Ecuador · Bird Watching

Excursion Day to Mindo from Quito

10 Hours Round trip from Quito Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Full-day excursion from Quito to the cloud forest of Mindo
  • 02 Observe more than 30 species of hummingbirds and a great variety of birds
  • 03 Ride a tarabita deep into the cloud forest
  • 04 Walk through the forest to Nambillo Waterfall
  • 05 Enjoy butterfly encounters and visit the orchidarium
  • 06 Travel with a professional guide and private transport
  • 07 Hotel pick up and drop-off inside the urban perimeter of Quito

Discover the lush cloud forest landscapes of Mindo on a full-day excursion from Quito, a region celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity and birdwatching. This beautiful corner of Ecuador was named by Bird Life International in 1997 as the first important birdwatching destination in Latin America, with around 500 varieties of birds and approximately 1200 species of butterflies.

Travel through the Choco Andino cloud forest to observe hummingbirds and other native birdlife, ride a tarabita into the forest, and walk to Nambillo Waterfall for time in nature and scenic photo opportunities. The day also includes time in Mindo town for lunch recommendations, a walk among butterflies, and a visit to the orchidarium.

Travel through the Choco Andino cloud forest to observe hummingbirds and other native birdlife, ride a tarabita into the forest, and walk to Nambillo Waterfall for time in nature and scenic photo opportunities.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Quito, Mindo
Languages English, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Duration: 10 hours

Departure Early in the morning towards the northwest of Quito, our guide will comment on the attractions that we see in the landscape and that are left behind until we reach the Choco Andino cloud forest conservation project and one of its protected reserves in which, We will have a short tour to observe more than 30 species of hummingbirds and a great variety of birds in their natural habitat. Here we will have the opportunity to enjoy nature, relax and take the best pictures of landscapes and birds. We advance along the road until we reach Mindo, our adventure begins with the trip in a tarabita that will take us deep into the cloud forest, so called because most of the year it is covered by mist that originates in the western mountain range and it is one of the reasons for its biological richness and mega diversity. Upon reaching the other end, we will walk through the forest until we reach the Nambillo Waterfall, the perfect place to enjoy nature and take the best pictures. At the end, our transport will be waiting for you to return to the town where our guide will recommend places and give you the time needed for lunch. Then we will walk among butterflies and finally, we will visit the orchidarium (tickets not included). In the afternoon, return to Quito and our guide will drop you off at your hotel.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Quito 2 cities · 10 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Professional guide
  • Hotel pick up and drop-off ( Hotel pick up inside the Urban perimeter of Quito)
  • Private Tour

What's Not Included

  • Gratuities
  • Food and Drinks

Know before you go

  • PASSPORT REQUIRED
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately.
  • We provide Multilingual guide
  • The guide will pick up you in the lobby of the hotel ( Hotel pick up inside the Urban perimeter of Quito)

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Quito, EC
Tour start
Quito, EC
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 10 hours finish where they began, in Quito.

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