Mindo Cloud Forest

Exploring the lush jungles and forests of the Mindo Cloud Forest is a popular choice for a day trip from Quito, and it’s a spectacular 2-hour drive from the capital. Most tours include a wildlife-watching trek through the forest or a jungle hike to a waterfall, and popular additions include a ride on the Tarabita cable car, a visit to the Mindo butterfly farm, and a tour of the Mindo Chocolate Factory.

In addition to hiking and bird-watching, other outdoor activities in the Mindo Cloud Forest include zip-lining, river tubing along the Mindo River, mountain biking, and horseback riding through the jungle.

• Prepare for hot, humid weather and bring a rain jacket as showers are common even in the dry season. Good hiking shoes are also essential.

• There are several options for accommodation and dining in Mindo Village.

• The Mindo Cloud Forest is not wheelchair accessible.

The Mindo Cloud Forest is located around 62 miles (100 kilometers) northwest of Quito in the Andes Mountains and is about a 2-hour drive from the city. The easiest way to visit is as part of a tour or by hiring a private taxi. Buses also run daily from La Ofelia Station in Quito to Mindo Village.

The best time for bird-watching at Mindo is during the wet season, which runs December through April, when the highest number of migratory birds are present. Hiking and outdoor activities are possible year-round.

Thanks to its mild climate, high humidity, and regular rainfall, the Mindo Cloud Forest boasts a unique ecosystem where plant and wildlife flourish. Over 400 species of bird call the forest home, including hummingbirds, tanagers, woodpeckers, and partridge, alongside a number of rare butterfly species. The area is also notable for its wild orchids, with over 170 species present; other flora include bromeliads, heliconias, and ferns.