Day Trips from Quito to Mindo

Swap the bustling streets of Quito for the serenity of the cloud forest. This private day trip takes you to the Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve north of the city to admire butterflies and waterfalls. It’s an ideal itinerary for anyone looking for a nature break, while surrounded by the sights of orchids and sounds of birdlife. Transport is provided from centrally located hotels.

Discover the rich biodiversity of Ecuador’s Mindo Cloud Forest on this full-day tour from Quito. With a private guide, head to the forest where you can see several species of fauna and flora including hummingbirds, butterflies, orchids, bromeliads, ferns, and vines. If you’re limited on time and didn’t have a chance to visit the “Middle of the World,” a stop can be made on the way back to Quito.

Skip the inconvenience of arranging your own transport to Mindo. Instead, explore with a guide who knows the town set in the Mindo-Nambillo Cloud Forest at the Andean foothills. You’ll have the opportunity to choose among several activities: a waterfall hike, ziplining, and chocolate making. Or, visit a butterfly farm and marvel at the flora. Round-trip transport is provided from Quito; activities are extra.

The hummingbird is a tiny and elusive bird that can be difficult to spot in the wild. Embark on a private birdwatching tour from Quito and set out in search of up to 15 different hummingbird species in the tropical Andean ecosystem. Visit three reserves that are all at different altitudes in search of the birds. Your guide provides information about the species, natural history, and photography for a comprehensive experience.

Discover the enchanting cloud forest of Mindo on this flexible private tour. Begin your day with a hike in the Mindo Nambillo Reserve, a transitional sub-tropical rain forest where diverse ecoregions meet. Cool off in the refreshing waters of the Nambillo Waterfall Sanctuary and visit Alambi Reserve, renowned for hummingbirds. Enjoy optional activities like a canopy zipline, tubing, a butterfly farm, or a visit to an artisanal chocolate factory.

Discover the amazingly diverse wildlife and scenic beauty of the cloud forests of Mindo during this full-day trip from Quito. This unique ecological area is known for having one of the highest concentrations of biodiversity anywhere on earth, including numerous exotic species of birds. During your excursion, stop by the Hummingbird Garden and walk into the forest to admire the beauty of this natural reserve before proceeding to Mindo. Choose from among a range of optional activities (at your own expense), including a visit to a chocolate factory, an orchid garden tour, ziplining, a bird-watching trip with a local expert, and much more.

Venture out of the city to experience some of Ecuador's outstanding biodiversity. Along the way, stop off at the middle of the world to tour the Intiñan Museum and learn some fascinating tidbits about being on the Equator. Proceed to a hummingbird sanctuary and orchid reserve to take in the surrounding Andean landscape while hiking through a cloud forest.

Start the journey into Ecuador’s cloud forest for an immersive birdwatching experience. Visit two renowned reserves where you’ll observe colorful tanagers, tampitas, hummingbirds, toucans, and a variety of wildlife—including agoutis and squirrels—up close, making it perfect for photography without specialized gear. The highlight is witnessing the dramatic courtship display of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, as vibrant males dance and call in a forest lek to attract females. This tour offers a rare and unforgettable opportunity to experience the rich biodiversity and natural beauty of one of South America’s top birding destinations.

This tour is designed for adventure lovers who want flexibility and a personalized experience. Unlike fixed itineraries, you can customize the day according to your interests and preferred activities, whether that's ziplining, ATV riding, tubing, swimming in the river, wildlife watching, or simply enjoying nature. The tour includes private transportation, guiding services, and all planned activities, giving you a hassle-free experience. Meals are not included, allowing you the freedom to choose what and where to eat. If you get hungry, your guide will be happy to recommend some of the best local restaurants and cafés in Mindo.

Experience a mix of nature and local flavours on this 3-in-1 private tour. Escape the busy streets of Quito—hotel transfers are included for a seamless experience—and immerse yourself in nature during a visit to Mindo Cloud Forest. You can also visit a chocolate factory and coffee plantation to see how these products are made. Travel in comfort in a private vehicle throughout the day, skipping the hassle of organizing transportation.

Experience the Mindo Cloud Forest on a private day trip from Quito, combining nature, wildlife, and culture in one unforgettable journey. Travel through the Andes with stops at the Middle of the World in Calacalí and the Pululahua crater viewpoint before entering the lush cloud forest. In Mindo, get close to colorful hummingbirds, walk short forest trails, and enjoy the incredible biodiversity of the region. You will also have time in the town of Mindo for an optional lunch (not included) and a guided chocolate tour, where you will learn the process from cacao bean to artisan chocolate with tastings included. This is a private and flexible experience with a professional local guide who adapts the day to your interests. Entrance fees are included, and from November to May there are excellent chances of seeing toucans and other exotic birds.

Discover the biodiverse Mindo Cloud Forest on this birdwatching tour from Quito. Join a private guide and keep your eyes peeled for several species of birds as you walk through the Mindo-Nambillo Forest. There are many other activities you can enjoy in Mindo such as trekking, tubing, horseback rides, and river rafting (at an additional cost).

Discover Ecuador’s top birdwatching destinations on this comfortable full day tour. Travel from the scenic high Andes, down through the lush subtropical forests of Mindo. This experience visits most famous birding hotspots: Alambi Hummingbird Sanctuary, Las Cotingas Bird Reserve, and the iconic Cock-of-the-Rock lek. Enjoy relaxed pacing, personalized service in the peaceful cloud forest of Mindo. Expert guidance, and easy walking routes, this tour offers an unforgettable birding. This stationary birdwatching Tour is ideal for photographers who want to capture the best images. To fully enjoy this birdwatching experience and capture the best moments, we recommend bringing your camera with a telephoto lens. Don't forget to pack extra batteries, memory cards, and your charger to ensure you're ready for every photographic opportunity.

Spend a day away from the city and immerse yourself in nature on this private tour from Quito. Head to the Mindo Cloud Forest, a biodiverse region on the end of the western Andes Mountains, and admire the beautiful nature that surrounds you. Then, choose from an array of optional activities like ziplining, tubing, and a chocolate tour, or simply enjoy a hike through the jungle. Round-trip transit helps make this experience seamless.

Take a break from Quito's busy streets and spend a day in the cloud forest on this day trip to Mindo. Join a small group and discover the unique fauna and flora of the region. Walk through the forest to see hummingbirds and butterflies, soar through the treetops on a series of ziplines, and hike to beautiful waterfalls all in one day.

Mindo is a town located at northwest of Quito, 2 hours driving. The cloud forest has an incredible diversity of avian fauna, particularly hummingbirds, as well as butterflies. This area of primary forest with an immense biodiversity also has some of the highest rates of plant endemism in the world: orchids, bromeliads, heliconias, ferns, vines, mosses and lichens grow in abundance here.

Weary travelers seeking a nature escape from the hustle and bustle of Quito should look no further than Mindo. Well off the gringo trail, Mindo is just a two-hour drive from the city and is the perfect place to get in touch with nature. The area is known for its abundance of birds, plants, and butterflies, and also for its cocoa industry - so, on this tour, you can combine natural beauty with learning how to make chocolate. Getting to Mindo independently can be a hassle though, so having a guide join you makes this tour a straightforward option.

We offer a guided tour with guides specialized in nature and activities that will make your trip an unforgettable experience.

Create your perfect adventure on a customizable shared tour of the Mindo Cloud Forest. Possible themes include amateur birding, natural history, nature hikes (all levels offered), and cultural immersion. This excursion is set at your pace, whichever activities and attractions you choose. A set itinerary option visits an orchid reserve, Milpe Bird Sanctuary, Mindo, the equator line, and more. Hotel pickup and drop-off from Quito are included.

See the incredible and unique birdlife of Ecuador with this birding excursion with an experienced guide. Departing in the early morning from Quito City or Mindo town, travel to private reserves and sanctuaries to discover species in their natural habitat. Potential spots include the Schistes geoffroyi, Andigena laminirostris and the Tangara heinei. The necessary equipment including a spotting scope, binoculars and tuned bird calls are included.

With this private adventure, there’s no need to worry about navigating your way through Mindo Cloud Forest. Let a guide show you around and benefit from the perk of having in-depth commentary along the way too. The trip is a great way to tick off lots of nature stops on one tour, with a route that showcases Alambi Cloud Forest Reserve, Cascada de Nambillo, and Mindo Butterfly Farm.

Do you have just one day in Quito, Ecuador but you don't want to miss The Cloud Forest, Nature, Birds and the best of Quito old Town? No worries! This tour is for you. We have packed these experiences in one day. You will learn a lot about the different ecosystems near Quito, Nature. Of course the Quito's history , The latitude 0°, Ecuador and more.

Spend a day immersed in the beauty of Ecuador’s Mindo Cloud Forest when you embark on this full-day tour from Quito. Hike into the forest with a private guide and visit a butterfly farm, learn how to take photos of hummingbirds, spot several species of birds, and see beautiful waterfalls. You also have the option to include other activities like tubing or ziplining (at an additional cost).