Mindo Private Day Tour: Hummingbirds, Waterfalls, Jungle ...

4.9
(145 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

Activities based on your expectations
Professional Guide included throughout the entire tour experience
Private round-trip transport with local transfers in Mindo included
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)
  • Quito (Pass by)

    Begin your journey from the city of Quito, located in the Andes, toward the Mindo Cloud Forest. Enjoy an exciting drive where, in a short time, you transition from high Andean ecosystems to a lush subtropical environment. Upon arrival in Mindo, enjoy the mild climate (19°C / 62°F) as you enter the Chocó Andino Biosphere Reserve, a protected sanctuary rich in birdlife, orchids, butterflies, and unique species found nowhere else. This destination is a haven for discerning travelers seeking nature and authenticity. Led by an expert guide, your experience is thoughtfully tailored—whether you wish to focus on birdwatching, photography, or simply unwind in a peaceful setting. Discover Mindo as a sensory journey filled with birdsong, lush forests, and unforgettable moments in a Bio-Reserve. For a better experience, we recommend bringing binoculars, a camera with a good lens, comfortable clothing suitable for a subtropical climate, and some cash for entrance fees and personal expenses.

    Admission ticket free
  • 1

    Set within the lush Andean cloud forest just outside Quito, the Alambi Hummingbird Sanctuary offers an exclusive and intimate encounter with Ecuador’s remarkable biodiversity. This carefully preserved, family-owned reserve is home to over 30 species of hummingbirds, along with vibrant tanagers, toucanets, and other sought-after sub-tropical birds. In this serene and uncrowded setting, guests can observe these dazzling species at close range as they move gracefully between feeders and native flowers, creating exceptional opportunities for photography and quiet appreciation of nature. The reserve also protects pristine river habitats and native forest, sustaining a rich diversity of wildlife. For a more rewarding experience on this Mindo tour, we highly recommend bringing binoculars and a camera equipped with a quality telephoto lens to fully appreciate and capture magnificent birds in their natural habitat.

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • 2
    Mariposas de Mindo

    Step into a hidden world of color and transformation at the Mindo Butterfly Garden, where nature reveals one of its most delicate and fascinating processes. Surrounded by the misty beauty of the Chocó Andino Cloud Forest, this intimate experience invites you to slow down and observe life at its most intricate. Guided by expert hosts, you will witness the remarkable journey from chrysalis to butterfly—an extraordinary transformation that reflects the fragile balance of this biodiverse ecosystem. As butterflies move freely around you, enjoy a rare opportunity to connect with them up close, even feeding them gently in a serene and immersive setting. This is more than a visit—it is a sensory encounter with nature, where light, color, and movement create unforgettable photographic moments. A refined experience designed for travelers who seek authenticity, beauty, and meaningful connection in one of the world’s richest ecosystems.

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • 3

    For discerning birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, this exclusive reserve offers a rare and intimate encounter with the biodiversity of Ecuador’s cloud forest, set at 1,880 meters above sea level. In this carefully preserved environment, guests can observe an extraordinary variety of species, including the elegant Violet-tailed Sylph, along with sought-after birds such as the Glistening-green Tanager, a true highlight for experienced birders. The forest also reveals iconic toucans like the Toucan Barbet and the Crimson-rumped Toucanet, while sightings of unique mammals such as the Tayra or American Agouti add to the sense of discovery. Designed for those who value exclusivity and authenticity, this tranquil sanctuary provides exceptional opportunities for high-quality wildlife photography in a peaceful setting. Combined with the genuine hospitality of its owners, this experience becomes a privileged immersion into one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth.

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • 4

    Elevate your adventure with an exclusive ziplining experience in Mindo’s cloud forest, where adrenaline meets refined natural beauty. Glide effortlessly across a series of canopy lines suspended above lush valleys, offering sweeping views of the Andean landscape and dense tropical vegetation. This expertly guided experience combines safety, comfort, and exhilaration, allowing you to explore one of Ecuador’s most biodiverse regions from a privileged aerial perspective. Designed for travelers seeking both excitement and sophistication, this activity offers a unique way to connect with nature while enjoying a seamless and memorable adventure in the heart of the cloud forest.

    1 hour Admission ticket not included
  • 5
    Tarabita y Santuario de Cascadas Mindo

    Discover one of Mindo’s most exclusive natural experiences at a pristine waterfall sanctuary hidden within a protected cloud forest. Your journey begins with a scenic cable car ride, gliding approximately 500 meters across lush valleys, offering breathtaking views of the dense, emerald-green canopy below. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walk along well-maintained trails leading to a series of cascading waterfalls, each more impressive than the last. At the final waterfall, guests may relax, swim, or simply take in the serenity of this untouched environment. The hike covers approximately 2.5 km (1.5 miles) with gentle ascents and descents, suitable for travelers seeking a comfortable yet immersive nature experience. This activity blends soft adventure with tranquility, making it ideal for those who value both comfort and authenticity in the heart of the cloud forest.

    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
Full-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Private Sightseeing Tours
4WD Tours
Walking Tours
Eco Tours
Nature Walks
Adventure Tours
Additional fees
Top Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

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

Show more

Rating

4.9 Based on 145 145 reviews
5 stars
135
4 stars
6
3 stars
3
2 stars
1
1 star
0
from per person
Was {{formatPrice(summaryFromPriceBeforeDiscount, currency, 2)}}