Fundacion Golondrinas also manages the protected forest. Mirador de las Golondrinas was declared an area for the conservation of biodiversity in 1997 by Ecuador's Department of the Environment. It covers an area of approximately 1500 hectares of cloud forest, 80% of which is primary growth. The main objective of the foundation is to protect the Cerro Golondrinas forest, in part as it is the main source of water for the local subsistence based communities.

Scientific study of the local flora and fauna is possible at the demonstration sites run by the foundation, for national and international students who wish to complete undergrad or post-grad theses. Fundacion Golondrinas also runs a variety of programs-- in agroforesty, nutrition, ecotourism, environmental education-- in the local schools, provides capacitation for local farmers, as well as a volunteer program. All these initiatives help increase awareness to the importance of the many resources found in this bio-rich region of Ecuador.

Fundacion Golondrinas, in association with Casa Eliza, offers tours of 2, 3 or 4 days where you can walk through and enjoy the different ecosystems of Ecuador's Northeast Andean region, immersing you in the wonder of the cloud forest. You'll see orchids, bromeliads, toucans, parrots, monkeys and various types of butterflies and insects. Accommodation's are provided in any of the sites owned by the Foundation -- in a cabin hidden high up in the cloud forest itself (for $25/day incl. 3 meals), or in the village Guallupe where the foundation is based (for $15/day incl. 3 meals).

In 2000, Fundacion Golondrinas president, Maria Eliza Manteca, received international recognition from the ROLEX AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISES, (www.rolexawards.com) for all the work being done by the organization, and for her desire to improve the living conditions of the local people.