
Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip from Quito – Birdwatching & Adventure
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 43 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip from Quito – Birdwatching & Adventure worth booking?
Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip from Quito – Birdwatching & Adventure is a 7-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $150 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 43 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (43)
- Duration
- 7 hours
- From
- $150 per person
Exploring Mindo Cloud Forest is a good opportunity to be in touch with nature and is so close to Quito City (2 hours). Mindo Cloud Forest creates the best environment for birdwatching and hiking in the Nambillo Reserve.
What you get
- Bilingual Tour Guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Pick Up / Drop Off. In the Metropolitan Area of Quito
About this experience
Exploring Mindo Cloud Forest is a good opportunity to be in touch with nature and is so close to Quito City (2 hours). Mindo Cloud Forest creates the best environment for birdwatching and hiking in the Nambillo Reserve. Enjoy Butterflies Farm, taste the best chocolate of Ecuador, and experience the adrenaline on the Zipline. Itinerary: - Quito - Ecuador -Visit Ornithological Point -Visit Butterflies Farm - Walk to the Nambillo waterfall -Chocolate Factory -Return to Quito
What's included
Included
- Bilingual Tour Guide
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Pick Up / Drop Off. In the Metropolitan Area of Quito
Not included
- Tips
- Tickets
What you'll see and do
San Tadeo Birding
This is an amazing spot for the hummingbirds in the cloud forest of Mindo, we can feed them in the meantime, we enjoy the valley of Mindo which is surrounded by amazing mountains.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Tarabita y Santuario de Cascadas Mindo
This is a Beautiful area where we will take the cable car in the mountains to connect to the Mindo Nambillo waterfall
120 minutes here · Admission not included
Mariposas de Mindo
Visit one of the butterfly farms in the Mindo cloud forest where you can observe a wide variety of butterflies of all sizes and colors.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Try the best chocolate in Ecuador in the Mindo Cloud Forest and learn more about the Ecuadorian chocolate-making process
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 5 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
No ticket- no lunch
No Tickets: Bring cash for Tickets Duration: 8 hours No Lunch: Bring cash for lunch Pickup included
All Included
INCLUDED TICKETS TO: *San Tadeo Birding *Nambillo Waterfall *Cable car *Chocolate Tour *Butterfly farm Duration: 8 hours Included ecuadorian lunch Pick Up & Drop Off: Pick-up and drop-off included in the Metropolitan Area of Quito Pickup included
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 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Real Dreams Tour
Know before you go
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 43 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
4 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
43 verified traveler reviews for Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip from Quito – Birdwatching & Adventure. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Ecuador 2026
My wife and I did the Mindo Cloud Forest day trip in July 2026.We have been fortunate to traveled through out Central and South America and our trip to the Mindo Cloud Forest was one of the best if not the best guided trip we have ever taken. Our guide Andres and driver Jimmy make a great team.Andres was very informative in the Mindo Cloud Forest.
Response from the operator: We sincerely appreciate you sharing your experience and your kind words about your Mindo Cloud Forest adventure. We’re thrilled to hear that your visit to Mindo was one of the best guided experiences you have had during your travels through Central and South America. It’s wonderful to know that Andrés and Jimmy made such a great team and that Andrés’ knowledge and passion helped make your day even more special. Thank you for choosing to explore Ecuador with us. We would be delighted to welcome you back in the future and help you create more memorable experiences in our beautiful country.
via Tripadvisor
Mindo
Hummingbird viewing, butterflies viewing were amazing! Our guide Pedro did an excellent job of guiding us through activities our entire group could enjoy! Driver David was also excellent as we drove through some very challenging roads from Quito to Mindo.
Response from the operator: Dear Wendy, Thank you so much for taking the time to share your experience! We’re very happy to hear you enjoyed the hummingbirds and butterflies in Mindo and that Pedro provided excellent guidance throughout the activities. We’re also glad David made the journey safe and comfortable despite the challenging road from Quito. We truly appreciate your kind words and hope to welcome you back to Ecuador again soon. Best regards, Real Dreams Team
via Viator
Amazing day in Mindo cloud forest
Just a few hours from Quito we took a full day private tour with Pedro to Mindo cloud forest. It was amazing to see a variety of birds including Toucans and a special treat to have humming birds eating from the palm of your hand. Visit included walk to waterfalls, 🦋 sanctuary and also chocolate factory. Great fay with a very knowledgeable and friendly guide.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind review! We’re delighted to hear that you enjoyed your day in Mindo with Pedro. The cloud forest is truly a special place, and we’re glad you had the chance to see toucans, interact with the hummingbirds, visit the waterfalls, butterfly sanctuary, and chocolate factory. We’ll be sure to share your lovely comments with Pedro he’ll be thrilled to know he helped make your experience memorable. We hope to welcome you back to Ecuador for another adventure soon!! :)
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable
Ayrton is awesome, would recommend 10/10!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your kind words! 😊 We’re really happy to hear you had an awesome time with Ayrton. It means a lot to us that you enjoyed the Mindo Cloud Forest tour. We hope to welcome you again on another adventure in Ecuador soon.
via Tripadvisor
Beautiful Activities in Mindo town
The Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip from Quito was an absolutely wonderful way to spend the day. Our first stop on this Trip was at a Humingbird garden located in Mindo which is about a 2-hr. drive from Quito. We were fortunate to see many varieties of Hummingbirds at the location that we had visited - very nice. Next, we traveled to a nearby waterfall after a scenic cable car ride and a short hike on a trail leading down from the parking area. After the waterfall, we traveled a short distance to a nearby butterfly garden where we saw many species of butterflies - beautiful. Next, we entered the small, quaint town of Mindo where we had a traditional Ecuador lunch at a local restaurant - delicious! Afterwards, we walked a couple of block to the local Chocolate Factory - nice! Overall, the schedule was full of interesting activities.
Response from the operator: Hi Tom, Thank you so much for your wonderful review of our Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip from Quito! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed the hummingbird garden, waterfall adventure, butterfly sanctuary, and the delicious traditional Ecuadorian lunch. It’s great to know the chocolate factory visit and the charming town of Mindo made the day even more special. We truly appreciate you taking the time to share your experience. We hope to welcome you back to Ecuador for another adventure soon!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 7 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 12+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $150 to $495
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 15
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Real Dreams Tour, who run 14 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 64.4.
See everything Real Dreams Tour runsWhy this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip from Quito – Birdwatching & Adventure: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip from Quito – Birdwatching & Adventure 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 Day Trip from Quito – Birdwatching & Adventure take?
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Plan for about 7 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 Day Trip from Quito – Birdwatching & Adventure worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 43 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 Day Trip from Quito – Birdwatching & Adventure?
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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 Day Trip from Quito – Birdwatching & Adventure suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 12. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 7-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip from Quito – Birdwatching & Adventure?
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Around 15 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 7-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip from Quito – Birdwatching & Adventure 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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