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A toucan on a branch in the Ecuadorian cloud forest

Private day tour from QuitoMindo Cloud Forest Private Day Trip from Quito

10h, from 07:00
Up to 16 people
Your hotel or apartment in Quito (the historic centre, La Mariscal, La Floresta and the north of the city)
Free cancellation, 24h

Down the western slope of the Andes to Mindo: hummingbirds, a butterfly farm, the cable car over the valley to the waterfalls, and a chocolate tour.

The day

Birds are most active in the morning, so the gardens come first and the chocolate after lunch.

07:00

Your hotel

Collected anywhere in Quito. The road drops about two hours west, from the highlands into the forest.

09:00

Hummingbird garden

Feeders in a garden at the edge of the forest, with many species coming and going.
Entrance not included

10:00

Butterfly farm

A covered garden where you see butterflies from egg to wing.
Entrance not included

11:00

Cable car and waterfalls

A small cable car across the valley, then forest paths down to a series of waterfalls.
Cable car not included

13:00

Lunch in Mindo

The village has small restaurants, many serving river trout.

14:00

Chocolate tour

A local maker shows how cacao becomes chocolate, with tasting.
Tour ticket not included

15:00

Back to Quito

Up the mountain road, about two hours.

17:00

Back to your hotel

In the late afternoon.

A toucan on a branch in the Ecuadorian cloud forest
A toucan on a branch in the Ecuadorian cloud forest
A hummingbird on a lichen-covered branch
A hummingbird on a lichen-covered branch
Forested hills under cloud on the western slope of the Andes
Forested hills under cloud on the western slope of the Andes

Photos by Magdalena Kula Manchee, Oskar Jabłoński, Andres Medina on Unsplash

In the price

  • Private vehicle and driver for the whole day
  • Fuel, tolls and parking
  • Itinerary changed on the day

Not in the price

Entrances, the cable car, the chocolate tour, lunch and drinks are not included.

Before you book

Weather
It rains often in the cloud forest, even in the dry months. Bring a rain jacket.
Walking
The paths to the waterfalls are steep and muddy in places. Wear shoes with a good grip.
Warmer than Quito
Mindo is much lower than Quito and feels warm and humid. Dress in layers.
Start time
Starts at 07:00, every day. Every tour is customisable: a different start time, extra stops, more time where you like it, or a longer day. Tell us when you book.
Language
Guided in English. Other languages on request, if we have notice.
Cancellation
Free up to 24 hours before, refunded in full.

Questions

Yes. The tour is private, and the price depends on how many of you travel, starting from €180. Choose the number of people when you book.

Yes. They are run by local companies and paid on the spot. Tell your driver in the morning.

Yes. The gardens are easy. The waterfall paths need some walking.

Two vehicles travelling together, on one booking. Message us and we will price it.

Yes. Every tour is customisable: a different start time, extra stops, more time where you like it, or a longer day. Tell us when you book.

Message us and we'll move it if we can — we work with several drivers, so there is usually room. More than 24 hours ahead costs nothing.

More in Ecuador

from €180 Up to 16 people, 10h