Things to do in

Mindo-Nambillo Ecological Reserve

Be picked up in the morning from the comfort of your accommodation in Quito. Sit back and relax in the air-conditioned van or all-terrain vehicle on the drive to the Mindo Cloud Forest ecological reserve. Go to an altitude of1, 900 meters above sea level. Ride along a winding road and stop at different viewpoints to take in the verdant landscapes. Stop at Mindo village, which is located at the southern edge of the Choco/Andean hotspot of biodiversity that stretches from south-western Colombia to north-western Ecuador. Take a cable car on a 530 meters-long-cable to the other side of the mountain. Travel to the Ondinas, Guarumos, Colibríes, Madre and Los Maderos waterfalls where you can stop to take a dip. Uncover the secrets of the local ecosystem as you look for hummingbirds, air plants, orchids and other surprising exotic species in this area that has international importance for birds. Have some free time to purchase a nice lunch or to explore the orchid and butterfly farm or the chocolate factory. Head back to your accommodation in the afternoon.

Unveiling Ecuador's Biodiversity: Mindo Cloud Forest and Birding Tour Ecuador, a country celebrated for its astonishing biodiversity, is home to one of its most cherished treasures: the Mindo Cloud Forest. Tucked away in the northwest Andes, this enchanting rainforest haven beckons nature enthusiasts and birding aficionados from around the world. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the mesmerizing world of the Mindo Cloud Forest and Birding Tour, an adventure that promises to leave you spellbound. Mindo's Natural Riches: A Biodiversity Hotspot The Mindo Cloud Forest stands as an ecological treasure trove, boasting an impressive list of flora and fauna that rivals any other place on Earth. With over 500 species of birds, it is a birder's paradise, but its allure extends far beyond avian wonders. Orchids, butterflies, and diverse wildlife thrive in this lush paradise.

Tandayapa The tour starts driving through the Western Andes with a wonderful stop at the bird’s viewpoint to admire the forest and some birds from the area. 30 minutes Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve After, we will continue to Mindo and the Waterfalls Sanctuary. You can decide how far you want to explore it with our guide (this is a large complex of several waterfalls, that depending of your physical conditions, it is possible to visit up to 5 in a roll or simply walk a little bit around, take a short cable car ride and visit one of the nicest ones). 3 hours Mariposas de Mindo Then, we will return to Mindo town, at this point you can choose as optional EXTRA to do tubbing at Mindo River. If not, we will stop in Mindo to have lunch in one of the local restaurants. After this you will get to know more about Butterflies, Orchids and the famous hummingbirds at the Farm in town. 1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included Yumbos Chocolate Finally ,you will visit the Chocolate farm, where you will learn the entire process before chocolate brownie will go to your mouth. Then drive back to Quito city and drop off at your hotel. 1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included

Mindo is located northwest of Quito, is known as one of the attractions par excellence full of lush beauty and biodiversity, on the tour we will pass by the famous monument to the Middle of the World, the cloud forest of Mindo has a warm humid climate for being on the border between two regions; the Andes and the Ecuadorian coast. In our tour the first visit will be to the hummingbird refuge and orchid house, then we will climb to the top and practice canopy through the cloud forest, if we are lucky we can observe some types of birds flying with us, after this extreme experience, we will cross the tarabita to the other side of the river and walk along the path to reach the river and we will have the possibility to swim. After this refreshing adventure we return to the village to go to the artisan chocolate factory to learn all the processes of its elaboration.

The Town of Mindo just 1 hour and a half from Quito is an amazing option for birdwatching over 500 especies there you have several places with feeders where you can see beautiful and unique birds like: hummingbirds, tanagers, toucans, seedeaters and many others and as a good compliment after walking to the waterfalls a really tasty chocolate or coffee tour with ecuadorians products. If you like adrenaline why not practice extreme sports like canopy, rapel, tubing, the tarzan swing or just a cable car to see the Choco Forest canopy.

The experience of a bird tour in Mindo is one of the most fantastic to explore the biodiversity of the tropical region of Ecuador. We will visit one of the best places to observe birds such as hummingbirds, toucans and many more. We will pass through the Nambillo River on a tarabita, where you will have a nice walk around the Mindo Cloud Forest Reserve. continue to the butterfly garden, to admire the impressive number of tropical butterflies, learn about their life cycle and their importance. The day ends with a visit to the chocolate factory in Mindo, learn about the production process and of course, you will have the opportunity to buy delicious chocolates. This Mindo cloud forest tour is perfect for getting to know the tropical jungle with its beautiful flora and fauna and the process of creating artisanal chocolates.