Discover Mindo Cloud Forest: Nature, Adventure & Flavor in One Amazing Day

Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Mindo Cloud Forest—one of the most biodiverse spots on Earth—just 2 hours from Quito. On this full-day tour, you'll encounter hummingbirds, giant butterflies, crystal-clear rivers, hidden waterfalls, and the taste of Ecuador’s finest artisan chocolate.

Whether you're seeking adrenaline or peace and quiet, Mindo offers the perfect experience—customized to your travel style.

Mindo, being in the middle of several protected forests such as the Tandaya Valley, Alambi, San Tadeo, Hermit Trail reserves, and being part of the Andean Choco has an immense variety of birds. 

If you want to focus more on birdwatching we suggest starting the tour at 4 a.m. from Quito. And bring binoculars, camera with a 300 or 600mm lens. Please, let us know what is your expectations about Mindo. 

✔️ Friendly and knowledgeable guides
✔️ Comfortable and safe transportation
✔️ Personalized and flexible service
✔️ We support local and sustainable businesses

The Cotingas Bird Reserve is one of the best places designed and adapted for birdwatching, photography, and even painting and drawing. The many birds and hummingbirds will literally be posing for you just inches away.

Your host, Rolando García, will take you around the reserve and show you all its attractions. He will also provide you with all the necessary materials so you can experiment with or enhance your bird drawing and painting skills.

🗺️ Full-Day Itinerary: Mindo Cloud Forest Adventure

🌄 Early Departure from Quito (7:30 a.m.)
We begin our journey with an early morning departure from Quito, heading northwest. As we leave the city behind, we’ll pass through the historical town of Calacalí, once an important pre-Hispanic hub of astronomy, trade, and agriculture. Along the way, you’ll notice the scenery shift dramatically—dry landscapes give way to lush green forest as we descend into the cloud forest zone.

🐦 Hummingbird Reserve & Birdwatching
Our first stop is a private birdwatching reserve covering over 247 acres. Here, we'll visit a beautiful garden beside a rustic lodge, where dozens of hummingbird species may be observed depending on the season. Look out for the White-necked Jacobin, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, Purple-throated Woodstar, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, and Booted Racket-tail, as well as colorful tanagers, toucans, and even oropendolas.

🚡 Cable Car Ride & Waterfall Sanctuary
Enjoy a ride on Mindo’s famous Tarabita (cable car), suspended above the forest canopy. Once across, you’ll hike scenic jungle trails leading to a series of natural waterfalls. You can take a refreshing swim, snap photos, meditate, or simply admire the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of the cloud forest.

🍫 Chocolate Experience & Tasting
Visit a local artisan chocolate factory and explore part of Ecuador’s renowned Cacao Route. Learn about the history of cacao in Ecuador—once known as the "golden seed"—and see how world-class chocolate is made from bean to bar. You’ll have the chance to taste delicious, award-winning Ecuadorian chocolate, including rich brownies and other treats.

🎯 Customizable Adventure Options
You may also choose three activities to customize your experience based on your preferences. Our friendly and knowledgeable guide will help coordinate a fun and flexible itinerary just for you.

Optional activities you can swap in:

• Tubing down the river
   
• Zip-lining through the canopy
   
• Visiting the butterfly farm city of Quito to go to the northwest of the city. Leaving the city behind, the first thing we will observe is the town of Calacali, this town is characterized by having been a pre-Hispanic area of great astronomical, commercial and agricultural importance. Later, we will see how the forest and its vegetation change, becoming denser and greener.

Return to the hotel 5 to 6 p.m.