, restoration, and local communities.
Location
We are located just 1.5 hours from Quito, Ecuador’s capital, within the Chocó Andino Biosphere Reserve.
Un acceso privilegiado a uno de los ecosistemas de bosque nublado más ricos del planeta.
A privileged access to one of the richest cloud forest ecosystems on the planet.
Learn With Us
Our station offers a unique environment for research and education in a highly diverse cloud forest ecosystem. We host academic visits, field courses, workshops, and internships that foster socio-ecological research and creative, place-based learning.
Our Team