About Cheryl Reed
How Cheryl found herself in Ecuador, a first-person storyIt Started as a Volunteer Gig
Since the first time I stepped foot in 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 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 the prettiest property I had ever seen. It was 33 acres on the western slopes of the Andes Mountains—a lush cloud forest where I could watch clouds rise from the river valley below the property. 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 and learned pretty quicky that I didn’t have the heart for dairy or pig farming.
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 to start over. Later, another opportunity presented itself and we grew coffee for ten years. I loved that venture, but it still didn’t make livable wage so I continued working as a physical therapist in the United States for part of each year. Still, my dream was always to remain in Ecuador full-time.
Growing Coffee Was Only the Beginning
I began hosting groups of people in Ecuador, leading two retreats a year at various venues around the country. My heart sang when people experienced Ecuador on a deeper level and combining that with giving them time to look inward has provided experiences which people have described as life changing. My new passion was sharing Ecuador with others.
Hosting groups led to fulfilling a dream I had always had of building a guest house on the farm. 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, the guest house offers a rare kind of stillness: tranquil nights, mornings shaped by drifting clouds, and days guided by the rhythms of life all while surrounded with scenery that are works of art.
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 will come for a visit!
xo
Cheryl
