
Ecuador Birds Tour-Mindo Cloud Forest - by Richard Hernandez
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 48 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Ecuador Birds Tour-Mindo Cloud Forest - by Richard Hernandez worth booking?
Ecuador Birds Tour-Mindo Cloud Forest - by Richard Hernandez is a 9-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $185 per person. It scores 73 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 48 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 73 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (48)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $185 per person
- High Value Birding Experience - Richard Hernandez as your local bird guide FULL BIRDING DAY. We do start early at 05:00AM from Quito city or 06:00AM from Mindo town to see the Andean Cock of the rock bird lek. Just under request at 3:AM from Quito to see the Cephalopterus penduliger (long wattled umbrella bird) Bird sp. like Trochilidae family: Schistes geoffroyi. Rupicola peruvianus-sanguinolentus, Anisognathus notabilis, Grallaria flavotincta, Semnornis ramphastinus, Andigena laminirostris, Pteroglossus torquatus erythropygius, Tangara heinei and many many more. Spotting scope, binoculars and tuned bird calls are included. We can help with where to eat Breakfast and Lunch. Personalized bird tours with experienced-certified bird guide in English/Spanish, Richard Hernandez
What you get
About this experience
- High Value Birding Experience - Richard Hernandez as your local bird guide FULL BIRDING DAY. We do start early at 05:00AM from Quito city or 06:00AM from Mindo town to see the Andean Cock of the rock bird lek. Just under request at 3:AM from Quito to see the Cephalopterus penduliger (long wattled umbrella bird) Bird sp. like Trochilidae family: Schistes geoffroyi. Rupicola peruvianus-sanguinolentus, Anisognathus notabilis, Grallaria flavotincta, Semnornis ramphastinus, Andigena laminirostris, Pteroglossus torquatus erythropygius, Tangara heinei and many many more. Spotting scope, binoculars and tuned bird calls are included. We can help with where to eat Breakfast and Lunch. Personalized bird tours with experienced-certified bird guide in English/Spanish, Richard Hernandez
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Experienced Bird Guide in English/Spanish- Richard Hernandez
- Bird recordings, bird books
- Bird lists
- spotting scope for birds, binoculars, laser pointer
Not included
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Entrance fees
- Tips
What you'll see and do
Nanegalito
Hummingbirds
40 minutes here
Milpe Bird Sanctuary
Birding the Lower Cloud Forest
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Natural History
120 minutes here · Admission not included
San Miguel de los Bancos
Lunch with a river overlook
60 minutes here
Tandayapa
Birding
120 minutes here
Pedro Vicente Maldonado
Birding the Choco Species
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Mindo Cloud Forest Day Tours
Know before you go
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Proper dress and shoes for Nature
- Just for birdwatchers, bird photographers, bird lovers
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 48 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
48 verified traveler reviews for Ecuador Birds Tour-Mindo Cloud Forest - by Richard Hernandez. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Richard Hernandez Ecuador Bird Photography Extravaganza
Richard was very personable, with excellent knowledge, teaching, and attitude. We saw 37 different hummingbird species among many others. You can't miss this tour!
Response from the operator: It's truly a pleasure to be a guide for people like you. Thank you so much for allowing me to be your guide. I've been doing this for nearly 27 years, and people like you make me feel honored to have you around.
via Tripadvisor
Great day in the Mindo Cloud Forest
A wonderful day seeing all sorts of birds and wildlife in different locations with such an experienced and knowledgeable guide. It seems that there is nothing that Richard doesn’t know about the country, the area, ornithology and bird photography. You have to pay to visit the private locations (usually $10 per place) and for lunch but otherwise everything is included in the amount paid in advance. An unforgettable day with an early (5 am) start but so worthwhile for what you see, also you miss the rush hour traffic out of Quito. Highly recommended.
Response from the operator: It was a pleasure to be your guide, thank you so much for your visit.
via Tripadvisor
Incredible Day of Birding—Highly Recommend Richard!
I highly recommend Richard Hernández to any birder visiting Quito, Ecuador! I hired Richard for a full-day birding excursion in August 2026, and he exceeded every expectation from start to finish. Richard provided: Expertise: Deeply knowledgeable, professional, and excellent at finding birds. Logistics: Seamless hotel pickup and drop-off in Quito with safe, reliable transportation. Communication: Fluent English and wonderful, highly instructive conversation. Value: Very reasonable pricing. Thanks to his sharp eye, I saw and photographed nearly 100 new bird species in a single day. If you want a fun, professional, and world-class bird-watching experience, do not hesitate to book with Richard!
Response from the operator: People like you make working as a guide worthwhile. Thank you so much for allowing me to be your bird guide.
via Tripadvisor
Worse trip of our life
Worst experience ever. DO NOT BOOK with this person. We cut down our trip by half as it became impossible to spend any time with this person. He is self obsessed and speaks bad of everyone, specially if you have booked hotels which he has not suggested. He is very difficult person and also spends more time photographing birds himself and not tell the clients about birds like any other guide. He also came late for pick up telling us a lie that there were roadwork! DO NOT BOOK WITH THIS OPERATOR
Response from the operator: The guest purchased a tour subject to specific booking and cancellation terms, but unexpectedly cancelled the tour halfway through, citing a work emergency and need to fly back home. However, an issue arose when I requested that the guest observe standard safety and behavioral guidelines while visiting our bird-watching sites. The guest took issue with my professional request to maintain safe boundaries and be cautious around local strangers. I am a professionallly trained guide with many years of experience in the tourism industry, and the safety of my clients is paramount during all tours.
via Tripadvisor
Nice day
Ximena the guide was GREAT !! Very knowledgeable. Friendly and patient. We enjoyed her !!
Response from the operator: I regret to inform you that this service/place is provided by Richard Hernandez professional bird guide. Please be sure to leave a review at the right location where you received your service. Please not here.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $185 to $333
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 17
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Why this scores 73
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Ecuador Birds Tour-Mindo Cloud Forest - by Richard Hernandez: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Ecuador Birds Tour-Mindo Cloud Forest - by Richard Hernandez cost?
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Prices start at $185 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Quito usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Ecuador Birds Tour-Mindo Cloud Forest - by Richard Hernandez take?
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Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Quito is not rushed.
Is Ecuador Birds Tour-Mindo Cloud Forest - by Richard Hernandez worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 73 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 48 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Quito, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Ecuador Birds Tour-Mindo Cloud Forest - by Richard Hernandez?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Ecuador Birds Tour-Mindo Cloud Forest - by Richard Hernandez suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Ecuador Birds Tour-Mindo Cloud Forest - by Richard Hernandez?
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Around 17 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Quito can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Quito and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Ecuador Birds Tour-Mindo Cloud Forest - by Richard Hernandez start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Quito within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Quito?
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On Outty we rank every Quito experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Cotopaxi Volcano full day tour with all the entrances, every day, Cotopaxi tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Quito?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Quito?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Ecuador Birds Tour-Mindo Cloud Forest - by Richard Hernandez?
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Included: Private transportation; Experienced Bird Guide in English/Spanish- Richard Hernandez; Bird recordings, bird books; Bird lists; and spotting scope for birds, binoculars, laser pointer. Not included: Breakfast; Lunch; Entrance fees; and Tips. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Ecuador Birds Tour-Mindo Cloud Forest - by Richard Hernandez include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 30 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Ecuador Birds Tour-Mindo Cloud Forest - by Richard Hernandez offered in?
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It is offered in English and Spanish. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Ecuador Birds Tour-Mindo Cloud Forest - by Richard Hernandez?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Ecuador Birds Tour-Mindo Cloud Forest - by Richard Hernandez wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Ecuador Birds Tour-Mindo Cloud Forest - by Richard Hernandez if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Quito. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Ecuador Birds Tour-Mindo Cloud Forest - by Richard Hernandez?
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Across 48 reviews averaging 4.8 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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