Full-Day Mindo Cloud Forest Tour from Quito

booted racket-tail hummingbird

White-booted Racket-tail

White-tipped quetzal

White-eared Night Heron

Rufous-collared sparrow

Highlights

Discover the incredible biodiversity of the Mindo Cloud Forest, part of the UNESCO-listed Chocó Andino Biosphere Reserve

Observe over 500 species of birds, including hummingbirds, toucans, and the Andean cock-of-the-rock, during a guided birdwatching walk

Visit a butterfly garden or orchid farm to learn about Ecuador’s native species and enjoy close-up encounters with colorful wildlife

Experience an optional zipline canopy ride or hike through the forest to reach stunning natural waterfalls

Quito, Mindo

bird, nature, sightseeing

Private Tour

1 Day

Medium

English, Spanish

Description

Experience the magic of Ecuador’s natural paradise on this full-day Mindo Cloud Forest Tour from Quito. Journey through the Andean highlands to the lush Chocó Andino Biosphere Reserve, one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth. Spot exotic birds like hummingbirds and toucans, visit butterfly and orchid farms, hike to hidden waterfalls or zipline through the treetops, and enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian lunch in the charming town of Mindo. End your adventure with a visit to a local chocolate factory for a hands-on tasting session, before returning to Quito in the evening surrounded by unforgettable mountain scenery and tropical tranquility.

Itinerary

Full-Day Mindo Cloud Forest Tour Itinerary

6:00 AM – Departure from Quito
- Begin the journey with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Quito.
- Travel northwest through the Andes, enjoying panoramic views of valleys, rivers, and cloud-covered mountains.
- Pass through the Chocó Andino Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized region known for its incredible biodiversity.
8:00 AM – Birdwatching in the Cloud Forest
- Arrive in Mindo and start the day with a guided birdwatching walk.
- Observe species such as hummingbirds, toucans, tanagers, and the Andean cock-of-the-rock.
- Discover why Mindo is one of the top birding destinations in Ecuador, home to over 500 bird species.
10:00 AM – Visit to a Butterfly Garden or Orchid Farm
- Visit a butterfly garden and walk among hundreds of butterflies in different life stages.
- Learn about their life cycle and ecological importance.
- Alternatively, explore an orchid farm to see Ecuador’s vast collection of native and rare orchids.
11:30 AM – Canopy Adventure or Waterfall Hike
- Option 1: Experience a thrilling zipline ride through the treetops, offering spectacular forest views.
- Option 2: Hike through forest trails leading to picturesque waterfalls surrounded by lush vegetation.
- Relax, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful sounds of the forest.
1:00 PM – Lunch in Mindo Town
- Enjoy a delicious Ecuadorian lunch at a local restaurant.
- Choose from dishes such as fresh trout, empanadas, or vegetarian options.
- Soak in Mindo’s relaxed atmosphere and tropical surroundings.
2:30 PM – Chocolate Experience
- Visit a local chocolate factory and learn about the process of making fine Ecuadorian chocolate.
- Observe each step from cacao bean to chocolate bar.
- Conclude the visit with a tasting session of artisanal chocolates.
4:00 PM – Leisure Time or Additional Birdwatching
- Explore Mindo town at your own pace.
- Shop for local crafts, enjoy a coffee, or relax near the river.
- Optionally, visit another bird lodge for afternoon hummingbird observation and photography.
5:00 PM – Return to Quito
- Begin the drive back to Quito, stopping at scenic viewpoints along the route.
- Enjoy sunset views over the Andes.
- Arrive in Quito in the early evening after a memorable day surrounded by the beauty and biodiversity of the Mindo Cloud Forest.

What's Included

Private transportation to and from Quito

Professional bilingual guide (English & Spanish)

Birdwatching session with spotting scope and field guide assistance

Entrance fees to main reserves and attractions (as per itinerary)

Visit to a butterfly garden or orchid farm

Chocolate experience and tasting

Lunch at a local restaurant (traditional or vegetarian options)

Bottled water during the trip

All taxes and coordination services

What's Excluded

Breakfast and dinner

Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks, and drinks not specified)

Optional activities, such as ziplining or tubing

Tips or gratuities for the guide and driver

Travel or medical insurance

Early morning birdwatching extension (4:30 AM departure) for target species

Zipline canopy adventure through the cloud forest

Butterfly farm and orchid garden combo ticket

Private photography guide for bird and wildlife enthusiasts

Know Before You Go

Depart from Quito around 6:00 AM to enjoy the forest at its liveliest.

Spot species like the Andean cock-of-the-rock, hummingbirds, and tanagers, which are most active in the morning.

Mindo sits between 1,200–1,400 meters (3,900–4,600 ft) above sea level.

Expect warm, humid weather with light rain throughout the year.

Pack a light rain jacket, comfortable shoes, and quick-dry clothing.

Average temperatures range between 18°C and 24°C (64°F–75°F).

Travel time from Quito to Mindo is about two hours.

The route is scenic, passing through the Chocó Andino Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized biodiversity hotspot.

Mindo is home to over 500 bird species, including toucans, quetzals, and colorful tanagers.

Bring binoculars and a camera for the best birdwatching experience.

Take guided hikes to waterfalls surrounded by lush forest.

Try ziplining through the canopy for an adventure.

Visit butterfly gardens and orchid farms to see native species up close.

Join a chocolate tour and sample locally made cacao treats.

Stay on marked trails and avoid feeding or disturbing wildlife.

Buy local crafts, food, and products to support community-based tourism.

Follow eco-friendly travel practices to help preserve the forest.

Carry cash (USD) for shopping, food, or optional activities.

Some places accept cards, but ATMs and Wi-Fi connections are limited in Mindo.

Expect a 10–12 hour round trip from Quito.

The experience includes transportation, guided activities, and lunch in Mindo.

What To Bring

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho – Mindo’s cloud forest often experiences light rain or mist

Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots – trails can be muddy or uneven

Light, breathable clothing – ideal for warm, humid weather

Hat or cap and sunscreen – even in cloudy conditions, UV rays are strong

Insect repellent – to protect against mosquitoes, especially near the river or forest

Change of clothes – optional if you plan to hike to waterfalls or try tubing.

Binoculars (8x or 10x magnification recommended)

A camera or smartphone for photography

A field guide or bird checklist (your guide may also provide one)

A notebook or bird log for observations

Meeting Point

From your hotel location

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -

Refund of 80% of the tour price.

Price

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1 to 4	/person
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Full-Day Mindo Cloud Forest Tour from Quito

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Full-Day Mindo Cloud Forest Tour Itinerary

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

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Can't Find the Perfect Tour? Tailor Your Dream Trip!

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Full-Day Mindo Cloud Forest Tour from Quito

Highlights

Description

Itinerary

Full-Day Mindo Cloud Forest Tour Itinerary

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

Can't Find the Perfect Tour? Tailor Your Dream Trip!

Create your own adventure!

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Choose Currency