Mindo Cloud Forest Full-Day Experience – Choose What You Love

4.9
(143 reviews)
Quito, Ecuador

8 to 9 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 1 more

Enjoy a fully customized adventure in one of Ecuador’s top nature destinations. Explore the Mindo Cloud Forest, an impressive Biosphere Reserve in the western Andes that protects orchids, birds, mammals, amphibians, and lush vegetation. This evergreen forest also features waterfalls, rivers, trails, ravines, and archaeological sites. Located just 2 hours from Quito, Mindo offers a peaceful rural atmosphere and a wide range of activities: visit a hummingbird sanctuary, hike to waterfalls, cross the forest by cable car, explore a butterfly garden, discover orchids, enjoy a chocolate tour, go ziplining, visit the Yumbos museum, or try tubing on the Mindo River. All experiences are customizable to match your interests, creating a personalized itinerary designed just for you.

What's Included

Quito Pick up or includes transfer from the airport if needed.
Activities based on your expectations
A Professional Guide/Driver with private vehicle
Travel Insurance
Meals
Entrance fees

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Pick-up from the Quito Airport is offered at no extra cost

Itinerary

Duration: 8 to 9 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Quito

    Join us for an unforgettable eco-tour from Quito to the Mindo Cloud Forest located at 1,200m (4,100 ft) above sea level, one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. We depart early and travel northwest through stunning Andean landscapes, stopping after about 65 minutes at a humminbird reserve, famous for their incredible variety of hummingbirds and excellent bird photography opportunities. Arriving in Mindo, with an average temperature of 19°C / 62°F, you enter the Chocó Andino Biosphere Reserve—a paradise for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers. This cloud forest is home to hundreds of colorful birds, butterflies, orchids, and unique wildlife. Whether you want to focus on specific species or simply enjoy a peaceful day in nature, your expert guide will tailor the experience for you. Discover Mindo, where every moment is filled with birdsong, lush greenery, and the magic of the Andean cloud forest.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 2

    Waterfall sanctuary is the best. Refreshing waterfalls are located within a pristine protected forest in Mindo. We will take the Cable car.. The cable car will be the beginning of our adventure. We will cross over from one slope to another one, covering a distance of approximately 500 meters. From the cable car, we will observe the beautiful of the humid and warm Cloud Forest, cover by a dense and green vegetation of trees and plants of different sizes. Walk along by trails that will lead us to a series of waterfalls, starting from the smallest one until we reach the largest waterfall where visitors can enjoy a swim or dive in the refreshing and clear waters. The hike is about 2.5 km / 1,5 miles, where there are downhills and uphills. The activity is intended for children, adults and senior people. You do not need to have special training, although you should have a little experience in medium-distance walks.

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • 3
    Mariposas de Mindo

    Visit the Mariposario de Mindo - Butterfly Garden, a unique attraction home to native butterfly species of the Mindo Cloud Forest. Discover the fascinating butterfly metamorphosis process and learn why butterflies play a vital role in this fragile cloud forest ecosystem. During your visit, observe what butterflies eat and enjoy the opportunity to feed them yourself, an interactive experience ideal for travelers of all ages. Capture stunning photos and videos as you step into a colorful and inspiring natural environment. The Garden also offers a selection of the best butterfly-themed souvenirs, celebrating these remarkable creatures that are an essential part of the Andean Chocó Biosphere Reserve.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 4

    The local guide will explain what type of cocoa is used to make the famous chocolate bars. The fermentation and refining of the chocolate is extremely important. The steps to be followed are careful to obtain a high quality chocolate bar. There will be a tasting of the different fruit flavored chocolate fusions. Part of this experience is to taste the honey and cocoa barbecue sauce.

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • 5

    Experience the thrill of ziplining in Mindo’s cloud forest on an exciting canopy adventure surrounded by lush greenery and mountain views. Fly across multiple zip lines high above the forest, feeling the rush of adrenaline while enjoying breathtaking scenery. This safe and guided activity is perfect for adventure seekers who want to combine excitement with nature, offering a unique perspective of one of Ecuador’s most biodiverse regions.

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • 6

    Nestled in the lush Andean Cloud Forest near Quito, the Alambi Hummingbird Sanctuary is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers. This family-run reserve is home to more than 30 species of hummingbirds, along with tanagers, toucanets, and other sub-tropical birds that thrive in Ecuador’s biodiverse highlands. Visitors can observe these vibrant species up close as they hover around feeders and native flowers in a peaceful natural setting. The reserve also protects river habitats and native trees that provide shelter for countless forest species. Located just 1.5 hours from Quito, Alambi Reserve is an essential stop on any birdwatching or eco-tour in Ecuador, offering a magical glimpse into the country’s extraordinary wildlife and the importance of local conservation efforts that keep this cloud-forest sanctuary alive.

    1 hour Admission ticket not included

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Supplied by Galapagos My World

Tags

Day Trips
Hiking Tours
Nature and Wildlife Tours
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
4WD Tours
Walking Tours
Nature Walks
Car Tours
Excellent Quality
Adventure Tours
Additional fees
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Curated Catalog
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.9 Based on 143 143 reviews
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