If you’re looking for things to do in Ecuador, Mindo Cloud Forest is a must. Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about the best things to do in Mindo.
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Mindo-Things to do
Mindo, Ecuador is a small town to the north of Quito, but it has one of the world’s most biologically diverse ecosystems. Its surrounded by Mindo rainforest and is a haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
When you’ve done with the trekking, you can take the fabulous Mindo chocolate tour or discover one of the more adrenaline-seeking Mindo outdoor activities on offer. With so many different things to do in the Mindo Valley, Ecuador, there’s something for all members of the family to enjoy.
Save money by clicking here to purchase Mindo’s Top Attractions Pass.
Mindo Cloud Rain Forest Map
Mindo, Ecuador Birdwatching
The cloud forest Ecuador is renowned for the number of birds that have made this habitat there home.
The birds of Ecuador are so colourful they’re a joy to watch. In this small area, there have been over 500 hundred species recorded and spotting Mindo birds such as toucans and hummingbirds is one of the highlights of any visit.
If you’re serious about seeing any kind of tropical bird and the best birds in Mindo, I would recommend that you book yourself on a birding Ecuador tour.
Mindo Bird Tours Ecuador
Birdwatching Mindo trips depart early in the morning. We had to meet our guide at 6 am, and when I mentioned that I wanted to see various species, including hummingbirds and toucans, our private guide assured me that I would.
He began by calling the birds with an incredible amount of bird whistles. In return, they called back, from what felt like every tree.
The guide had a telescope and did provide us with one pair of binoculars. However, there were two of us, so we had to keep sharing. I’d highly recommend taking a set of birdwatching binoculars if you don’t want to miss anything.
If you’re travelling and looking for the best compact binoculars check out this buying guide.
The Best Places to go for DIY Birdwatching
Hiring a guide is expensive, and it’s not difficult to organise a birdwatching DIY tour yourself. While the birds in the rainforest can be hard to spot as they usually perch high in the trees and can be well camouflaged, there are plenty of places where you are likely to spot them easily.
Hostal Jardín El Descanso
This Hostel is the best place to go if you want to spot a vast array of Mindo birds and get good photographs within close proximity. Rodney, the owner of the Hostal Jardín El Descanso, has transformed his garden into a spectacular green oasis that the local birds seem to love.
There is a large seating area with tables and benches and lots of bird feeders suspended from the wooden pergola.
The hostel has a cafe in the beautiful garden and although there is a small entry fee of $3 you can sit and watch all kinds of birds at the numerous feeders up close.
The hummingbirds adore the sugar water in the feeders, and they flit by you so close you can almost touch them. These intriguing birds were high on my list to see, and you cannot miss them in Mindo. They are fascinating to watch, and their brightly coloured blue and green plumage is stunning.
The owner told me the toucans visit in the morning, so this place is a good bet if you want to see one up close.
The Hostal is located at the end of Calle de Los Colibries, which aptly translates to Hummingbird street. It’s a great place to stop for lunch, and the cafe is reasonably priced. The owner is passionate about the garden and the birds that visit. He’s happy to share his knowledge if you want to know more about any species just ask and he’ll be delighted to tell you.
El Edén treehouse
El Edén treehouse is an idyllic wooden guest house that is family-run, and they’re enthusiastic about their local feathery friends. They offer simple accommodation by the rainforest but are happy for passers-by to call in for refreshments.
They have birdfeeders everywhere, and I was mesmerised by the number of hummingbirds feeding off the sugar water. The view from the wooden veranda was stunning and that coupled with seeing the birds in such proximity was the highlight of the trip. I became a little obsessed, taking a lot of pictures of these tiny but exciting birds.
As well as a small restaurant, they offer accommodation, and although the place was simple, it was spotless. Olga, the host, was so hospitable and we were just there for coffee.
Yellow house and trails are also known as Casa Amarilla, Mindo
Hiking is another popular activity in Mindo, and the yellow house private reserve trails are well worth a visit.
They are also another excellent place for birdwatching. The lodge also offers accommodation, but visitors are welcome, and you can easily spend a full day here.
The trails are well signposted, and the mirador along number 3 offers spectacular views of the cloud rainforest and Mindo Valley.
If your keen to spot birds, most of the activity happens in the early morning but don’t let that put you off enjoying a walk through some spectacular scenery later in the day.
The reserve also has a Cock- of -the -rock lek, which you can trek to in the dark but this requires a very early start so you’d have to spend the night at the lodge.
Tarabita across the Mindo Cloud Rainforest Reserve
The tarabita at Mindo Canopy adventure is a fabulous way to experience the breathtaking vistas of the Mindo Nambillo Cloud forest reserve.
The small cable car or Tarabita glides 150 meters above the trees of the Mindo cloud forest. For those that are into mechanics, it’s powered by an old Nissan Car motor.
It’s a short ride across the Mindo Nambillo protected forest, but the views are spectacular although you need to see it for yourself to fully appreciate how unique this ecosystem is.
Nabilla Cascadas- Cascadas de Mindo Ecuador
When you get to the platform at the other side, there are two walks you can take; one is to a Mindo Nambilla Cascadas, the other is a much longer walk which incorporates a series of 5 waterfalls.
We opted for the shorter walk to Nambillo, as it was an incredibly hot day. The hike to Nambillo though short was quite strenuous, especially the steep uphill climb, but it was worth it.
Armonia Orchid Garden at Mindo in Ecuador
Orchids love the climate of the Mindo Rainforest Ecuador, and Armonia Orchid Mindo Garden has a collection of over 200 species.
The centre works to conserve and protect endangered species, and if you’re interested in botanicals, they have a volunteer program. You can also stay at the Cabañas Armonía y Jardín de Orquídeas which is part of the orchid garden.
The delicate flowers are much smaller than ones which you might be accustomed to seeing in florists back home. The staff are helpful and share perhaps a little too much information about their favourite species.
Mariposario Mindo Butterfly Farm
I’m going to confess that I couldn’t face my fear of things with wings in closed environments, so I dipped out of going inside. However, my better half Drummie_Dave did. For children and nature lovers, this is a fantastic place.
The Mariposario butterfly garden is home to over a thousand butterflies, and if you stay at Mariposario, you get free access to the hothouse anytime.
The life of a butterfly is short (only weeks), but the carefully controlled breeding program here ensures that there is no shortage. You can even watch them emerge from their cocoons which are suspended by pins to a board.
El Quetzal de Mindo Chocolate Factory Tour
El Quetzal Mindo Ecuador is a fascinating chocolate tour which guides you through the process of making this delicious product from a bean into an artisan bar.
Chocolate for me is one of the best foods in the world and, it’s hard to believe that it comes from a bean, just a shame it doesn’t count as one of your five a day.
Tours are available seven days a week, and there’s no need to book in advance.
They also have a delightful cafe, with many chocolate cakes to devour. You can pre-order your lunch before the tour or just visit for a bite to eat.
The shop there is fabulous.
They sell products that you wouldn’t think could be linked with chocolate, and you can buy 100% pure cocoa nibs. Their range of Mindo chocolate bars is also worth sampling, particularly the one with sea salt.
Mindo Ecuador – What to do if your an adrenaline seeker or travelling with Kids
Mindo has no shortage of outdoor activities!
Save money by clicking here to purchase Mindo’s Top Attractions Pass
Mindo Zip Line
If you fancy Zip lining through the cloud rainforest, head to Canopy Mindo adventures.
Mindo Zip lining It has ten cables that range in height and length, so you can choose one to satisfy your adrenaline needs.
Mindo Biking
If you prefer to stay on the ground bikes can be hired from Mindo biking at this link.
The company also offers bike tours around the area.
Mindo Rafting
For those who like rafting, you can test your nerves on the Mindo River by going tubing, although this should be avoided after heavy rains. There’s also Mindo rafting trips available if you fancy a white knuckle ride down the river.
Most lodges and hotels in the area can provide you with information on how to book these tips.
After all, that adventure fun take a rest at one of the best coffee shops
Caskaffesu Mindo Ecuador
Mindo has several good coffee shops, but the best is a place called Caskaffesu.
It’s located half a block down from the bus station which is handy if you’re travelling from Quito.
At Caskaffesu they use local coffee which they grow on their plantation in the Nambillo rainforest. The taste is unique, it’s not too bitter, but there’s a real depth of flavour. They also sell their products, so I was delighted to be able to bring some back home.
Mindo Ecuador Hotels
The best Mindo accommodation is Masphi Mindo Lodge; it’s one of the top hotels in Ecuador.
It was featured on the tv series Life beyond the Lobby- Amazing Hotels and for a good reason.
Masphi Lodge is a private reserve in the heart of the Mindo cloud forest Ecuador. This deluxe hotel has its own cable car, in house botanists and birding guides. The restaurant offers fine dining experiences, and the rooms are truly luxurious.
Las Terrazas De Dana Lodge
We stayed at Las Terrazas de Dana Lodge tucked away amid the Mindo cloud rainforest and just 1.2km from town. This is a family-run lodge, but it had all the luxury that you’d find in an upmarket hotel. There are six bungalows set amongst a stunning garden amid the valley. Each room has a terrace with a magnificent view of the Mindo cloud rainforest.
The fauna surrounding each terrace is chosen to attract the hummingbirds, and it was amazing just sitting there and watching them so close.
What made the stay extra special was the candlelit dinner and breakfast, which were both served on our veranda. The food was exquisite, and there was no problem catering for me as a vegetarian.
Staying amid the valley was one of the highlights of our trip. Having a private bungalow with veranda, a spectacular view of the rainforest, hummingbirds flitting all around, was just the best.
David, who runs the lodge with his sister is so hospitable; nothing was too much trouble.
Bella Vista Mindo Cloud Forest Lodge
If your keen on birdwatching or trekking the Bellavista Mindo Cloud Forest Reserve & Lodge about 30 minutes from Mindo is also an excellent choice.
How to get from Quito to Mindo in Ecuador
Car from Quito to Mindo
We hired a vehicle from Quito for the duration of our stay. The roads were a little challenging, and although the main ones are tarmacked, they have a lot of potholes.
Ecuadorian drivers are also a little aggressive, so be careful if your not a confident driver. That said, having a car made it easy to get around, we just took our time and drove slowly.
It takes about two hours to get from Quito to Mindo. The route is relatively straightforward and takes you along the Panamericana E28B.
You’ll pass Mitad del Mundo, the monument which marks the central line through the equator. It’s worth stopping at if nothing else you’ll get a good Instagram picture.
Quito to Mindo Bus
You can travel from Quito to Mindo on the Flor del Valle Mindo bus which departs from the Ophelia bus terminal in the north of the city.
The easiest and safest way to get there is by taxi, which costs approximately $15 from La Mariscal, although there are local buses.
The bus company you need is Flor del Valle, and the cost of a single trip is around $ 3.50. If your only visiting for one day make sure you purchase your return ticket upon arrival as tickets back to Quito do sell out quickly.
Day trips from Quito to Mindo
While I highly recommend spending a few days in the Mindo Valley when you visit Ecuador, it is possible to visit the region on a day trip from Quito.
If you’re looking for things to do in Quito and are short of time, a day trip to Mindo will not disappoint.
There are some great options on Tripadvisor for day trips to Mindo. If you prefer to use Viator for excursions you can check out their Viator day tours to Mindo by clicking here.
Is Mindo Worth Visiting?
Most definitely yes. You could easily spend a week here and still not see everything.
For bird enthusiasts and nature lovers, I can’t think of a better place. It also great for families as there’s plenty of activities to keep everybody happy.
From town, you can access most sites on foot, and tour prices are, in my opinion very reasonable. Compared to other countries in South America, Ecuador is reasonably cheap, and few places tick as many boxes as Mindo does.
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Hi, I’m Fiona Berry- I live in Lancashire in the North of England, but my job as an instrumental music examiner takes me all over the world. Travel has enriched my life in so many ways and allowed me to experience different cultures, make new friends and see extraordinary sights. Through this blog, I share my knowledge and expertise so that my readers have all the resources they require to ensure their travels provide unique and unforgettable memories to destinations that are beyond the ordinary.
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