Mystical Mindo Marvels: A Daylong Dive into Nature's Dreamland!

Quito , Ecuador

Mystical Mindo Marvels: A Daylong Dive into Nature's Dreamland!

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(43 reviews)

8h - 9h

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Mindo is a small town in the Andean foothills of Ecuador. Set in beautiful cloud-forest, it attracts birdwatchers first and foremost, but also has attractions for other tourists. Mindo is located to the north west of Quito. This town was founded in 1861 and the current population is around 3000 inhabitants. Mindo is surrounded by the Mindo-Nambillo Cloud Forest; the forest is home to hundreds of species of birds many of them are in danger of extinction.

Here you have a possibility of activities to choose from that are not included in the price of the tour; such as hiking the waterfall, canopy/ziplining, participate in process of making chocolate, and explore the world of butterflies.

Available options

Mindo Daytour

VIP CarpeDM

VIP CarpeDM Private Tour

What's included

Transport

Lunch

Guide

Detailed itinerary

Meetting point in Carpedm officce.

Departure at 7am from Carpedm’s office we will Set off towards Mindo. The drive takes about two and a half hours.

Our first stop is the Zip lines or Canopy as they call it here as you are literally above the canopy. There are 10 lines in total and if you are feeling brave you could even try the superman or Butterfly.

After about an hour of adrenalin fueled fun you will head towards the Tarabita which is a cable car that takes you to the start of your waterfall walk. As you walk through the cloud forest you could see a variety of different birds and butterflies. if you bring a swim suit you could take a swim in the crystal clear water.

Once you have dried off a little we will head for lunch. After lunch optional activities are either:

1. Visit to chocolate factory (not included in price). OR

2. Visit to butterfly Farm / Hummingbirds (not included in price)

Stop 3

Will head towards the Tarabita which is a cable car that takes you to the start of your waterfall walk. As you walk through the cloud forest you could see a variety of different birds and butterflies. if you bring a swim suit you could take a swim in the crystal clear water.

Mindo is a mountainous watershed in the western slopes of the Andes, where two of the most .. private reserves and lodges known for their montane forests, waterfalls and unique cloud forest biodiversity

Stop 4

Butterfly Garden in Mindo you will see more than 100colorful butterflies floating around you. Observation Tower and deck Spot hummingbirds .

6:00 pm Drop off Go F.A.R Office

What's not included

What’s Not Included:

Canopy/Ziplining $20

Chocolate Farm $10

Entry to Butterfly Farm $8

Entry to Waterfall $6

Additional Snacks / Beverages

TIPS

Breakfast

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

5 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.8

38 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

What to bring:

Waterproof jacket/rain jacket

sunglasses

sunscreen

binoculars * nice to have

camera

water

snacks

Face masks

Hand sanitizer

Meeting point

7:00 am Go F.A.R./CarpeDM Operations Office

Important notes

Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.

About Quito

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a vibrant city nestled in the Andean highlands. It is renowned for its well-preserved colonial architecture, rich cultural heritage, and stunning views of the surrounding volcanoes. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers a unique blend of historical charm and modern urban life.

Top Attractions

Historic Center of Quito

The Historic Center of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring well-preserved colonial architecture, churches, and plazas.

Historical Half to full day Free to visit the plazas and streets; entry fees for churches and museums

TelefériQo

A cable car that takes visitors to the top of Cruz Loma for breathtaking views of Quito and the surrounding volcanoes.

Adventure 1-2 hours Moderate

Mitad del Mundo

A monument marking the equator, where you can stand in both the northern and southern hemispheres at once.

Historical Half day Moderate

Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve

A unique crater reserve with hiking trails, scenic viewpoints, and a chance to see local flora and fauna.

Nature Half to full day Budget

Basílica del Voto Nacional

One of the largest neo-Gothic basilicas in South America, offering stunning architecture and panoramic views from its towers.

Religious 1-2 hours Budget

Capilla del Hombre

A museum dedicated to the works of Ecuadorian artist Oswaldo Guayasamín, featuring his paintings and sculptures.

Cultural 1-2 hours Moderate

Must-Try Local Dishes

Llocro de Papa

A hearty potato soup with cheese, avocado, and sometimes meat.

Dinner Vegetarian options available

Cuy Asado

Roasted guinea pig, a traditional Andean dish.

Dinner Contains meat

Encebollado

A fish soup with yuca, onions, and tomatoes, often served with pickled onions.

Lunch Contains fish

Empanadas de Viento

Fried empanadas filled with cheese and sometimes meat, dusted with sugar.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in Cotopaxi National Park Zip-lining in Mindo Cloud Forest Paragliding over Quito Soaking in Papallacta Hot Springs Visiting La Ronda Street for live music and performances Exploring the Historic Center at a leisurely pace Visiting museums and cultural attractions in the Historic Center Exploring local markets and shopping areas

Best Time to Visit

June to September

This is the dry season with clear skies and pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F) 54°F to 68°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Spanish
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

GMT-5

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Quito is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious of pickpocketing, scams, and unsafe taxis. Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or deserted areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
• Use official taxis or app-based services for safer transportation.
• Avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit or deserted areas.

Getting there

By air

Mariscal Sucre International Airport • 18 km (11 miles) from city center

By bus

Quito Bus Terminal (Ofelia)

Getting around

Public transport

Quito has a well-developed bus system, including the Trolebús and Ecovía, which are affordable and efficient.

Taxis

Available • Apps: InDriver, TaxiApp

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Historic Center (Centro Histórico) La Floresta González Suárez El Panecillo

Day trips

Cotopaxi National Park

50 km (31 miles) south of Quito • Full day

A stunning national park featuring the Cotopaxi volcano, hiking trails, and wildlife.

Mindo Cloud Forest

80 km (50 miles) northwest of Quito • Full day

A lush cloud forest with hiking trails, waterfalls, and a variety of wildlife.

Papallacta Hot Springs

65 km (40 miles) northeast of Quito • Half to full day

Natural hot springs nestled in the Andes, offering a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

Festivals

Fiestas de Quito • Early December Inti Raymi • June 21-24 Semana Santa • March or April (dates vary)

Pro tips

Visit the Historic Center early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Try local street food and snacks, such as empanadas, hornado, and choclo con queso.
Use the Metrocable for a unique and scenic way to reach the historic center and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Be cautious of altitude sickness, as Quito's high elevation can cause headaches, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Drink plenty of water, take it easy, and allow time to acclimate.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.