How to Visit the 7 Mindo Waterfalls in the Ecuador Cloud Forest

The small town of Mindo is nestled in a unique and biodiverse cloud forest in Ecuador. Only two hours from Quito, this town attracts aspiring bird watchers, coffee and chocolate connoisseurs, hiking enthusiasts, adrenaline seekers, and those simply wishing to bask in the tranquility of this small, yet lovely Ecuadorian village.

There are endless things to do in Mindo, but one of the most popular activities is the visit to the seven Mindo waterfalls in the Waterfall Sanctuary (Santuario de Cascadas). The hiking paths twist through the Mindo Cloud Forest, offering stellar views of the Tangaras Reserve and the Mindo Valley.

This guide to the Mindo waterfalls includes: how to reach the waterfall hike trailhead and the Tarabita cable car from Mindo, tips for how to allocate your time throughout the park, what to bring along for this popular Mindo day trip, what cascades to find along the hiking trails, and more Ecuador waterfalls to add-on to your Ecuador itinerary.

Here’s how to visit the Santuario de Cascadas, or the 7 Mindo Waterfalls, in Mindo Ecuador.

Table of Contents

• How to Reach the Mindo Cascadas
• Mindo Waterfalls Hike Tips
• Mindo Tarabita Cable Car
• Suggested Waterfall Sanctuary Hike Route
• How to Return to Mindo from the Mindo Waterfalls
• More Ecuador Waterfalls to Inspire Wanderlust
• Final Thoughts | Ultimate Guide to the 7 Mindo Waterfalls Hike

How to Reach the Mindo Cascadas

The Mindo Waterfall Sanctuary is a few miles outside of town, a steady ascent from the village. The uphill road will take over an hour and a half to walk, and quite frankly, you may be too tired to really enjoy the Mindo waterfalls.

To save time and energy, and to ensure to beat the crowds, it’s best to take a taxi truck up to the Tarabita Cable Car. The street is an unpaved dirt road, so the journey can be bumpy and muddy. The larger trucks are ideal and the favored transportation mode when touring the Mindo River Valley.

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

Mindo Waterfalls Hike Tips

Here’s some tips when planning an excursion to the Mindo Waterfalls without an organized tour. Alternatively, it’s easy and affordable to book an organized Mindo Waterfalls tour in town.

When is the Best Time to Visit Mindo Ecuador

Mindo Valley is a cloud forest, so there really is no guaranteed time to escape the rain, but here are a few helpful tips on when to visit Mindo. Also, don’t be discourage by those rainy forecasts, oftentimes the storms don’t start until midday, or even better, not show up at all.

Since Mindo is only a two hour bus ride from Quito, the village is a sought-after and desired weekend getaway from the bustling Ecuador capital city. For that reason, it’s best to visit Mindo during the week.

Those interested mostly in birdwatching, should visit during the rainy season when migratory birds are present. Typically the most wet months are from December until April. However, Mindo is recognized as one of the best birdwatching spots in South America, and is home to over 550 different bird species and many beautiful species of hummingbirds. No matter what time you visit, you will see some kind of birds, or at least appreciate their spectacular habitat and fauna.

The birds are most active in the morning, so those hiking the Mindo waterfalls should arrive as early as possible.

During the rainy season, mudslides and rockslides can occur. If visiting during the rainy season, mudslides and rockslides can occur. However, the gatekeepers of the trails are super attentive and inquire regularly with hikers to check in on current trail conditions (especially in the morning).

How Much Time to Visit the Complete Mindo Waterfalls Hike Route

Mindo sits along the western slopes of the Andes Mountains at an altitude of 4,100 feet (1,250 meters), so if coming from the Ecuador Highlands, the elevation and acclimation shouldn’t be a problem unless coming directly from the Galapagos Islands.

The Mindo Waterfalls can be seen in a few hours. There are places to swim in one of the many rivers, so you may opt to spend the entire day here.

Again, make sure to visit in the mornings to have the best chances to avoid the crowds, and the potential thunderstorm, and to have the best odds to see active birds.

Mindo Waterfalls Packing List

A day pack is sufficient when hiking the Mindo Waterfalls. Make sure to wear long pants and dress in layers. It can be buggy, so pack some bug repellant, sun screen, baseball cap, and a lightweight rain jacket. A lightweight long sleeve top is nice to also help protect against bugs and the Andes sun.

The trails aren’t too steep, so either wear hiking boots or hiking sandals. The sandals are excellent, especially if you plan on swimming. The paths on the Mindo waterfall hike can be muddy, so hiking poles can come in handy. If swimming, make sure to pack a small quick dry towel and swim suit.

Bring a refillable water bottle, snacks, first-aid kit, and a travel size binoculars if you’re there to bird watch. An offline map on Maps.me is handy, so pack a battery pack and the essential cords. If bringing electronics, have a way to keep them secure and dry.

There are food stands with a limited menu within the park, but they can be comparatively quite expensive. Bring small bills to grab a fresh squeezed juice from a stand along the road to Mindo.

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Are the Mindo Waterfalls Worth a Visit?

Yes! While some people say the Mindo Waterfall Sanctuary is a “rip-off” and not worth it, I disagree. Independent travelers who want to appreciate the unique landscape, fauna, wildlife and a walk through a cloud forest will not be disappointed. The waterfalls are not large and magnificent but weren’t my main inspiration for visiting. For me, it was to connect with the landscape in a place that is like no other.

The hiking trails are a great way to spend a half day in Mindo Ecuador. Go into this Mindo attraction with a mindset to enjoy the day and walk in nature. Do not put your complete focus and attention on the Mindo waterfalls. Besides, a portion of the $5 entrance fee is used to help preserve the reserve.

Mindo Tarabita Cable Car

The seven Mindo Waterfalls are accessible via the Tarabita Cable Car. 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 and offers incredible aerial views of this unique biosphere. The ride is short and only covers a distance of 530 meters, but it’s a nice alternative view 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, especially on 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

☛ Travel Tip | Make sure to snap a photo of the Mindo Waterfalls hiking map before hopping on the cable car to reference during the Mindo Waterfall Hike. Also, this is the last bathroom break until Cascada Nambillo.

Although the entrance fee covers a round-trip ride on the cable car, I suggest simply taking it across the river and hiking back to the entrance when ready to depart. More on that below.

Suggested Waterfall Sanctuary Hike Route

There are three main routes through the Mindo Waterfall Sanctuary. Be mindful that the hiking trail to Reina Waterfall (Ruta 2) does not connect to the 5 waterfalls along the Santuario de Cascadas trail (Ruta 3). Cascada Nambillo (Ruta 1) connects the main entrance to all of the routes if you have a fear of heights and wish not to ride the Mindo Tarabita cart.

The Waterfall Sanctuary is well marked and each main waterfall is labeled. It’s still nice to have an offline map. Maps.me has each waterfall labeled by name.

Although some people visit Mindo as a day trip from Quito, I think it’s best to spend at least one night and complete the top Mindo attractions first thing in the morning.

➜ Browse some of the best places to stay in Mindo Ecuador. I loved having breakfast with the hummingbirds at El Descanso

Here’s the most efficient way to visit all seven of the Mindo Waterfalls (in around 4 hours).

Cascada Reina (Ruta 2)

After you cross via the Tabitha Cable car, follow Route 2 to the main Reina Waterfall. This is one of the largest falls in the Mindo Waterfall Sanctuary. The paths are lovely, but be mindful that there aren’t really many guardrails along the trail. The muddy hiking trails may not be well-suited for those with mobility issues.

The trail Cascade Reina has a slight ascent and it’s possible to spot smaller trickling falls along the route. In reality, there are more than seven waterfalls.

Spend some soaking in the beauty of the Reina Waterfall.

🥾 Arial Tram to Reina Waterfall | Distance: 1.5 miles | Duration: 50 minute walk

When ready, follow the same trail back to the aerial tram. From there head down to the three-way fork and head to the Waterfall Sanctuary hike (Route 3),

Santuario de Cascadas Route (Ruta 3)

Route 3 passes by five Mindo waterfalls. Although many of these falls are smaller, the hiking trails here are interesting and fun to walk. The first waterfall is Ondinas.

The path twists through the incredible landscape and passes by the Cascades of Guarumos, Colibries, and Madre.

The Waterfall Sanctuary trail finishes at Cascada Maderos, but you must cross the river at Madre Waterfall to reach it.

🥾 Fork Trail to Maderos Waterfall | Distance: .75 miles | Duration: 40 minute walk

When ready, head back to the forked trail and head towards Nambillo Waterfall

Cascada Nambillo (Ruta 1)

Follow the path to Nambillo Waterfall. Route 1 is a mostly downhill trail that leads to the Nambillo River. Here, find basic changing facilities and a covered picnic area.

🥾 Fork Trail to Nambillo Waterfall | Distance: .5 miles | Duration: 15 minutes

Cascada Nambillo is closest to the cable car, so it is also the busiest. Most tours usually just stop here or at Reina Waterfall. However, in the early morning, I had this spot to myself. Due to the width of the canyon and shallow waters, this is a highly desirable spot to swim when visiting the Mindo waterfalls.

Some travelers were deterred to visit and said they had to pay an extra entrance fee of $3 USD to see Nambillo Waterfall. However, this is only to access the Mirador Cascada. This viewpoint is farther up the route, closer to the waterfall, and not part of the Waterfall Sanctuary.

Stay in the Mindo Waterfalls park by simply crossing the bridge. Take the Sendero Auxilliar trail (marked path in the park map) back to the main entrance to the Tabitha cable car.

This standard route does not require an additional fee.

🥾 Cascada Nambillo to Tabitha Cable Car | Distance: .3 miles | Duration: 10 minute walk

This concludes the Mindo Waterfall hike to seven waterfalls. This whole Waterfall Sanctuary hike without swimming should take more or less than 4 hours!

How to Return to Mindo from the Mindo Waterfalls

After exploring the Cascadas de Mindo, return to Mindo either via taxi or walk into town. I thought the $6 fare was steep, so walked on the now downhill into Mindo.

This road passes by many top Mindo attractions, like the Canopy Adventures and the Tarzan swing. There are some nice viewpoints along the way (if the clouds haven’t rolled in) and plenty of juice stands.

Although you follow along the dirt road, it is quite scenic and crosses the Mindo River. You may even spot birds and wildlife on the walk back into town.

The downhill walk from Tarabita cable car to Mindo takes about an hour.

➯ Ecuador Travel Guide | How to Make the Most of Your Time in Mindo Ecuador

More Ecuador Waterfalls to Inspire Wanderlust

While the Mindo waterfalls are nice, why not add these Ecuador Waterfalls to your bucket-list?

Peguche Waterfall

In the north of Ecuador find the city of Otavalo, famous for its artisanal market. While most travelers tour Otavalo only for the daily market, there is a sacred waterfall, Cascadas de Peguche, just 2 miles from town. The Indigenous community allows access to wander the short trail to the waterfall, which plays a significant role in the summer solstice and provides ritual baths.

Cascadas de Peguche | Entrance Fee: 50¢

Baños de Agua Santa

Simply referred to as Baños, this adventure packed town is one of the best places to see waterfalls in Ecuador. The most famous waterfall in Baños is Cascada El Pailon del Diablo, which requires a $2 USD entrance fee. However it’s possible to bike the 37.5 mile “Ruta de las Cascadas” from Baños to Puyo that pass by an array of waterfalls that are free to appreciate.

El Chorro del Giron Waterfall

Located an hour and a half from the colonial city of Cuenca, a must-see city in Ecuador with awesome markets, authentic artisan villages, natural hot springs, and a ton of excellent restaurants and coffeeshops, lies the small town of Giron.

Giron is the gateway to the El Chorro Waterfall. Tucked away in the scenic Yunguilla Valley, this spectacular Ecuador waterfall is also located in a cloud forest and makes for an easy day trip from Cuenca Ecuador.

While most visitors enjoy the trail at the base of the falls, one of the best things to do is to hike up to the second tier of the El Chorro Waterfall.

El Chorro Waterfall Giron | Main Entrance Fee: $3 USD for foreigners, $2 for citizens

El Palto

South of Loja is the “Valley of Longevity” and the small village of Vilcabamba. This adorable village is home to some epic hikes, like the distinct Mandango peak. There is a lovely trail that leads to to the El Palto Waterfall. Although this Ecuador waterfall is not large or extravagant, the hiking path boasts gardens, incredible views, and is one of the top thing to do in Vilcabamba.

Cascada El Palto | Entrance Fee: $2 USD

Final Thoughts | Ultimate Guide to the Mindo Waterfalls Hike

In short, this is the best way to visit all seven Mindo Waterfalls without a tour. This travel guide includes: helpful planning tips for the Waterfall Sanctuary hike, the three main hiking routes to see all of the Mindo waterfalls, and more Ecuador waterfalls to fuel anyones South America wanderlust.

The Mindo Waterfall Sanctuary is a rewarding half day excursion in Mindo to connect with nature. It is time well-spent in the Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve.

Did you visit the Mindo Waterfalls? Did you enjoy hiking through the Mindo Cloud Forest? Let me know in the comments below!

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