MINDO CLOUD FOREST: Nature & Adventure - Flexible Private Day Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 27 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is MINDO CLOUD FOREST: Nature & Adventure - Flexible Private Day Tour worth booking?
MINDO CLOUD FOREST: Nature & Adventure - Flexible Private Day Tour is a 8-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $235 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 27 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 71 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (27)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $235 per person
Surrounded by forested mountains and just two hours away from Quito, Mindo offers a variety of activities for all interests and tastes. You will start the day with a hike in the Mindo Nambillo Reserve. This is a transitional sub-tropical rainforest where two of the most biologically diverse ecoregions in the world meet: the Chocó lowlands and the Western Tropical Andes. Three rivers (Mindo, Saloya and Cinto) and hundreds of streams irrigate the landscape. The Nambillo Waterfall Sanctuary is one of the main attractions and invite you to test the refreshing waters of the river. Time permitting, once you are done exploring the forest interior, you can choose from several additional activities: Canopy Zip Line Park, Tubbing, Butterfly Farm or the Artisanal Chocolate Factory. These options are available under request, you can pay for the cost of the activity of your choice directly the day of the tour. Talk to you guide about your interest and he will customize the tour accordingly.
What you get
About this experience
Surrounded by forested mountains and just two hours away from Quito, Mindo offers a variety of activities for all interests and tastes. You will start the day with a hike in the Mindo Nambillo Reserve. This is a transitional sub-tropical rainforest where two of the most biologically diverse ecoregions in the world meet: the Chocó lowlands and the Western Tropical Andes. Three rivers (Mindo, Saloya and Cinto) and hundreds of streams irrigate the landscape. The Nambillo Waterfall Sanctuary is one of the main attractions and invite you to test the refreshing waters of the river. Time permitting, once you are done exploring the forest interior, you can choose from several additional activities: Canopy Zip Line Park, Tubbing, Butterfly Farm or the Artisanal Chocolate Factory. These options are available under request, you can pay for the cost of the activity of your choice directly the day of the tour. Talk to you guide about your interest and he will customize the tour accordingly.
What's included
Included
- Lunch with soft drink
- Private transportation
- Certified, bilingual naturalist guide
- Entrance fee and coffee at Alambi Reserve
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
Not included
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Entrance fees to additional activities (i.e. Canopy Zip Line Park, Butterfly farm, Chocolate tour)
What you'll see and do
Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 8 am for a scenic 2 hour drive towards the western slopes. Mindo is surrounded by forested mountains and offers a wide variety of activities for all interests and tastes. You'll will start the day with a hike in the Mindo Nambillo Reserve. This is a transitional sub-tropical rainforest also known as cloud forest that ranges from 950 to 2800 m.a.s.l. where 2 of the most biologically diverse ecoregions in the world meet: the Chocó lowlands and the Western Tropical Andes. The reserve is home to an outstanding number of orchid, bird, mammal, insect and reptile species. The Nambillo Waterfall Sanctuary is one of the main attractions and invite you to test the refreshing waters of the river. On the way back, it is possible to ride a cable car above the canopy where you'll have an amazing perspective of the beauty of this unique ecosystem. If you are afraid of heights, it's possible to walk back instead.
120 minutes here
Mindo
The town of Mindo is full of options to suit all tastes and interests. Time permitting, once you are done exploring the forest interior, you can opt for one or more of the several additional activities available in the area (entrance fee not included). Talk to your guide about your interests and expectations and he will make sure to run the tour accordingly. You can admire an interactive butterfly farm where you'll witness at close range all the life stages of these wonderful beings; or you can visit a local chocolate factory that processes organically grown cacao, and allows you to participate in the chocolate making process- from plant to bar. If you are in a more adventurous mood, you can choose to go the a Canopy Zip-line Park instead, and enjoy the thrill of exploring the forest from a different perspective or venture down the river in a tubing adventure.
60 minutes here
Mindo
Enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant
60 minutes here
After a delicious lunch you'll start your way back to Quito. A final stop before reaching the city will reveal another hidden treasure of the cloud forest: Alambi Reserve. This is one of the best places in Ecuador to watch hummingbirds at close range. Up to 18 species have been recorded in less than 30 minutes!! You'll be amazed with the beauty of this winged jewels. Drop-of at your hotel around 5 pm.
60 minutes here
OPTIONAL ADD-ON: In the afternoon you can add a visit to a lek of one of the most iconic bird species in the cloud forest; The Andean Cock of the Rock. This species exhibits marked sexual dimorphism, the male has a large disk-like crest and a very unique vivid scarlet plumage. Gatherings of males compete for breeding females with each male displaying its colorful plumage, bobbing and hopping, and making strident calls. This visit would take place after your lunch in Mindo. The visit to Alambi reserve in this case will be in the morning, on your way to Mindo. If you take this trip extension you'll be dropped off in your hotel around 7:00 pm. Make sure to choose the right option that includes the entrance fee to this reserve
120 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Early pick up + Lek visit
Andean Cock of the Rock Lek: Visit the Andean Cock of the Rock Lek in the afternoon Duration: 4 hours: Early pick up at 5:30 am, and additional visit to the Cock of the Rock Lek in the afternoon- ideal for birdwatchers Pickup included
Mindo day tour- standard
Lunch w/soft drink Pickup included
Mindo + Cock of the Rock Lek
Visit Cock of the Rock Lek Lunch w/ soft drink Mindo & Cock of the Rock Lek: After your Mindo Day Tour, you'll visit a Lek of the Andean Cock of the Rock and admire their courtship ritual. 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 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Neotropical Nature and Birding Trips
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- A small amount of walking is involved along trails with irregular terrain although if participants require longer hiking trails are available.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Copy of passport of one of the group members is required for billing purposes (local tax exemption)
- Difficulty of the hikes can be adjusted to travelers´ requirements
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 27 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
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 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.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
27 verified traveler reviews for MINDO CLOUD FOREST: Nature & Adventure - Flexible Private Day Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
A great day out in the Cloud Forest
We had a great day with Dario who was a very professional and informative guide. He attended to what we were most interested in, and we would recommend this private and very flexible tour. The hummingbirds were amazing!
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We’re delighted to hear you enjoyed your day in the cloud forest with. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you on another adventure soon!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing birding experience
Dario was punctual and very well organized. He was very knowledgeable and friendly. We really appreciated his willingness to show us the birds ! The driver was also very good.
via Tripadvisor
Visited the cloud forest
David has been an excellent guide with a broad knowledge about the area and Paulina has been the perfect companion with her safe driving us and guided us safe to our destinations
Response from the operator: Dear Christiane, Thank you so much for your kind words! We're very happy to hear that you had a great experience visiting the cloud forest with David and Paulina. David’s deep knowledge of the area and its wildlife, paired with Paulina’s reliable and friendly support, make them a fantastic team — and we're so glad they made your journey both enjoyable and safe. We truly appreciate you choosing to travel with us, and we hope to welcome you again for more nature-filled adventures in the future! Warm regards, Gabriela General Manager Neotropical Nature and Birding Trips
via Tripadvisor
If you like birds, it’s a must!
If you like bird watching, this excursion is for you. We saw some many types of hummingbirds and other birds. It was a must! It was our favorite! Santiago was so knowledgeable about the birds. He was incredible!
via Viator
A visit to the Mindo Cloud Forest is spending time with the most beautiful of God's creations.
The entire experience being so close to so many birds was a dream come true. A adventure that I can share with others. Our guide (Neotropical Nature & Birding Trips) was an excellent guide and very personable. The day was the highlight of our 12 day trip to Ecuador. We have been expecting a list of the birds we saw that day. I took over 1200 photos that day and would love to be able to correctly identify the birds. I wanted to verify my e-mail address. Thank you again for such a great experience.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $235 to $450
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Neotropical Nature and Birding Trips, who run 3 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 65.7.
See everything Neotropical Nature and Birding Trips runsWhy this scores 71
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
MINDO CLOUD FOREST: Nature & Adventure - Flexible Private Day Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does MINDO CLOUD FOREST: Nature & Adventure - Flexible Private Day Tour cost?
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Prices start at $235 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: Nature & Adventure - Flexible Private Day Tour 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: Nature & Adventure - Flexible Private Day Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 27 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: Nature & Adventure - Flexible 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: Nature & Adventure - Flexible Private Day Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book MINDO CLOUD FOREST: Nature & Adventure - Flexible Private Day Tour?
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Around 9 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: Nature & Adventure - Flexible 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 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 CLOUD FOREST: Nature & Adventure - Flexible Private Day Tour?
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Included: Lunch with soft drink; Private transportation; Certified, bilingual naturalist guide; Entrance fee and coffee at Alambi Reserve; and Hotel pick-up and drop-off. Not included: Gratuities; Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase); and Entrance fees to additional activities (i.e. Canopy Zip Line Park, Butterfly farm, Chocola. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does MINDO CLOUD FOREST: Nature & Adventure - Flexible Private Day Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 154 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is MINDO CLOUD FOREST: Nature & Adventure - Flexible Private Day Tour 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 CLOUD FOREST: Nature & Adventure - Flexible Private Day Tour?
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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.
What happens to MINDO CLOUD FOREST: Nature & Adventure - Flexible Private Day Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Quito. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about MINDO CLOUD FOREST: Nature & Adventure - Flexible Private Day Tour?
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Across 27 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.
What booking options are available for MINDO CLOUD FOREST: Nature & Adventure - Flexible Private Day Tour?
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There are 3 options to choose from, including Early pick up + Lek visit, Mindo day tour- standard, Mindo + Cock of the Rock Lek. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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