
Mindo Cloud Forest Birding and Photography Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Mindo Cloud Forest Birding and Photography Tour worth booking?
Mindo Cloud Forest Birding and Photography Tour is a 5-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $100 per person. It scores 63 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 63 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (5)
- Duration
- 5 hours
- From
- $100 per person
What makes this tour truly special is the opportunity to photograph some of the most spectacular birds of the Ecuadorian Andes in a single day. Your journey begins with a stop at Alambi Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the best locations in Ecuador to photograph dazzling hummingbirds such as the Violet-tailed Sylph, Booted Racket-tail, White-necked Jacobin, and Buff-tailed Coronet. We then continue to Mindo Cloud Forest, including a visit to the renowned Cotinga Hide, where guests have excellent opportunities to photograph iconic Chocó birds such as the Toucan Barbet, Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, tanagers, and many other colorful species. This is a private and fully customizable experience led by an experienced local naturalist guide, ideal for birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and nature lovers seeking a high-quality and personalized adventure in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
What you get
About this experience
What makes this tour truly special is the opportunity to photograph some of the most spectacular birds of the Ecuadorian Andes in a single day. Your journey begins with a stop at Alambi Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the best locations in Ecuador to photograph dazzling hummingbirds such as the Violet-tailed Sylph, Booted Racket-tail, White-necked Jacobin, and Buff-tailed Coronet. We then continue to Mindo Cloud Forest, including a visit to the renowned Cotinga Hide, where guests have excellent opportunities to photograph iconic Chocó birds such as the Toucan Barbet, Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, tanagers, and many other colorful species. This is a private and fully customizable experience led by an experienced local naturalist guide, ideal for birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and nature lovers seeking a high-quality and personalized adventure in one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- On-board WiFi
- Binoculars
- Tea and coffee
Not included
- Lunch
- Breakfast
- Dinner
- Snacks
What you'll see and do
Mindo
Explore the incredible biodiversity of Mindo Cloud Forest on a private full-day birding and photography tour. Visit carefully selected birding hotspots and private reserves to observe and photograph hummingbirds, toucans, tanagers, motmots, and many other colorful cloud forest birds. Along the way, enjoy stunning landscapes, waterfalls, and the unique ecosystems of the Andean Chocó. This customizable experience is perfect for birdwatchers, wildlife photographers, and nature lovers of all skill levels, guided by an experienced local naturalist.
120 minutes here
Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve
Capture the extraordinary beauty of Mindo Cloud Forest on a private full-day wildlife photography tour designed for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Visit the best photography locations and bird feeders to photograph dazzling hummingbirds, toucans, tanagers, butterflies, orchids, and other iconic species of the cloud forest. Your expert local guide will help you find outstanding subjects and adapt the itinerary to your photography goals and interests. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced photographer, this personalized experience offers exceptional opportunities to create stunning images in one of Ecuador’s most biodiverse and photogenic destinations.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Nanegalito
Capture the extraordinary beauty of Mindo Cloud Forest on a private full-day wildlife photography tour designed for photographers and nature enthusiasts. On the way from Quito, we will make a stop in Nanegalito, a well-known birding area where you can photograph colorful hummingbirds and other Andean species. Continue to the best photography locations and bird feeders in Mindo Cloud Forest to capture dazzling hummingbirds, toucans, tanagers, butterflies, orchids, and other iconic cloud forest wildlife. This personalized experience is suitable for both beginner and experienced photographers, with a flexible itinerary tailored to your interests and photography goals.
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- de, en, it, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Israel alejandro Peña solano
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
2 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Good for families
1 mentionReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Mindo Cloud Forest Birding and Photography Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful Day
We had a wonderful family experience with Isra in the cloud forest. He was an excellent guide — very friendly, knowledgeable, and great with our son. The whole experience felt relaxed and safe, and Isra was incredibly patient and attentive. We spent a fantastic time looking for hummingbirds and toucans and were lucky enough to see many beautiful birds up close. His knowledge of the wildlife and the forest made the experience even more special. We also learned a lot about the nature and everyday life in Ecuador along the way. It was not just about spotting birds, but about really experiencing and understanding the incredible environment around us. We are very happy to have met Isra and to have shared this experience as a family. It was one of those days that we will remember for a long time. We can highly recommend Isra to anyone looking for a friendly, knowledgeable, and genuinely personal wildlife experience in Ecuador.
via Viator
Incredible experience for birdwatching and photography!
Incredible and personalised one-on-one tour for the day with lots of Birdlife including toucans and hummingbirds. Highly recommend this tour for anyone who has a camera and wants to get some wonderful bird shots. There is also a lunch break and an opportunity to buy some fresh coffee beans and a museum.
via Viator
Hummingbirds plus plus plus
We had an amazing time taking countless photos of hummingbirds, toucans, tanagers and other beautiful birds.
via Viator
We had the best day...
We had the best day birding with Isra! Quetzals, toucans, hummingbirds, tanagers, even a Torrent duck.
via Viator
Cloud Forest
We found our guide Isra very knowledgeable and he made sure that we were able to see all that we had planned to see. A very friendly Knowledgeable and safe driver.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Israel alejandro Peña solano, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 66.3.
See everything Israel alejandro Peña solano runsWhy this scores 63
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Mindo Cloud Forest Birding and Photography Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Mindo Cloud Forest Birding and Photography Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $100 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 Birding and Photography Tour take?
+
Plan for about 5 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 Birding and Photography Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 63 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 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 Birding and Photography Tour?
+
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 Birding and Photography Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Mindo Cloud Forest Birding and Photography Tour?
+
Around 2 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?
+
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 5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Mindo Cloud Forest Birding and Photography Tour start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 Mindo Cloud Forest Birding and Photography Tour?
+
Included: Private transportation; On-board WiFi; Binoculars; and Tea and coffee. Not included: Lunch; Breakfast; Dinner; and Snacks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Mindo Cloud Forest Birding and Photography Tour include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 358 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Mindo Cloud Forest Birding and Photography Tour offered in?
+
It is offered in German, English, Italian, French 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 Mindo Cloud Forest Birding and Photography Tour?
+
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 Mindo Cloud Forest Birding and Photography Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Mindo Cloud Forest Birding and Photography Tour if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Mindo Cloud Forest Birding and Photography Tour?
+
Across 5 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Mindo Cloud Forest Birding and Photography Tour.
Pick your date




