Mindo Cloud Forest
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 45 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Mindo Cloud Forest worth booking?
Mindo Cloud Forest is a 8-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $95 per person. It scores 67 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 45 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 67 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (45)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $95 per person
We offer a guided tour with guides specialized in nature and activities that will make your trip an unforgettable experience.
What you get
- Private transportation
About this experience
We offer a guided tour with guides specialized in nature and activities that will make your trip an unforgettable experience.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
Not included
- Other
What you'll see and do
Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve
Bird watching, options such as waterfall walks, visit to the butterfly house, orchid garden, etc.
240 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Quito
At the hotel or place of lodging
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
At the hotel or place of lodging
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, fr
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Great Horned Owl Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 45 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
45 verified traveler reviews for Mindo Cloud Forest. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great tour!
Gabriel did an amazing job on this tour. He was full of info about all the plants and animals in the cloud forest. Could not ask for a more perfect tour!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your visit and for choosing our tour service
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful guide and experience!
Guide Gabriel and driver Carlos were wonderful. Gabriel was extremely knowledgable, accommodating, and very friendly. He gave a lot of information and answered all our questions. We went to beautifully kept bird and butterfly sanctuaries where we saw and photographed many species. The hummingbirds fed from our hands! He hiked us to two beautiful waterfalls. Lastly he brought us to a fabulous restaurant that had a delicious variety of dishes and reasonable prices. The vehicle was clean and newer. All around great trip.
Response from the operator: Thank you for visiting our country and using our tourist service; it is a pleasure to serve you.
via Tripadvisor
Stunning Birding tour in the cloud Forest near Mindo Ecuador
Well, if you are looking for a birding experience, call Roberto! My wife and I spent a day with Roberto in the cloud forest driving around finding birds. To view and photograph! Roberto knows all the locations to literally almost guarantee you’ll see the birds you are looking for! We saw tonnes of hummingbirds and other small birds of all varieties in one venue, then we hit a back road in the country and had many sightings of toucans, a juvenile owl, lots of Black vultures, and a parrot. Roberto hears their calls and finds the birds in the distance or close by and gets his telescope out and helps with pictures. He also brought binoculars for us! The “piece de la resistance” was seeing the Andean Cock of the Rock (which is actually the national bird of Peru) after a nice hike through the cloud forest to a special viewing hut! Thanks for an amazing experience! Roberto you are the best!
Response from the operator: He had a great day and we saw many species of birds. Thanks for your visit to Ecuador.
via Tripadvisor
The Best Way to Explore Quito and Beyond
We had an incredible experience exploring Quito and the surrounding areas over the past few days. Every activity felt thoughtfully organized, immersive, and absolutely worth it. One of the biggest conveniences was that each day we had transportation to and from our hotel, the JW Marriott Quito, which made everything seamless and stress-free. We were also able to conveniently book our activities and excursions directly at the hotel, which made planning simple and efficient. Papallacta Hot Springs was the perfect way to relax and recharge. Soaking in the thermal pools surrounded by mountains was unreal. After relaxing at the hot springs, our guide took us on a short hike to see a beautiful waterfall and the private garden of the resort, which made the experience even more special. The scenery alone is worth the trip, but the peaceful atmosphere made it unforgettable. For the two of us, this tour averaged about $250 total, including transportation and entrance fees. Our day in Mindo was equally amazing. Seeing hummingbirds up close was something special, and the hike to the waterfalls gave us that perfect mix of adventure and nature. The trails were beautiful, refreshing, and well worth the effort. We also enjoyed some incredible local food throughout the trip — fresh, flavorful, and authentic. The Mindo tour was also around $250 for the two of us for a full-day private experience. We wrapped everything up with a tour to the Center of the World on the equator, visiting both the traditional French-calculated monument site and the more updated GPS-verified equator location. Learning about the history, the science, and the hands-on experiments at both locations was fascinating and fun. This excursion averaged about $180–$200 total for both of us. Considering the private transportation, knowledgeable guides, full-day experiences, and seamless coordination, we felt the pricing was fair and transparent with excellent value for the level of service provided. A huge thank you to our guides, Karina and Ibeth. They were knowledgeable, professional, and incredibly patient with all of our questions. Their passion for Ecuador’s history and culture truly elevated the entire experience. Highly recommend these tours to anyone visiting Quito. It was the perfect balance of relaxation, adventure, culture, and education.
Response from the operator: Thanks for your visit to Ecuador
via Tripadvisor
Ecuador Excellents
Great Horned Owl Adventures & Tours — Highly Recommended Ginny heard about a place where hummingbirds drink from your hands. We’re not birdwatchers, but we love animals (not snakes) and being outdoors. The name “Cloud Forest” clinched it. Our hotel recommended Great Horned Owl Adventures & Tours. For our flexibility, we arranged a private tour. ($125/each) Our guide, Roberto, picked us up right on time and whisked us out of Quito toward Mindo. Along the way, he discussed several options depending on our interests and adjusted the day as it unfolded. With near-perfect weather, our first stop was a stunning waterfall, a quick walk into lush woods—more jungle than forest. Some questionable footbridges added just enough drama and great photos. Roberto pointed out plants and animal tracks, answering every question thoughtfully. Back on the road, we passed through towns buzzing with life: trucks piled with bananas and plantains and open shops resembling miniature Walmarts or Home Depots. Just above Mindo, we stopped at a small section of forest specifically curated to attract birds of all kinds—surprisingly exciting even for us non-birders. At another spot, we found a hummingbird convention—an aerial display not unlike the Blue Angels, if the jets were birds. Holding cups of sugar water, we were instantly swarmed by hummingbirds of every size, color, and temperament. Some shared; others insisted on exclusive access. Only after a break did I notice the incredible valley view, with Mindo nestled among the trees. After a short, winding drive into town, we enjoyed a delicious lunch. Roberto, a truly passionate birder, was determined that we not miss seeing toucans. He knew just the place on the drive back. We rolled slowly down a quiet dirt road, listening for their calls—and unbelievably, we spotted seven. Some were close; others were viewed through his spotting scope. Even with our iPhones, we captured crisp, colorful photos. If you’re considering a day trip to Mindo or the cloud forest, I strongly recommend booking with Great Horned Owl Adventures & Tours and requesting Roberto as your guide. His knowledge, flexibility, and genuine enthusiasm made this one of the highlights of our time in Ecuador.
Response from the operator: Thanks Willian for your visit to Ecuador. We had an amzing day many birds, hike and delicious food !
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 18+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $95 to $190
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 16
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 67
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Mindo Cloud Forest: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Mindo Cloud Forest cost?
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Prices start at $95 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 Mindo Cloud Forest take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Mindo Cloud Forest worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 67 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 45 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 Mindo Cloud Forest?
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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 Mindo Cloud Forest suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 18. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 8-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Mindo Cloud Forest?
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Around 16 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Mindo Cloud Forest 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 tour from Quito -horseback ride and hike-NO TOURISTY way, Baños Full Day Tour from Quito Including Entrances and Activities, Gastronomic and Cultural Walking Tour of Quito with Tastings. 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.
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