Mindo Cloud Forest Birdwatching & Photography - Private Day Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 3 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Mindo Cloud Forest Birdwatching & Photography - Private Day Tour worth booking?
Mindo Cloud Forest Birdwatching & Photography - Private Day Tour is a 10-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $150 per person. It scores 60 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 5/5 rating across 3 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 60 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (3)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $150 per person
Discover Ecuador’s top birdwatching destinations on this comfortable full day tour. Travel from the scenic high Andes, down through the lush subtropical forests of Mindo. This experience visits most famous birding hots
What you get
- All entrance fees to the birdwatching reserves are included.
- Private, comfortable, safe, and reliable transportation for all types of terrain.
- Expert Birdwatching Guide specializing in the Cloud Forest Area
- Telescope and binoculars for the participants
About this experience
Discover Ecuador’s top birdwatching destinations on this comfortable full day tour. Travel from the scenic high Andes, down through the lush subtropical forests of Mindo. This experience visits most famous birding hotspots: Alambi Hummingbird Sanctuary, Las Cotingas Bird Reserve, and the iconic Cock-of-the-Rock lek. Enjoy relaxed pacing, personalized service in the peaceful cloud forest of Mindo. Expert guidance, and easy walking routes, this tour offers an unforgettable birding. This stationary birdwatching Tour is ideal for photographers who want to capture the best images. To fully enjoy this birdwatching experience and capture the best moments, we recommend bringing your camera with a telephoto lens. Don't forget to pack extra batteries, memory cards, and your charger to ensure you're ready for every photographic opportunity.
What's included
Included
- All entrance fees to the birdwatching reserves are included.
- Private, comfortable, safe, and reliable transportation for all types of terrain.
- Expert Birdwatching Guide specializing in the Cloud Forest Area
- Telescope and binoculars for the participants
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Tips
- Meals
What you'll see and do
Quito
After an unforgettable journey through Ecuador's Western Andes and the breathtaking Mindo Cloud Forest, it's time to relax on the scenic drive back. As your birdwatching adventure comes to an end, we'll comfortably return you to your hotel in Quito or provide a convenient drop-off at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), ensuring a smooth and hassle-free conclusion to your experience. Take home unforgettable memories, spectacular photographs, and an incredible bird list from one of the world's most biodiverse birdwatching destinations.
Pass by without stopping
The Mindo Cloud Forest or Andean Chocó covers an area equivalent to approximately 4,000 soccer fields, protecting a remarkable variety of ecosystems, including lush forests, rivers, streams, natural springs, and beautiful waterfalls. A Paradise for Wildlife Lovers; Mindo are is protecting around 270 mammal, 210 reptile, and 130 amphibian species, along with an extraordinary diversity of insects. From spectacled bears and colorful frogs to butterflies and countless birds, every visit offers a new encounter with nature. A Birdwatcher’s Paradise; With around 640 bird species, the Andean Chocó is a dream destination for birdwatchers and nature photographers. Search for iconic species such as the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, Toucan Barbet, Choco Toucan, Long-wattled Umbrellabird, and dazzling hummingbirds and tanagers. Bring your binoculars and camera — the Chocó always has a surprise waiting in the forest!
Pass by without stopping
Nestled at more than 1,800 meters (5,900 ft) above sea level in Ecuador's breathtaking cloud forest, this premier birdwatching reserve is renowned for its incredible diversity of toucans, quetzals, trogons, and other spectacular bird species. Designed with wildlife photographers in mind, the reserve offers a professional photography hide where birds visit naturally every 5 to 10 minutes, creating outstanding opportunities to capture unforgettable images of Ecuador's remarkable avian wildlife. Icon Species in las Cotingas Bird Reserve: - Golden-headed Quetzal - Strong-billed Woodcreeper - Streak-capped Treehunter - Empress Brilliant - Beryl-spangled Tanager - Crested Guan - Tawny-bellied Hermit - Roadside Hawk - Pale-mandibled Aracari - Guayaquil Woodpecker - Toucan Barbet - Glistening-green Tanager - Plate-billed Mountain-Toucan - Roadside Hawk, among others
90 minutes here · Admission included
Mindo
Recharge with a delicious local lunch in the picturesque town of Mindo before continuing your birdwatching adventure. Take time to explore its charming streets, browse local artisan shops, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this renowned cloud forest destination. It's the perfect opportunity to experience the hospitality, culture, and natural beauty that make Mindo one of Ecuador's most beloved ecotourism destinations.
90 minutes here
La Victoriana Reserve is a private birdwatching reserve located near Nanegalito, in Ecuador's world-famous Andean Chocó Cloud Forest. Internationally recognized for its spectacular Andean Cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus) lek, this reserve offers one of the best opportunities in Ecuador to observe and photograph this iconic species in its natural habitat. Imagine listening to the song of the Andean Cock-of-the-rock at dawn as the mist slowly lifts through the forest. Every tour is unique and offers the chance for an unforgettable encounter with bird species that many birdwatchers only dream of seeing.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Alambi Reserve is an excellent destination for birdwatching, situated at an elevation of approximately 1,500 meters (4,920 feet). Its pleasant subtropical climate attracts a remarkable diversity of bird species that gather here daily, making it one of the most rewarding birding locations in the region. This unique combination of habitats creates ideal conditions for wildlife, offering visitors outstanding opportunities to observe hummingbirds, tanagers, toucans, and many other species in their natural environment. Iconic species in Alambi Reserve: - Black-capped Tanager - Torrent Tyrannulet - Buff-tailed Coronet - Purple-throated Woodstar - Violet-tailed Sylph - Crested Quetzal - White-capped Dipper - Russet-backed Oropendola, - White-throated Daggerbill - Spotted Barbtail, among others.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Quito
We depart from Quito at 6:00 a.m., crossing the northern side of the city. Our journey leads us to visit the most premier places for birding and photo.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 2 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
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 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Galapagos My World
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 3 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Knowledge and storytelling
1 mentionReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
3 verified traveler reviews for Mindo Cloud Forest Birdwatching & Photography - Private Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Mindo Cloud Forest
Guide and driver were great. Saw lots of hummingbirds, toucans and cock of the rock. I wanted to go to a butterfly farm and the guide was accommodating. A very good tour through some amazing scenery. Accommodation was good.
via Viator
Wildlife in action. Birds, snakes, and a disconnect that is increasingly valued
The cute hotel, finally we could take pictures in wildlife, see eagles hunt, it was a unique experience
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Bird Range in Mindo
Visiting this wonderful Reservation I was surprised by the beauty of the forest, variety of birds of many colors and excellent types of viewpoint. The guide very friendly and knowledgeable of the place. An extensive but rewarding walk you should know.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 6+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $150 to $399
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Who runs this experience
Operated by Galapagos My World, who run 10 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.7.
See everything Galapagos My World runsWhy this scores 60
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Mindo Cloud Forest Birdwatching & Photography - Private Day Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Mindo Cloud Forest Birdwatching & Photography - Private Day Tour cost?
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Prices start at $150 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 Birdwatching & Photography - Private Day Tour take?
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Plan for about 10 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 Birdwatching & Photography - Private Day Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 60 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 3 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 Birdwatching & Photography - Private Day Tour?
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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 Birdwatching & Photography - Private Day Tour suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 6. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 10-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Mindo Cloud Forest Birdwatching & Photography - Private Day Tour?
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Around 1 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 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Mindo Cloud Forest Birdwatching & Photography - Private Day Tour 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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