Mindo Cloud Forest Adventure: Birds, Nature & Waterfalls

Mindo Custom Day Trip for adult and Older Travelers; Join us for an unforgettable eco-tour from Quito to the Mindo Cloud Forest located at 1,200m (4,100 ft) above sea level, one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. We depart early and travel northwest through stunning Andean landscapes, stopping after about 65 minutes at Alambi or San Tadeo Bird Reserves, both famous for their incredible variety of hummingbirds and excellent bird photography opportunities.

Arriving in Mindo, with an average temperature of 19°C / 62°F, you enter the Chocó Andino Biosphere Reserve—a paradise for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers. This cloud forest is home to hundreds of colorful birds, butterflies, orchids, and unique wildlife.

Whether you want to focus on specific species or simply enjoy a peaceful day in nature, your expert guide will tailor the experience for you. Discover Mindo, where every moment is filled with birdsong, lush greenery, and the magic of the Andean cloud forest.

Top-rated Mindo tour. Waterfall sanctuary is the best. Refreshing waterfalls are located within a pristine protected forest in Mindo. We will take the Cable car.. The cable car will be the beginning of our adventure. We will cross over from one slope to another one, covering a distance of approximately 500 meters. From the cable car, we will observe the beautiful of the humid and warm Cloud Forest, cover by a dense and green vegetation of trees and plants of different sizes.
Walk along by trails that will lead us to a series of waterfalls, starting from the smallest one until we reach the largest waterfall where visitors can enjoy a swim or dive in the refreshing and clear waters.
The hike is about 2.5 km / 1,5 miles, on irregular terrain, where there are downhills and uphills. The activity is intended for children, adults and senior people. You do not need to have special training, although you should have a little experience in medium-distance walks.

The local guide will explain what type of cocoa is used to make the famous chocolate bars. The fermentation and refining of the chocolate is extremely important. The steps to be followed are careful to obtain a high quality chocolate bar. There will be a tasting of the different fruit flavored chocolate fusions. Part of this experience is to taste the honey and cocoa barbecue sauce.

Besides, Mindo offers activities such as: Zipline which consists cross over 2 different cables in the cloud forest (For this activity, we suggest you bring your GoPro camera and its helmet support). It is a thrilling zipline experience. If you love water sports, a great option is tubing. Tubing consists of getting on a series of inner tubes tied together and descending 3 km on the Mindo River for level 1. The suggested activities will be coordinated by our Guide, according to the available time or passengers' expectations. Finally, return to Quito city.

Nestled in the lush Andean Cloud Forest near Quito, the Alambi Hummingbird Sanctuary is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature photographers. This family-run reserve is home to more than 30 species of hummingbirds, along with tanagers, toucanets, and other sub-tropical birds that thrive in Ecuador’s biodiverse highlands. Visitors can observe these vibrant species up close as they hover around feeders and native flowers in a peaceful natural setting. The reserve also protects river habitats and native trees that provide shelter for countless forest species. Located just 1.5 hours from Quito, Alambi Reserve is an essential stop on any birdwatching or eco-tour in Ecuador, offering a magical glimpse into the country’s extraordinary wildlife and the importance of local conservation efforts that keep this cloud-forest sanctuary alive.