Full Day Mindo - Cloud Forest from Quito
Description
Nestled in the lush Andean foothills, the enchanting town of Mindo is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. This tour offers a perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes, incredible biodiversity, and unique cultural experiences, making it an unforgettable day in the cloud forest. The adventure begins with a visit to Alambi Hummingbird Sanctuary, a serene haven for bird enthusiasts. Next, the journey takes a thrilling turn as we ride the Tarabita, a cable car that soars over the lush forest canopy. The panoramic views of the Mindo Valley are simply breathtakin. The tour continues with a visit to the Mindo Butterfly Farm, where the magic of nature unfolds in front of your eyes. To cap off the day, indulge your senses at the Mindo Chocolate Experience. This hands-on tour takes you through the entire process of chocolate-making, from the cacao bean to the final product and sample delicious varieties of chocolate along the way.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Alambi Cloud Forest Reserve, situated in Ecuador, is a biodiverse haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. Nestled in the cloud forests of the Andes, the reserve offers guided birding tours where visitors can spot a myriad of avian species, including hummingbirds, tanagers, and toucans. Trails wind through lush vegetation, revealing stunning flora and providing opportunities for nature walks. The reserve's eco-lodge welcomes guests seeking an immersive experience, fostering a deep connection with the unique ecosystem. Alambi's commitment to conservation and education makes it a tranquil retreat where visitors can appreciate the rich biodiversity and serene beauty of Ecuador's cloud forests.
Mindo, a quaint town in the cloud forests of Ecuador, is a nature lover's paradise. Surrounded by lush greenery, it offers a myriad of activities, from birdwatching in its renowned cloud forest to thrilling zip-lining adventures. The town is a gateway to diverse ecosystems, featuring butterfly sanctuaries and cascading waterfalls like Nambillo and Mindo. Chocolate tours provide a delectable journey through the cacao-making process. Hiking trails lead to scenic viewpoints, offering glimpses of vibrant orchids and exotic wildlife. Mindo seamlessly blends ecotourism and adventure, inviting visitors to explore the captivating biodiversity and natural beauty of the Ecuadorian cloud forest.
Cascada de Nambillo, nestled in the cloud forests near Mindo, Ecuador, is a mesmerizing waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The site offers nature enthusiasts an immersive experience through hiking trails leading to the cascade, providing breathtaking views along the way. Visitors can partake in birdwatching, discovering the diverse avian species inhabiting the pristine surroundings. The serene atmosphere invites moments of reflection and connection with nature. Cascada de Nambillo, with its scenic beauty and tranquil ambiance, creates a perfect setting for outdoor exploration and appreciation of the biodiversity found in the captivating cloud forest ecosystem.
Mindo Butterfly Farm, situated in the cloud forests of Ecuador, is a captivating sanctuary for butterfly enthusiasts. The farm offers immersive tours where visitors can witness the complete life cycle of these delicate creatures, from caterpillars to vibrant adults. Guided walks through lush gardens reveal a kaleidoscope of butterfly species in various stages of development. Educational programs highlight the importance of conservation and the interconnectedness of these beautiful insects with their environment. Mariposas de Mindo provides a unique opportunity for nature lovers to witness the enchanting world of butterflies and contribute to their preservation in a stunning natural setting.
Join the Tour de Chocolate Yumbos in Mindo, a delightful journey through the town's sweetest spots! Experience tastings of artisanal chocolates, learn about local cocoa production, and indulge in chocolate-making workshops. Perfect for chocoholics and families, this tour promises fun, flavors, and unforgettable memories in a vibrant setting!
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
The experience begins from your pick-up in the lively Mariscal. With a smile and a warm welcome, suitable for the start of the itinerary according to your preferences, ensuring a personalized experience. Whether exploring Quito's history or venturing into the surrounding natural beauty, your full day out to the outskirts of the city promises to be an authentic immersion in the cultural richness and captivating landscapes of Ecuador. Get ready for a unique and comfortable adventure from the start!
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(38)
We had an absolutely incredible day trip from Quito to Mindo, and a huge part of what made it so special was our guide, David. From the moment the tour started, David was engaging, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable. Not only did he guide us perfectly through the beautiful cloud forest of Mindo, but he also gave us an amazing, detailed overview of the history and culture of Quito and Ecuador as a whole during the drive. We learned so much about the country's geography, traditions, and daily life—it felt like getting a masterclass on Ecuador while enjoying a beautiful vacation! David's passion for his country really shines through, and his attention to detail made the entire day smooth and memorable. If you're planning a trip to Mindo, definitely ask for David. Highly recommended!
My dear fiend thank you so much you beautiful words!… I really appreciate your confidence and friendship. Greetings
Had an excellent tour of the Mindo cloud forest. My guide was David and he did a great job, providing me with information about the sites, history of Ecuador, and helped me feel comfortable during the tour. On top of that he was flexible, allowing me to swap out one of the sites to visit Intinan equator museum/site, where you can stand on both hemispheres and try out scientific experiments. Overall would highly recommend this tour if you want to experience a cloud forest, try some delicious chocolate, or want a great tour guide to show you what Ecuador is all about!
My friend, that you so much your confidence and beautiful review. We always are happy to my ours best for you!. Greetings
10 out of 10 , the tour guide Juan and druver Victor were amazing , we had a such a fun and amazing day , they made our day going so smooth , from cable car ride thru hiking and to Mindo chocolate factory and hummingbirds reserve , also they brought us to place with a amazing bbq , it couldn’t be better , also private group they take care of whatever you need , . You not gonna regret if you book with these guys ! 😊
Dear Ivan, thank you so much your beautiful review and confidence. Everything day we work hard to make the best experiences for you. Greetings.
My friend and I booked a very last minute tour to Mindo. Our guide, David, was so hospitable, informative, and kind. We learned so much about Mindo and Ecuador from him! And he made us feel safe. During this trip, he picked us up from our hotel and we made our way to different destinations like hummingbird reserve, butterfly garden, waterfall hike, and chocolate experience! Highly recommend this tour with David!
Thank you so much your nice review. I am happy to make the best experiences for my guest. Greetings
My friend and I had a last minute trip booked to Mindo. David, our guide, was phenomenal! He was extremely helpful, knowledgeable, and answered all our questions. He was also very hospitable and made us feel safe. Highly recommend this tour with him!!
aliña, thanks a lot your beautiful review. To me is is importan Y make my best to my guest. Greetings.
This was GREAT! The hummingbird place was amazing; so many species and so colorful. We got to have them eat out of our hand! The waterfall hike was beautiful but be aware that it is steep with lots of steps. The butterfly garden was also amazing. So many colorful butterflies everywhere! We ended with the chocolate tour, which was also excellent. Great day all around! Our guide David was very knowledgeable and gave us lots of information about Ecuador along the way. Highly recommend!
My friend, thank you so much your confidence and beautiful words. I am always happy to make my best to my guest. Greetings
If you are wondering whether to book a tour with David, you should. For context I’m very well traveled. Ecuador and Peru were my 100 and 101 countries to visit. David is as good as it gets. We were referred to David by a client of mine that had booked him in 2025 via Trip Advisor. We are so grateful to be introduced to David. Not only did we do Mindo but in separate full day tours we did Quito/Center of the earth/Cotopaxi and Ottavalo. David is so knowledgeable, kind and goes above and beyond at every opportunity. We met him as our guide and after 4 days together we left him as our friend. After Quito we headed to Galápagos and Lima. David planned out each of those trips for us. His Galápagos itinerary was perfect. 11 days, each day planned out in detail. David, did all of this out of the kindness of his heart. It must have taken him a considerable amount of time and effort to guide us with such detail. Best of luck and we hope you enjoy Ecuador as much as we did. David you are the best. We can’t wait to be back. Rod and Melcsi.
Rod, more than a friend, you and Melinda become family!… thank you so much your words, confidence and your time together. 😊😊😊
David gave us the best tour of Mindo and all its available tickets! He was super knowledgeable and made sure we got it do and see everything! Thank you David!
Thank you so much to your comment my friend. Greetings
Excellent experience with Leo.
Muchas gracias por su mensaje. Estamos siempre contentos de servir. Saludos
My wife and I had a great day! The hummingbirds and butterflies were beyond our expectations. We swapped the chocolate to a coffee experience and it wasnt any trouble. I would highly recommend.
My friend thank you so much your confidence. I am happy to be help. Greetings
