Mindo Tour: Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Waterfall & Cable Car
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 154 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Mindo Tour: Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Waterfall & Cable Car worth booking?
Mindo Tour: Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Waterfall & Cable Car is a 9-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $149 per person. It scores 83 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 154 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 83 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (154)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $149 per person
Discover Mindo through the eyes of a birding specialist on a private journey from Quito into the Andean Chocó. Visit two carefully selected birding reserves where hummingbirds, toucans, tanagers and other cloud forest species can be observed and photographed at close range. Then experience Mindo's lush forest from above on the tarabita cable car before hiking to a beautiful waterfall. Because this is a private tour, the day can be adapted to your interests, whether you prefer birdwatching, wildlife photography, hiking or adventure. Optional activities such as ziplining, the butterfly garden or a chocolate experience can replace part of the standard itinerary.
What you get
About this experience
Discover Mindo through the eyes of a birding specialist on a private journey from Quito into the Andean Chocó. Visit two carefully selected birding reserves where hummingbirds, toucans, tanagers and other cloud forest species can be observed and photographed at close range. Then experience Mindo's lush forest from above on the tarabita cable car before hiking to a beautiful waterfall. Because this is a private tour, the day can be adapted to your interests, whether you prefer birdwatching, wildlife photography, hiking or adventure. Optional activities such as ziplining, the butterfly garden or a chocolate experience can replace part of the standard itinerary.
What's included
Included
- Expert bilingual Guide and private transportation.
- Tailor-Made Flexible Itinerary completely adapted to your physical pace and interests.
- Entrance Fees Included: Admission to the activities listed above is included in the tour price.
Not included
- Local Gastronomic Lunch with vegetarian/vegan options available upon request.
- Optional Activities: Visit the Butterfly Garden or Ziplining
- Travel Insurance
What you'll see and do
Quito
Begin your Mindo Cloud Forest tour from Quito and discover one of Ecuador’s top birdwatching destinations, traveling from the high Andes to the lush subtropical cloud forest. Perched at 1,200 m (4,000 ft) above sea level, Mindo boasts a dynamic subtropical climate with a mix of sunny, humid, and rainy days, maintaining a comfortable average temperature of 19°C (62°F) year-round. Led by an expert guide, your experience is thoughtfully tailored—whether you wish to focus on birdwatching, photography, or simply unwind in a peaceful setting. Discover Mindo as a sensory journey filled with birdsong, lush forests, and unforgettable moments in a Bio-Reserve. To fully enjoy this birdwatching experience, 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.
Pass by without stopping
Mindo is located within one of the world’s most outstanding nature Bio-Reserves, the Chocó Andino. For this reason, it is consider a Hot-Spot by the scientists. The Bio-Reserve covers approximately 287,000 hectares (2,870 square kilometers) of forest.” For comparison, the Chocó Andino covers an area equivalent to approximately 400,000 soccer fields. The Chocó Andino protects more than 580 species of birds, 135 species of mammals, 70 species of amphibians, and 80 species of reptiles, along with thousands of species of insects and other invertebrates. Explore the Andean Chocó, one of Ecuador’s top birdwatching destinations. Look for the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, Plate-billed Mountain Toucan, Toucan Barbet, Chocó Toucan, Golden-headed Quetzal, Violet-tailed Sylph, colorful tanagers, hummingbirds, and many more. Walk through lush cloud forest while enjoying incredible wildlife and photography opportunities.
Pass by without stopping
Set within the lush Andean cloud forest just outside Quito, the Alambi Hummingbird Sanctuary offers an exclusive and perfect encounter with Ecuador’s remarkable biodiversity. This carefully preserved, family-owned reserve is home to over 30 species of hummingbirds, along with vibrant tanagers, toucanets, and other sought-after sub-tropical birds. In this serene and uncrowded setting, guests can observe these dazzling species at close range as they move gracefully between feeders and native flowers, creating exceptional opportunities for photography and quiet appreciation of nature. The reserve also protects pristine river habitats and native forest, sustaining a rich diversity of wildlife. The hummingbirds will come close to your hand if you hold the lid of a feeder with sugar and water. This will give you the opportunity to make a slow-motion video or take photos at close range. It will be a unique moment, as it will be an encounter between nature and humans.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Tarabita y Santuario de Cascadas Mindo
Discover one of Mindo’s most exclusive natural experiences at a pristine waterfall sanctuary hidden within a protected cloud forest. Your journey begins with a scenic cable car ride, gliding approximately 500 meters across lush valleys, offering breathtaking views of the dense, emerald-green canopy below. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided walk along well-maintained trails leading to a series of cascading waterfalls, each more impressive than the last. At the final waterfall, guests may relax, swim, or simply take in the serenity of this untouched environment. The hike take us along gentle ascents and descents—ideal for travelers seeking a nature experience that is both comfortable and immersive. This activity blends soft adventure with tranquility, making it ideal for those who value both comfort and authenticity in the heart of the cloud forest.
90 minutes here · Admission included
For discerning birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts, this exclusive reserve offers a rare and up-close wildlife encounters with the biodiversity of Ecuador’s cloud forest, set at 1,800 meters above sea level. In this carefully preserved environment, guests can observe an extraordinary variety of species, including the elegant Violet-tailed Sylph, the seven-colored hummingbird, the most photographed in this reserve, along with sought-after birds such as the Glistening-green Tanager, a true highlight for experienced birders. The forest also reveals iconic toucans like the Toucan Barbet and the Crimson-rumped Toucanet, while sightings of unique mammals such as the Tayra or American Agouti; t’s a cousin of the guinea pig, but it walks on long, slender legs like a miniature deer.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Enjoy a free tasting of 11 different chocolate flavors or bars. This chocolate is made with fine-flavor cacao (Cacao Fino de Aroma), one of the most highly valued types of cacao from Ecuador and around the world. The tasting will be led by an expert chocolate taster, who will explain the entire process involved in transforming cacao into this delicious chocolate, from the raw cacao to the final product. The cacao used to make this chocolate comes from Ecuador’s tropical region near the Pacific coast. Most importantly, this initiative supports several local cacao producers who receive training in cacao cultivation and, above all, are paid a fair price for their raw cacao. This directly benefits small-scale producers of Ecuadorian cacao and demonstrates that successful collaboration between entrepreneurs and farmers is possible.
20 minutes here
Quito
After an incredible adventure in Mindo, it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic drive back to your hotel in Quito.
Pass by without stopping
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 12 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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 154 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
154 verified traveler reviews for Mindo Tour: Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Waterfall & Cable Car. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Fantastic day
Fantastic experience. Loves the hummingbirds. I can't believe how many there were and how we were able to feed them. Great time at the butterfly house. The eater to the waterfall and the cable car were well worth the effort. Felt totally looked after and learnt so much on the trip. A fantastic day. Would recommend to others.
via Tripadvisor
Eduardo was fantastic!
Our guide, Eduardo, was fantastic! He personalized the experience for us and took us to the most incredible places to see hummingbirds and butterflies. We also wanted to zip line and ride a cable car, so he took us to those places, too. He was so knowledgeable about the area - he even took us to a local coffee shop and grocery store. We would have loved to have done more but we were exhausted after a red-eye flight the night before.
via Viator
Great experience.
Wow! Terrific tour. We had a great time with our guide who was knowledgeable, well spoken and helpful. He tailored the experience just for us. From feeding hummingbirds and butterflies to ziplining through the treetops and lunch at a local cafe, we were delighted by the day out.
via Viator
The BEST way to explore Mindo!
This was an excellent way to see Mindo. We did so much in a day and our tour guide, Freddy, was very accommodating along with our driver, Edward. We never could have explored so much in this mountain town without them! The day was catered to our requests and Freddy had endless information about the area and what we saw. Visiting the hummingbird refuge was one of our favorite moments of the entire trip to Ecuador! We were so grateful to have booked this private tour along with an experienced driver and guide. There was so much to see and planning it all on our own would have been very difficult, not to mention navigating the winding mountain roads. Highly recommend taking a day to Mindo from Quito with this tour!
via Tripadvisor
Exceeded all expectations
Hummingbirds and butterfly farm were fascinating. Guide and driver were excellent. Hike down to the waterfall was well worth the effort.
via Viator
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
- $149 to $259
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 54
- Verdict
- Exceptional
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 83
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Mindo Tour: Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Waterfall & Cable Car: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Mindo Tour: Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Waterfall & Cable Car cost?
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Prices start at $149 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 Tour: Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Waterfall & Cable Car 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 Mindo Tour: Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Waterfall & Cable Car worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 83 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 154 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 Tour: Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Waterfall & Cable Car?
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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 Tour: Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Waterfall & Cable Car 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 Mindo Tour: Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Waterfall & Cable Car?
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Around 54 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 Mindo Tour: Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Waterfall & Cable Car 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 Mindo Tour: Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Waterfall & Cable Car?
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Included: Expert bilingual Guide and private transportation; Tailor-Made Flexible Itinerary completely adapted to your physical pace and interests; and Entrance Fees Included: Admission to the activities listed above is included in the tour p. Not included: Local Gastronomic Lunch with vegetarian/vegan options available upon request; Optional Activities: Visit the Butterfly Garden or Ziplining; and Travel Insurance. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Mindo Tour: Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Waterfall & Cable Car include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 10 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. Be ready about 5 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Mindo Tour: Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Waterfall & Cable Car 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 Mindo Tour: Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Waterfall & Cable Car?
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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 Mindo Tour: Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Waterfall & Cable Car 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 Mindo Tour: Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Waterfall & Cable Car if the weather is bad?
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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 Tour: Hummingbirds, Butterflies, Waterfall & Cable Car?
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Across 154 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, value for money. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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