Kuelap sits deep in cloud forest, and the natural setting is as much part of the experience as the archaeology. Orchids and bromeliads cling to the stonework and surrounding trees; the air is cool and often misty. The birdwatching is excellent — the Andean cock-of-the-rock, with its vivid orange plumage, is occasionally seen in the forest around the site, along with multiple hummingbird species and various tanagers. Early morning visits, before tour groups arrive, offer the best combination of wildlife and atmosphere.