Mindo Ecuador | How to Make the Most of Your Time in the Mindo Cloud Forest
Nestled in the heart of a unique ecosystem, surrounded by stunning nature, Mindo Ecuador is a a must-visit destination in Ecuador. This lovely Ecuador village boasts hiking trails, healing nature, and is the ideal place to relax, unplug, and experience one of the best Ecuador cloud forests.
Mindo lies on the western slopes of the Andes Mountains, and is a world-class spot for bird watching. The village has a butterfly sanctuary and is home to a tranquil Waterfall Sanctuary, with seven waterfalls. Adventure seekers can ride a cable car or experience an arial view of the cloud forest via a zipline.
This small town in the Andes Mountains offers more than outdoor activities, don’t miss the chance to savor a local coffee, or take a chocolate tour.
This complete guide to Mindo includes: how to get to Mindo, the best things to do in Mindo, where to sleep in Mindo, and some of the top-notch Mindo restaurants.
Here’s how to make the most of a visit to Mindo Ecuador.
Table of Contents
- How to Get to Mindo Ecuador
- Tips for Visiting Mindo Ecuador
- The Mindo Cloud Forest Ecosystem
- Adventurous Things to Do in Mindo Ecuador
- Things to Do in Mindo Ecuador for Foodies
- Unique Things to Do in Mindo Ecuador
- Relaxing in Mindo
- Places to Stay in Mindo Ecuador
- Where to Eat in Mindo Ecuador
- What to Pack for Mindo Ecuador
- Conclusion | How to Make the Most of Your Time in Mindo Ecuador
How To Get to Mindo Ecuador
The Mindo Valley is around a 2 hour journey from the bustling capital city of Ecuador.
How to Reach Mindo Ecuador by Bus
Buses depart from Quito to Mindo from the North Quito Bus Terminal, Terminal la Ofelia.
🚐 Quito to Mindo Ecuador | Bus Company: Flor del Valle | One-Way Fare: $3.60 | Duration: 2 hours | Departure: Terminal la Ofelia | Daily Departures: 8:00, 9:00, 11:00, 16:00 / additional 13:00 bus on Saturday & Sunday | Check the bus schedule on their Facebook Page
How to Reach Mindo Ecuador via Taxi
After hiking the Quilotoa Loop, which is extremely incredible, I arrived to the South Quito Bus Terminal of Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe from Latacunga Ecuador feeling pretty tired. Not wanting to bus all the way to Quito’s North terminal just to hop on another bus to Mindo, I opted for a private taxi.
🚕 Taxis cost around $60 – $75 from Quito’s South Bus Terminal to Mindo and is just under 2 hours
Make sure to agree on a price before getting into the taxi and always verify the official documents for the taxi drivers.
Tips for Visiting Mindo Ecuador
Since Mindo is only 2 hours from Quito, there are many full day tours to Mindo from Quito. Most tours visit the highlights of the Mindo cloud forest, the one of the waterfalls, and maybe a couple other Mindo attractions. However, there are so many things to do in Mindo that it’s ideal and worthwhile to spend at least two days here. Mindo warrants more time than a day trip.
It seems like the weekends in Mindo are busier with local tourists and Quito day trippers. It’s better to visit Mindo Ecuador during the week days.
The wildlife and birds are most active in the morning, so it makes sense to plan on hikes and outdoor excursions in the morning. As Mindo is in a cloud forest, the morning usually starts out clear and by the afternoon the rain sets in, even if it’s a light, short drizzle. Spend at least one or two nights in Mindo, so to enjoy the active morning times of the Mindo cloud forest.
☛ Ultimate Ecuador Travel Guide
The Mindo Cloud Forest Ecosystem
Mindo Ecuador is part of one of the most unique eco-systems in the world, where the fertile rainforest merge with the western slopes of the Andes Mountains. The air is extremely humid and it creates a mist over the lush forests. Here are the unique origins of the Mindo Cloud Forest.
The Mindo cloud forest is blessed with a rich biodiversity of fauna and flora and is considered a one of the best places in the world for bird watching.
The best time to visit Mindo is during the months of June to December, which is considered to be the dry season. Be mindful that the clouds and short rain stints will more than likely occur in the afternoon, even during the dry season.
Don’t let the rain or humidity deter your visit to Mindo Ecuador. This charming village in South America is a favorite place to visit in Ecuador among travelers.
Adventurous Things to Do in Mindo Ecuador
Mindo Ecuador offers plenty of adventurous things to do, from twisting hiking trail to zip-line experiences.
1 | Ride the Tarabita Cable Car
The Tarabita Cable Car is the best way to access the seven Mindo waterfalls. Although the ride is short, it boasts lovely arial views of the Mindo cloud forest. Pay the entrance fee and sign-in at the main register desk connected to the cable car. The small yellow cart crosses over the Nambillo River for a distance of 530 meters. The ride is short, but sweet, and is provides alternative views of the Mindo River Valley.
If you arrive right at the opening hours, you shouldn’t have to worry about cueing in a long line to ride the Tarabita Cable Car, especially on the weekdays.
Cable Car Tarabita Mindo Ecuador | Find it here | Round-Trip Ticket: $5 USD for a quick couple minute ride across the river | Hours: 9:00 – 16:30, but verify the last ride to the entrance gate before departing
2 | Visit the Mindo Waterfall Sanctuary (Santuario de Cascadas)
There are endless things to do in Mindo, but one of the most popular activities is to hike to all seven waterfalls found in the beautiful Mindo Waterfall Sanctuary (Santuario de Cascadas). The hiking paths are lovely and give visitors an intimate walk through Mindo Cloud Forest. The Mindo waterfalls can be reached by riding the Tarabitha Cable Car, or by following the hiking trail over the Nambillo River to reach route 1.
The Mindo Waterfall Sanctuary hiking trails include some seriously incredible views of the Tangaras Reserve and the Mindo Valley.
🥾 Hiking Guide | How to Visit Seven Mindo Waterfalls in Ecuador’s Cloud Forest
You’ll need to hike all of the three routes to see all seven Mindo waterfalls. Route 1 is to the stunning Cascada Nambillo, which also has a small swimming area. Route two ends at the tallest waterfall, Cascada Reina. There are five trickling waterfalls that are each unique found on the Santuario de Cascadas trail, or route 3. w
Visiting the Mindo Waterfall Sanctuary takes around 4 hours and is best to visit in the mornings when the wildlife and birds are more active. Visiting the Mindo waterfalls is definitely worth it!
🥾 More Ecuador Day Hike Inspiration | Cajas National Park | Laguna Llaviucu
How to Get to Mindo Tarabita Cable Car & Waterfall Sanctuary
From Mindo, take a taxi truck to reach the Mindo waterfalls and Tarabita Cable Car.
🚕 Mindo Village to Mindo Tarabita | Average Fare: $6 USD one way | Duration: +/- 25 minutes | Depart: Find taxis on the streets surrounding the Plaza de Armas | Travel Tip: Grab a business card if you want to utilize the driver for the return trip to Mindo
3 | Zipline and Canopy Tours
Another thrilling way to experience the Mindo Cloud Forest is to book a zipline tour. There are two main companies that offer zip-lining activities in Mindo: Mindo Canopy Adventures and Mindo Ziplines Tour. Both spots are located on the road from Mindo to the Waterfall Sanctuary.
The guides will also point out local flowers and fauna on the zipline tours.
4 | Hike the Trails at Yellow House (Casa Amarilla)
Another awesome way to explore the Ecuador Cloud Forest is to hike the sprawling grounds of the Yellow House. Officially named, Hacienda San Vincente, this rustic accommodation in Mindo has numerous trails that twist through their own private paradise on 494 acres.
The Yellow House allows people not staying there to access the hiking trails. There are five trails, with trail #3 boasting a spectacular viewpoint rest-stop above the clouds. The grounds of the Yellow House has over 300 orchids and almost 40 different hummingbirds that live and visit this sanctuary.
A highlight for me was watching silly armadillos roll through the mud. Some hikers have said to spot porcupines, Andean Spectacled Bears, butterflies, and monkeys!
The Yellow House has some of the best birdwatching grounds in Mindo Ecuador. Stop in and pay the entrance fee and get a paper map with highlights of things to see on the grounds. Even if you don’t spot any famous Andean Cock-of-the-Rock birds, appreciate the 300 different species of orchids and beautiful flowers.
Plan on at least a few hours to fully explore all the hiking trails at Yellow House.
Yellow House Mindo Ecuador | Find it here | Entrance Fee: $6 USD per person for guests not staying here
Visitors sleeping at the Yellow House have free access to the lush Mindo Cloud Forest hiking trails.
➜ To sleep at the Hacienda San Vincente, inquire with owners here
Things to Do in Mindo Ecuador for Foodies
The following activities in Mindo are great for those who have a love for food!
5 | El Quetzal Chocolate Tour
El Quetzal is just a few blocks up from the Plaza de Armas and offers informative chocolate tours. The tours run daily and include a walk through the on-site finca where the cacao is harvested and insights on the chocolate making process.
El Quetzal Chocolate Tour | Find it here: 9 de Octubre, Mindo Ecuador | Chocolate Tour: $10 USD | Tours run daily on the hour from 8:00 – 17:00 | ➜ Book here
Quetzal also has two unique tours: a more in-depth history of the traditions and ancestral uses of chocolate and a hands-on crash course on medicinal plants found right in the garden. More on these experiences here.
El Quetzal is a popular guesthouse and the chocolate tour is included with the stay.
6 | Coffee Tour at Mindu’s Coffee
Mindu’s Coffee offers informative and interactive tours on the “bean to roast” coffee production process. If not looking to join an organized tour, savor a fantastic cup of coffee, specialty coffee, or a yummy pastry in the garden terrace.
Mindu’s Coffee | Find it here: Vicente Aguirre y Via, Mindo Ecuador | Hours: 8:00 – 20:00 | ➜ Request a Mindo coffee tour here
7 | Enjoy a Local Cafe
There are tons of cafes in Mindo to grab a coffee or a hot chocolate utilizing local cacao. Many of the Mindo cafes are super cozy and serve local Ecuadorian coffee. Relaxing in a cafe is a nice way to spend a rainy afternoon in Mindo.
More Unique Things to Do in Mindo Ecuador
Here are some truly one of a kind things to do in Mindo.
8 | Bird Watching Excursions
Mindo Ecuador attracts tourists from all across the world for professional bird watching tours. The Mindo Cloud Forest is one of the most unique biospheres in South America, so it’s a fertile area for birds to live. The Mindo Cloud Forest is home to over 550 different bird species with a shocking 132 diverse varieties of hummingbirds alone.
Naturally, one of the most popular things to do in Mindo is to hire a professional guide for bird watching tours.
Those visitors interested the most in birdwatching should visit Mindo Ecuador during the rainy season when migratory birds are present. Typically in Mindo, the rainy season is from December until April. No matter what time you visit, you will see some kind of bird.
➜ Marcelo Arias is a knowledgeable local guide who offers 4 hour bird watching guided tours from Mindo Ecuador.
➜ Alternatively, this 4 hour bird watching tour that focuses on photography and capturing unforgettable photos of the diverse birds in the Mindo Cloud Forest.
9 | Mindo Butterfly Farm (Mariposas de Mindo)
The Mindo Butterfly Farm is one of the Mindo’s top attractions. Get up close and personal with over 100 species of butterflies in a beautiful garden space. The Mindo Butterfly Farm is working on conservation and includes an observation deck.
There is also a restaurant on-site and a small tienda selling artisan goods.
Mariposas de Mindo | Find it here: 2 km from Mindo Ecuador | Butterfly Farm Entrance Fee: $7 USD | Hours: Daily 9:00 – 16:00 (Tues & Wed closes at 14:00) | Official Website
10 | Plant Medicine Retreats
Those looking for the opportunity to work with sacred plant medicines should visit Hayulima Spiritual Center, a truly magical and healing space. Hayulima hosts retreats working with Ayahuasca, San Pedro, and authentic Temazcal ceremonies, but it is so much more than a retreat space. Hayulima is a family-run business that respects and honors Mother Nature. The wonderful family not only holds space for deep and transformational journeys, but they are conserving the land, giving back to the community, and preserving ancestral traditions.
Hayulima hosts multi-day retreats, but also offers single Ayahuasca sessions. Hayulima is a special place located not far from Mindo Ecuador.
What is Ayahuasca?
Ayahuasca is a powerful plant medicine that is taken in a ritualistic and ceremonial way. It is said to expand consciousness and help heal PTSD, depression, and deep trauma. Taking Ayahuasca requires intentional preparation in many aspect of life including: mentally, spiritually, and physically. There are no long term studies of Ayahuasca and the benefits. With anything in life, there are always risks.
➜ This article gives a quick overview of Ayahuasca
💬 Real Talk | Taking Ayahuasca changed my life completely in the best possible way. I struggled for many years with my relationship with alcohol and found healing from sitting in plant medicine ceremonies. Ayahuasca is not a cure-all and one of the most important and hardest things is how to properly integrate the profound lessons in everyday life. This alternative medicine may not be for everyone.
11 | Simply Relax in Mindo Ecuador
Mindo is a great place to simply relax and unplug. While there are plenty of things to do in the morning, by afternoon the rainy and mist clouds usually roll in. The village is small, but many Mindo accommodations have plenty of hammocks to curl up with a good book, or catch up on journaling.
There are lots of ecolodges that also boast pools. Mindo Ecuador is a great place to escape from the business of the capital city of Quito.
Places to Stay in Mindo Ecuador
Mindo Ecuador has lots of accommodation options from hostels, guesthouses, ecolodges, and unique places to stay.
Budget
➜ Cinnamon House | Cinnamon House is a popular budget accommodation in Mindo with an open-feel. They offer both shared and private rooms
➜ La Casa de Cecilia Mindo | A lovely hostel in Mindo that has a spectacular garden, terrace, and breakfast options. La Casa de Cecilia also has private room options for a more than fair price
➜ El Descanso | A rustic and clean place to stay in Mindo with a lively and beautiful hummingbird garden
Moderately Priced
➜ Mindo Real | A charming place to stay with a pool, kind owner, and close to nature
➜ Mindo Toucan Platinum Suites Aparthotel | A warm host runs this super clean guesthouse with a pool and a fully equipped kitchen
Luxury
➜ Wikiri Lodge | A new and impressive ecolodge in Mindo Ecuador
➜ Hosteria Saguamby Mindo | This luxury hotel in Mindo is located right on the river. This is a slice of paradise with most suites boasting jacuzzis with stellar views
➜ Browse all the best places to stay in Mindo Ecuador
Where to Eat in Mindo Ecuador
Mindo has a variety of food options from local food, vegetarian options, and cuisines of the world.
If seeking out some local and authentic Ecuadorian food, head to the Mindo Plaza de Armas. The square is lined with lots of small little restaurants. At lunch, order the almuerzo, a daily set menu that includes a stater, main, and drink for $3 – $5.
Crepes-Art, Mindo is a funky restaurants that serves crepes, local chocolate, and provides patrons with a great cocktail menu in a cool atmosphere. Mindo Forest Coffee & Tea is a cafe serving up local coffee, tea, delicious desserts, and breakfast. SUOLO LAB is a unique place to try kombocha and other local and natural provisions. Persian House is a cozy restaurant serving up huge portions of falafel and Persian cuisine for a fair price.
What to Pack for Mindo Ecuador
Here are some packing tips when visiting the Mindo Cloud Forest.
The mornings are usually sunny with the afternoons typically being cloudy. It’s best to dress in layers and wear quick dry items. A good pair of long pants are great and a lightweight long sleeve top is nice to help shield against the strong Andean sun and pesky bugs. A lightweight packable rain jacket is a must.
Speaking of bugs, the cloud forest can be pretty buggy, so pack some natural bug repellant. For sun protection, wear sun screen and bring a baseball cap. I also love wearing a Buff.
If planning on hiking in Mindo, bring a day pack to carry things like a reusable water bottle, snacks, first-aid kit, layered clothing, and bug and sun protection. The water in Mindo is not safe for drinking, so a reusable water bottle helps eliminate plastic waste.
The hiking trails in Mindo aren’t too steep, so either wear hiking boots or hiking sandals and bring along a pair of hiking poles to help with mud. If swimming, make sure to pack a quick dry towel and swim suit.
If visiting Mindo for bird watching, but without utilizing a tour, bring a small pair of binoculars.
➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing
Conclusion | How to Make the Most of Your Time in Mindo Ecuador
This is an overview of how to make the most of your visit to Mindo Ecuador. Only two hours from Quito, the Mindo Cloud forest is a unique biosphere and makes for a fantastic getaway from the busy city.
This Mindo Ecuador guide includes top things to do see and do in Mindo, where to stay, and a handful of places to eat in Mindo.
Have you visited Mindo Ecuador? Is there something you did in Mindo and loved that is not included on this Mindo travel guide? Let me know in the comments below!
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