About Cheryl Reed
How Cheryl found herself in Ecuador, a first-person storyIt Started As a Volunteer Gig
The first time I visited Ecuador in 1997, the country left a lasting impression on me. While volunteering with children with disabilities in Quito, I was humbled by the challenges many families faced, deeply moved by the warmth of the people, and captivated by the country’s extraordinary natural beauty.
Six months later, I returned to Ecuador to teach English to schoolchildren. After two years, economic instability in the country led me back to the United States, though I always knew I would return.
The Most Beautiful Property I Ever Saw
In 2002, I did return. I purchased 33 acres on the western slopes of the Andes Mountains—a lush cloud forest where I could watch clouds being born from the river valley below. I named it Sobre las Nubes, or Above the Clouds.
Learning How To Farm
The early years were spent learning the land through trial and error. I explored various farming projects discovering early on that I did not have the heart for dairy or pig farming, which led me to focus instead on agriculture. I eventually planted thousands of tree tomato plants. Just as the venture became successful, a devastating plant disease called Ojo de Pollo wiped out the entire crop, forcing me once again to adapt and begin again.
A new opportunity presented itself as Ecuador’s Coffee Association began encouraging farmers to plant coffee. They offered seeds, technical guidance, and equipment at a reduced cost. It felt like a natural and fun next step.
Growing Coffee Was Only the Beginning
Because the farm alone could not provide a sustainable income, I continued working as a physical therapist in the United States for part of each year. Still, my dream was always to remain on the farm full-time.
Over time, that dream took shape in a new way. With the encouragement of a retreat co-leader and the support of a small community who believed in the vision, Above the Clouds Guest House was built—creating a place where others could experience the same peace and connection I had found here.
Today, I have the joy of living on the farm full-time and welcoming guests to Above the Clouds. It’s a privilege to offer others a rare kind of stillness—star-filled nights, mornings shaped by drifting clouds, and days guided by the quiet rhythms of life in the cloud forest.
Travel has the power to change us, and I believe it also invites us to care for the places and people who make those experiences possible. For that reason, ten percent of all income from Above the Clouds Ecuador supports Project One Corner, which serves individuals and families in the surrounding community.
I hope you’ll come and experience this special place for yourself.
xo
Cheryl
