Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip from Quito – Birdwatching & Adventure

Recommended by 98% of travelers

Badge of Excellence

Quito, Ecuador

7 to 8 hours (approx.)
Pickup offered
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

In the Andes mountains northwest of Quito, Ecuador lies the Mindo Cloud Forest, a natural wonderland near the city. This full-day tour delivers highlights of the area including hiking to a waterfall, a butterfly farm visit, ziplining, tasting local chocolate and coffee, lunch at a local restaurant, and more.

Combine adventure and nature in one tour
Avoid crowds with a small group tour
Eliminate language barriers with an English-speaking guide
Forget about navigation and traffic with transportion included

What's Included

Air-conditioned vehicle
Pick Up / Drop Off. In the Metropolitan Area of Quito
Bilingual Tour Guide
Lunch
Ticket in San Tadeo Birding
Nambillo Waterfall (Cable car)
Chocolate Tour
Butterfly farm

Tips
Personal expenses
Other meals

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

- We pick up all our passengers from their address in Quito. - Pick up outside the Metropolitan Area of Quito has a cost of USD 35 per person.

Operating hours
.7:30 am

Itinerary

San Tadeo Birding

1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included

Tarabita y Santuario de Cascadas Mindo

2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included

Mariposas de Mindo

1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included

Yumbos Chocolate

1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with back problems
Not recommended for pregnant travelers

No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Reviews

4.9

based on 40 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Beautiful Activities in Mindo town

Gordon_T, Feb 2026

The Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip from Quito was an absolutely wonderful way to spend the day. Our first stop on this Trip was at a Humingbird garden located in Mindo which is about a 2-hr. drive from Quito. We were fortunate to see many varieties of Hummingbirds at the location that we had visited - very nice. Next, we traveled to a nearby waterfall after a scenic cable car ride and a short hike on a trail leading down from the parking area. After the waterfall, we traveled a short distance to a nearby butterfly garden where we saw many species of butterflies - beautiful. Next, we entered the small, quaint town of Mindo where we had a traditional Ecuador lunch at a local restaurant - delicious! Afterwards, we walked a couple of block to the local Chocolate Factory - nice! Overall, the schedule was full of interesting activities.

Response from Host, Feb 2026

Hi Tom, Thank you so much for your wonderful review of our Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip from Quito! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the hummingbird garden, waterfall adventure, butterfly sanctuary, and the delicious traditional Ecuadorian lunch. It’s great to know the chocolate factory visit and the charming town of Mindo made the day even more special. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We hope to welcome you back to Ecuador for another adventure soon!

A day at Mindo

Karyn_H, Oct 2024

The Mindo tour with Pedro was much more than we expected! Pedro gave us history, plant and tree names, and more. We have amazing bird and waterfall pictures, took an incredible hike and ate a great lunch. What a day! Thanks for the beautiful memories!

Response from Host, Oct 2024

Hi Karyn Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that Pedro exceeded your expectations and helped create such beautiful memories of your Mindo tour.

A Must Do

John_P, Aug 2024

We stopped for a snack and coffees on the way and I could have stayed there all day lots of humming birds, parrots and even a squirrel payed a visit whilst we had our coffees, But the guide said it gets better & yes it did, the guide and driver pointed out all sorts of birds, plants etc on our journey - a cable ride over a ravine no idea how deep as total tree cover probably 100m +++, followed by a trek to a hidden waterfall , and on and on , a magical day with two great people (guide & driver) - Stopped for lunch at a local cafe, -Great food &company, tour of a chocolate factory, more humming birds, parrots, squirrel & so on-just a great day thanks to the guide and drivers alertness and knowledge - 5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Hi John ! Thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear you had such a magical day, enjoying the wildlife, the cable ride, and the hidden waterfall. Our guide and driver are passionate about sharing the beauty of our region, and we're glad their knowledge and attentiveness made your experience memorable. We look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures!

Wow

John_S, Jul 2024

Watching the humming birds feeding even from my own hand. We also enjoyed all the butterflies at the butterfly farm.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Hi John Thank you for sharing your delightful experience! We're thrilled you enjoyed the hummingbird feeding and the butterfly farm. These close encounters with nature truly make the trip special. We look forward to welcoming you back for more magical moments in the future!

You must book this tour

Beverley_A, Mar 2024

I highly recommend this tour. It was a full day, started at 7am. The tour guides were punctual, welcoming and accommodating. The guides structured the day according to the activities I wanted to do and were very patient. We saw several hummingbirds during the tour but the toucans and butterflies were the highlight for me. The guide is very knowledgeable about different species of birds and knowledge of the area and environment. I was able to take my time during the activities and I did not feel rushed at all. I wanted chicken and rice for lunch, the guides took me to a nice place that specialises in rotisserie chicken which was tasty. I highly recommend this tour! Bring extra cash for the activities as they do not accept card in Mindo.

Mindo Cloud Forest Adventure

Cynthia_M, Nov 2023

Miguel was an interesting, knowledgeable, funny guide. He was very accommodating to us. We highly recommend this private tour. It was so nice to be the only ones on the tour. The waterfall, the chocolate tour, the butterfly house and the hummingbirds were fantastic. A beautiful day in Mindo Cloud Forest. Santi was a great driver, expertly navigating the mountain roads.

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Thank you for your feedback! We're thrilled Miguel provided an enjoyable and informative private tour, showcasing the beauty of Mindo Cloud Forest. It's wonderful to hear you appreciated the exclusive experience and enjoyed the attractions like waterfalls, the chocolate tour, the butterfly house, and hummingbirds. Santi's skillful driving added to your overall satisfaction. We look forward to hosting you again for more memorable adventures in Ecuador!

Stunning

Jaime_D, Nov 2023

Miguel was a great guide, very knowledgeable and went above and behind. Feeding the hummingbirds was magical as well as the butterfly garden. Everything was great. He was flexible with us and even helped get a SIM card on the way back from the tour! 10/10!

Response from Host, Jul 2024

Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We're thrilled Miguel provided an exceptional tour experience, showcasing his knowledge and going above and beyond to ensure your satisfaction. We appreciate your glowing recommendation and hope to see you again for more magical experiences in Ecuador!

Great Family Tour

Tara_P, Jan 2023

The close up experience with the hummingbirds were amazing as were the views of the Pululahua and the Mindo valley from the unique cable car! Our guide accommodated all of our requests for the sights of the day and was very knowledgeable at every stop.

Response from Host, Jan 2023

Dear Tara Thank you very much for taking the time to write to us. We are very happy that you had a nice experience very close to the hummingbirds. Excellent way to get to know nature. Our guides will always be very well informed and prepared to give you the best experience on your visits. We hope an excellent trip! Regards