Mindo Cloud Forest

Mindo Nambillo Protected Forest And Important Bird Area, A Day Trip And Weekend Destination From Quito Known For Its Bird Diversity, With Over 450 Species, Orchids, Waterfalls, A Butterfly Farm, Canopy Zip Lines And A Chocolate And Coffee Scene. · Mindo, Pichincha

Mindo is a small, relaxed cloud-forest town at about 1,250 m in the western Andean foothills, roughly two hours by road from Quito. The Mindo-Nambillo Protected Forest is an Important Bird Area with over 450 species, so it is one of the best and easiest places in Ecuador for birds: toucans, hummingbirds at the feeders and, at dawn, the Andean cock-of-the-rock and antpittas fed by guides at reserves such as Refugio Paz de las Aves. Away from the birds there are waterfalls, a butterfly farm, an orchid garden, chocolate and coffee tours, tubing on the river and a few zip lines. It is a very popular weekend escape, and the honest advice is to stay at least one night in a lodge or hostel, because a day trip gives you the town but misses the dawn birds. Expect heavy rain from December to May, mud on the trails, mosquitoes, and a lot of cash payments. Pack waterproof boots and a rain jacket, book the dawn bird reserves ahead, and bring small notes because ATMs are few. Mindo suits birders, families and anyone who wants a slow green weekend away.

Small cloud-forest town at about 1,250 m in the western Andean foothills, about 80 km north-west of Quito, with waterfalls, a butterfly farm and bird reserves, Mindo, Pichincha, Ecuador

The town is open every day, and reserves, farms and gardens usually open in the morning and close by late afternoon. Bird feeding at the cock-of-the-rock reserves is at DAWN and needs a prebooked slot. Walking in the town and along the river is FREE. Some small places close on weekdays in the wet season, so confirm locally.

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