Mindo Guide: Things to Do in the Cloud Forest, Ecuador
Here's our complete guide on the best things to do in Mindo, Ecuador. Experience cloud forest, do bird watching, hike along waterfalls, take a ride by cable car, admire butterflies, taste chocolate, coffee, or do adventure activities. This Mindo travel guide includes tips on what to do and practical information on how to get, where to stay, or what to pack.
It didn't take long since we left Quito, and we could see white clouds rolling over lush green trees and vegetation from the bus windows. The immediate change of scenery was unbelievable, and it meant the only thing.
We were getting nearer to a small Ecuadorian village Mindo and Mindo Cloud Forest to be precise, which is known as a paradise for bird watchers, waterfall lovers, and those who like to enjoy the right mixture of adventure, nature, and relaxed vibe.
Mindo, a village in the Andean Mountains, is not somehow appealing on its own. Still, it attracts backpackers on small budgets and luxury travelers alike.
The reason to visit Mindo lies in its surroundings, and you do not have to go too far. It inspires travelers to get out of their comfort zone as it offers tons of adventure activities.
But the main highlight is the possibility to explore cloud forest trails, admire the unique flora and fauna, and learn more about Ecuador's exceptional biodiversity.
Mindo is a heavily visited place, especially during weekends when lots of Ecuadorians come to enjoy days off, so if possible, plan your visit during weekdays to experience the more tranquil atmosphere.
Being said that, we met travelers mostly in the restaurants, hostel or in the town's center, but there are so many things to do in Mindo that most of the activities we had on our itinerary were almost crowds-free.
Without any doubt, Mindo rightfully belongs to every Ecuador travel itinerary. We also included it on our list of must-visit places in Ecuador, often-overlooked South American country.
It is easy to spend two or three days in Mindo (or even more if your plans allow it) without getting bored because the number of top attractions and activities is (almost) endless.
The good thing is you don't need to book anything (except for accommodation) much in advance as tours run very often, only make sure that they speak your preferred language.
In this Mindo travel guide, we've put together the best things to do, top activities for budget travelers, including tips on where to stay and how to get to Mindo from Quito.
Sincerely we hope that you'll find Mindo as great as we did, and have there some of the best moments of your trip to Ecuador.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN MINDO
We spent in Mindo three very active days and did many independent activities altogether with a few tours that very inevitable for the complete experience.
As long-term travelers who always try to save as much money on the road as possible, we found Mindo a budget-friendly destination.
We could do some of the top things this small town, especially the unparalleled beautiful cloud forest has to offer.
HIKING IN MINDO
There are hiking trails everywhere around Mindo. You can set off without any particular plan and only follow dirt paths to get deeper into the forest.
Once you get there you can also spot birds (the best time is early in the morning or before dawn) without any tour - this is the best activity for broke travelers.
To get the best directions, you can ask at one of many tour operators' offices on the main road going through the village or download Maps.me app.
We are avid hikers and could appreciate the freedom in Mindo. Just grab your comfortable daypack, put on hiking boots, and keep your eyes wide open.
The cloud forest is very eye-catching, and what is even more important, it looks every day a bit different, and we had a feeling it reveals its secrets one by one.
If hiking sounds boring, rent a bike - this way, you'll be able to cover more ground in one day.
RIDE TARABITA CABLE CAR
Only 7 km from the village is Tarabita Cable Car, one of Mindo's top attractions. If you ask any local what to do in Mindo, we are pretty sure this will be the answer number one, as people are very proud of it.
The short ride will carry you across the Rio Nambillo and above the cloud forest to the other side of the valley.
The return ride cost $5 - you can buy Tarabita ticket in advance - which is a bit overpriced considering how long the ride takes, on the other hand, you will get to the other side of the valley quickly.
Tarabita cable car is operated by an old motor from a pickup truck, which is pretty cool. This rickety yellow cable car reminded us a bit of the one we took in Jardin, which was similarly small and obviously made by locals.
To get to Tarabita, you have two options. There is no public transport connecting Mindo and a cable car, so you can either walk or take a taxi.
The walk should take you a bit over an hour as it goes all the way uphill and although we have read that the hike is pleasant, we didn't find it so, as the scenery along the way is not somehow spectacular and you will walk on the dirt road with traffic.
Taxi drivers from Mindo charge $6 per ride, which is quite a lot, but it saves time.
We were able to bargain and got to Tarabita for $4 (it was Monday, and the village was dead), but on the way back, the driver asked for $6, and we couldn't get a better deal, simply because he knew we have no other option than to walk back.
The cable car operates between 9 AM and 5:30 PM from Monday to Sunday, but reconfirm the times in Mindo before your trip as schedules in South America change often.
WATERFALL HIKE - NAMBILLO ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
We've never seen that many waterfalls along such a short trail as here in Mindo! Tarabita cable car will take you across the forest, where starts the activity no traveler to Mindo can miss, a path we call simply waterfall hike.
The slogan, go chasing waterfalls, seems to be written for this place, and as you can see, by visiting Nambillo ecological reserve, you will kill two birds by one stone.
On top of that, except for the cable car ride and waterfalls, chances are high you'll see a wildlife, including colorful bird species.
There are seven easily accessible waterfalls on the Mindo Waterfall Hike, and it is only up to you how many you want to see and how long you would like to spend in the area.
Although we visited Mindo during the dry season (in September), there was still water running down the falls.
The furthermost and probably the least visited is Cascada Reina.
It is also the only separated waterfall, as it lies on the right branch of the trail, while the other six are located on the other side.
It takes about an hour one way to get to the falls, and what we loved the most (except for having the path for ourselves and, of course, the falls itself) was watching birds and monkeys in treetops.
When you get back to the cable car after Cascada Reina, you can gradually visit Cascada Nambillo (you must pay an additional $3 to get to the viewing platform on the top - we didn't go there), Cascada Ondinas, Cascada Guaromos, Cascada Colibries, Cascada Madre and Cascada de Los Maderos.
The last waterfall is sometimes tricky to visit because you need to cross a small creek that turned into a river during the wet season.
All waterfalls are pretty, and a bonus is that you can take a dip at each, so don't forget a swimsuit. If you plan on hiking to all waterfalls, it is good to know it is at least a half-day activity.
BIRD WATCHING
The area around Mindo is a premier destination for bird watching.
More than 500 species have been recorded here, and it doesn't matter if your interest is just casual or if you are a professional bird watcher, the number of birds will amaze you.
You can either visit a bird sanctuary in Mindo or a private reserve in the near surroundings. The cost is $5 - $10, and it is recommended to start early in the morning when birds are the most active.
If bird watching is the only reason you decided to travel to Mindo, check out this professional Mindo bird-watching tour that has great reviews and an amazing success rate.
One of the most sought-after birds in Mindo is cock-of-the-rock, an unusual, strikingly red bird. We did not see it here but were lucky enough to spot a few in Jardin in Colombia.
The most popular activity is to go watching hummingbirds. If you are more interested, you can book a private tour for around $75. The guide will take you to the cloud forest, and you will be looking for rare species.
We also must mention that if you are on a budget, you can try your luck on the way to Cascada Reina as we could see several different birds along the way.
Also, most of the hostels in the town have lots of birds in their adjacent gardens because they feed them.
The birds here are not fearless as birds we saw in Galapagos Islands, but if you start your hiking early in the morning, you still have a good chance to spot plenty of them.
BUTTERFLY WATCHING
Only a mile outside Mindo is a butterfly farm Hosteria Mariposas de Mindo. For $8.50, you can walk through the butterfly garden and also watch the whole cycle and all stages of butterflies' evolution.
Although it might seem that birds are the number one thing to see in Mindo, we would say that butterflies are equally interesting, and butterflies watching only awaits to be discovered.
The butterfly farm is not exactly in the town, but it is still within walking distance. If you do not want to walk or your itinerary is packed to the brim, take a cab. The ride should not cost more than $3.
MINDO CHOCOLATE TOUR
Who does not like chocolate? Do you want to learn more about the process of how chocolate is made? Same as Colombia is known for coffee, Ecuador is a well-known destination for cacao beans.
One of the best chocolates in Ecuador has its origin here, in Mindo.
We took a one-hour long tour in El Quetzal, a place where they make different types of chocolate from scratch. You will learn from where they get beans, how the process of fermentation, drying, and roasting works, and also, most importantly, how long it takes until we can buy the final product.
The tour cost is $10, and it also includes a yummy tasting of chocolate, chocolate tea, and brownies. There are two places in Mindo where you can take the chocolate tour.
We have opted for the slightly more famous El Quetzal Tour, but check out also the offer of Yumbo's Tour and decide which one seems more appealing to you.
ADRENALINE ACTIVITIES
Destinations such as Mindo that have both fast rivers and deep forests are a mecca for adrenaline activities such as rafting, tubing, or zip-lining.
To be honest, we haven't tried these activities in Mindo. As we were traveling for a year, it simply was not possible to do zip-lining or any other activity in every place we visited.
Still, we can only encourage you to get out of your comfort zone and enjoy a bit of adrenaline in Mindo.
The area is beautiful, and in combination with an adventure trip, you are about to get an unforgettable memory. Most of the activities are available on the spot, and you can book a tour in agencies in the town's center.
This zip-lining tour can be booked in advance.
Another place in the country that offers similar activities is Baños, which is also nicknamed the sports capital of Ecuador so that you can leave something for later.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
MINDO NIGHT WALKS
Night walk in the forest was one of the best things we've done in Mindo. We didn't have high expectations, but the tour turned out to be great.
First of all, it was just two of us and the guide, so for $15 per person (20% goes to conservation), we had a private tour for almost two hours. Secondly, it was after a rain, when it’s the best time to visit the cloud forest because it is more active than when the conditions are dry.
We could spot various species of frogs, snakes, spiders, grasshoppers, cockroaches, crickets, butterflies, and many more.
The company is called simply Night Walks Mindo, our guide was an enthusiastic Canadian guy, and overall it was a well-spent time.
FROG CONCERT
Mindo is a lively place during the day, but some of the best things to do take place even after dark. We've already mentioned night walks, but another alternative is to visit a frog concert.
You might be wondering what it is. No worries, we are wondering to this day.
Nevertheless, this is one of Mindo's most promoted activities. You need to get to Lago Mindo to hear the frog concert, which is approximately half an hour walk from the town or only a short taxi ride away.
The ticket that costs $5 includes a guided walk around the property; you'll be looking for nocturnal animals, not only for frogs, but the highlight is definitely to hear several species of frogs 'singing' together.
RELAX IN THE CLOUD FOREST
What to do in Mindo when it rains or if you simply want to enjoy the fact you are in one of the most biodiverse places in the world?
You can book a room in a lodge. Many lodges in Mindo have their own gardens, short trails, and also swimming pools, where you can easily have an entertaining time without leaving the property at all.
Of course, that's not all. If you still have time and you've done most of the top activities in Mindo, consider visiting an orchid garden, or visit one of a few private farms that offer their own trails - expect to pay the entrance fee, though.
WHERE TO STAY IN MINDO
Mindo, one of the most visited destinations in Ecuador, is a place where every type of traveler finds a suitable hotel or hostel to stay.
The only thing you should know is that you have to be quick. Thanks to Mindo's popularity, the best deals are often gone first, especially on busy weekends or holidays.
You can stay in budget hostels or secluded retreats with private gardens - the choice only depends on your budget.
We've selected the top three hotels in Mindo where you can spend the night and enjoy all the top activities this place has to offer.
Budget | La Casa de Cecilia Mindo - There's a large selection of cheap hostels in Mindo, but most of them have excellent quality, like this one. Rooms are spacious and clean, and guests can use the communal kitchen, terrace, and lush green garden.
Mid-range | La Posada de Mindo - Close to the center and still reasonably priced, this hotel offers one of the best quality/price ratios in the town. There's a swimming pool where you can cool down.
Luxury | Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge - If you want to make your stay in cloud forest exceptional, make sure you do not miss this place. This boutique hotel offers everything a traveler needs, but the biggest feature is the terrace with a wonderful view of the cloud forest.
HOW TO GET TO MINDO
It is very likely that you will be traveling to Mindo from the capital city, Quito.
Although Mindo can be visited on a day-trip from Quito (in that case, we recommend taking a Mindo Day Tour), in case your itinerary allows it, it is surely better to spend one-night minimum.
Getting to Mindo independently by public transport is easy thanks to frequent buses from Mindo.
The bus goes five times a day, on weekends a bit more frequently. Take a bus from north terminal La Ofelia or terminal Terrestre de Carcelen. The price is $3.15.
We don't recommend taking the bus from the south terminal as we did (because we arrived from Latacunga, where we hiked Quilotoa Loop) and we were lazy to travel across the city to another terminal.
Not only the bus company (only one in the south terminal) drove for an hour through the city to the north terminal, but also did not go directly to Mindo (although they claimed they go there, the price was $4.50), but they dropped us off on the side of the highway 6 km from Mindo, and we had to take a taxi for another $3.
It is really better to go to La Ofelia station and travel with the official company Flor de Valle.
Also, be aware of thieves in Ecuador's buses, especially when going from and to Quito. So far we took two buses from and to the capital and on both people tried to steal our belongings.
Always keep your backpack on your lap, no matter how uncomfortable it might be.
For more information, read our article on how to stay safe while traveling around South America.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MINDO
Mindo is known for its wetter conditions. The cloud forest often holds, well, clouds, and it can rain any time of the year, especially in the afternoons.
On the other hand, thanks to rain is the area lush and green, and the animals are active, so do not be put off visiting when you'll see an unpromising weather forecast. Statistically, your best bet to enjoy dry and sunny weather is between June and September.
The rainy season lasts between January and April. Normally, it is an advantage to visit a place during the wet season in other destinations because accommodation and activities are cheaper.
Not here, though.
The wet season is the best time of the year for bird watching, so enthusiasts from all around the world flock to the town! This is something you should keep in mind when planning your trip.
WHAT TO PACK
Because of the large number of various things to do and challenging weather, it is essential to pack right for your Mindo trip.
Make sure you have enough layers, as the climate is a bit cooler here.
What should be in your backpack?
We had bought a waterproof dry bag and dry sacks before our trip, and we found them awesome for exploring waterfalls.
It is worth it to have binoculars (especially if you also plan a trip to the Galapagos Islands), and photographers should also bring a telephoto lens paired with mirrorless camera.
Headtorch is a must for night activities. Also bring a sunscreen because you are close to the equator, and bug repellent, well, because you are in the forest.
No matter what, we always have with us a reusable water bottle to lower our plastic footprint, especially for outdoor activities.
We've also created an in-depth South America packing list where you will find more useful tips and advice on what to pack.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
