Mindo is a village in the Andes Mountains of northern Ecuador. It's known for the many bird species, butterflies and orchids found in the surrounding cloud forest, part of the Mindo-Nambillo Reserve. A tarabita (cable car) runs over the Nambillo River to a mountaintop, where trails lead to several waterfalls, including Cascada Nambillo. Zip lines run through the forest canopy. Tubing on the Mindo River is popular. ― Google
June to November (Dryer Season): Best for hiking, ziplining, and birdwatching.
December to May (Rainier Season): Rain usually comes in the afternoon — great for waterfalls and fewer crowds.
🌿 Mindo is in a cloud forest, so light rain and mist can happen year-round. Average temperature: 16–22°C (61–72°F).
From Quito:
~2.5 hours by car or bus.
Buses leave regularly from Terminal La Ofelia (north Quito).
By Private Transfer or Tour:
Common for day trips or weekend getaways from Quito.
🚗 Roads are paved and scenic, winding through the Andes into the cloud forest.
Mindo Cloud Forest – Home to hundreds of bird, butterfly, and orchid species.
Mariposario (Butterfly Garden) – Over 1,000 butterflies in a lush setting.
Tarabita & Waterfall Sanctuary – Ride a cable car across the forest canopy to access hiking trails and waterfalls.
Mindo Canopy Adventure – Ziplining across valleys and treetops.
Mindo Chocolate Tour – Learn how cacao becomes artisanal chocolate (and sample it!).
El Quetzal – Café, chocolate tour, and museum rolled into one.
Birdwatching – One of the world’s top birding spots; see toucans, tanagers, and hummingbirds.
Tubing on the Mindo River – Fun and splashy with local guides.
Ziplining – Multiple lines over canyons and treetops.
Hiking – To waterfalls and forest viewpoints.
Night walks – Discover nocturnal wildlife like frogs, insects, and kinkajous.
Chocolate and coffee tastings.
Visit Orchid Gardens – Mindo has over 4,000 orchid species in the region.
Luxury:
Mashpi Lodge – World-renowned cloud forest lodge (near Mindo).
Casa Divina Lodge – Elegant wooden cabins in the forest.
Mid-range:
Mindo Coffee Lodge & Spa – Comfortable with jungle views.
El Septimo Paraiso – Colonial-style lodge with a pool.
Budget:
La Casa de Cecilia – Popular riverside hostel.
Biohostal Mindo – Eco-friendly and central.
Local flavors include trout, plantains, fresh fruit, and Ecuadorian cacao.
Great eateries:
El Quetzal – Best chocolate in town + local dishes.
La Repostería – Homemade cakes and brunch.
Mishqui Quinde – Creative fusion of Ecuadorian and international flavors.
Dragonfly Inn Restaurant – Romantic riverside dining.
Mindo is a small, eco-conscious town with a focus on conservation, community, and nature.
People are friendly, relaxed, and used to eco-tourism.
Strong presence of birders, hikers, and nature photographers.
Artisanal markets, local coffee roasters, and chocolate makers reflect a slow, sustainable pace of life.
🎉 Festivals are small and local — often celebrating nature, cacao, and community traditions.