Mindo Coffee and Cacao Tasting Experience from Quito
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 12 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Mindo Coffee and Cacao Tasting Experience from Quito worth booking?
Mindo Coffee and Cacao Tasting Experience from Quito is a 8-hour experience in Quito, Ecuador, from $190 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 12 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (12)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $190 per person
Start your morning while observing a variety of exceptional hummingbirds on our stop at the hummingbird viewpoint, and enjoy the scenery of the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest. Visit a family-owned coffee plantation where we will reveal all its coffee-making secrets, and you will have another flavorful tasting of an awarded specialty coffee. We will head to Mindo, a beautiful town located in the cloud forest, where you'll become a cacao expert on your visit to the cacao workshop. Ever had a 100% pure chocolate? Our guide will explain to you the fascinating process of chocolate making, from the cacao bean on the tree to everyone’s favorite sweet, followed by a delicious chocolate tasting. This is an eye-opening experience to see where these products come from!
What you get
About this experience
Start your morning while observing a variety of exceptional hummingbirds on our stop at the hummingbird viewpoint, and enjoy the scenery of the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest. Visit a family-owned coffee plantation where we will reveal all its coffee-making secrets, and you will have another flavorful tasting of an awarded specialty coffee. We will head to Mindo, a beautiful town located in the cloud forest, where you'll become a cacao expert on your visit to the cacao workshop. Ever had a 100% pure chocolate? Our guide will explain to you the fascinating process of chocolate making, from the cacao bean on the tree to everyone’s favorite sweet, followed by a delicious chocolate tasting. This is an eye-opening experience to see where these products come from!
What's included
Included
- English speaking guide for the whole tour
- Lunch
- Coffee Plantation Farm Visit and Tasting
- Private transportation w/ pick up-drop off at your hotel in Quito downtown
- Chocolate Workshop Visit and Tasting
Not included
- Personal Expenses
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional activities
- Tips for guides
What you'll see and do
Quito
We will pick you up from your place in downtown Quito to start our adventure!
30 minutes here
El Pahuma Orchid Reserve
We will make our first stop at a hummingbird viewpoint to spot these marvelous birds. Enjoy the amazing views and the hummingbirds flying around while drinking a fresh organic juice.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Nanegalito
We will visit a family-owned specialty coffee plantation, where we will learn about coffee from the cherry beans to a hot cup of coffee. We will also have a tasting experience on a family house.
180 minutes here
Mindo
We will visit one of the first cacao workshops in town, where we will learn how the chocolate farmer takes the cacao beans and transforms them into delicious chocolate. We will also taste different kinds of artisanal chocolate from the farm during the degustation, including their 100% pure chocolate!
180 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
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
- Takiri Travel
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 12 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Value for money
2 mentionsTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Traveler reviews
12 verified traveler reviews for Mindo Coffee and Cacao Tasting Experience from Quito. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great experience
We had such a great time and are so grateful for this experience. It was a great way to start our trip here in this amazing country of Ecuador. It is a great value as we spent the day with multiple stops including a reserve with hundreds of hummingbirds, a coffee estate with a tour and tastings as well as a chocolate shop with a tour and tastings. We learned a lot and were fed the whole day with snacks at each stop and an included lunch at a local restaurant. Thank you again to Guillermo driving us and for making this day so memorable.
Response from the operator: Hello Brian! Great to hear you had an incredible and memorable day with our Mindo Coffee & Cacao tour. We are happy to hear you felt it had great value for what you paid for because, yes it is definitely a great way to learn about the culinary side of Ecuador while getting to know the northern region. Safe travels! Michael
via Viator
Great for coffee and chocolate lovers!
Our guide Alex, and driver, Daniel, were delightful. The tour was appropriately paced, including a brief stop at the Equator, and a juice/baño/hummingbird stop midway. We learned about - and sampled - the Rumisitana artesanal coffee, which was the most delicious coffee we have ever tasted. Heck, we even drank it black and loooved it! We toured the chocolate making process at Yumbos in Mindo, sampled chocolate, and had a chocolate facial. A totally delightful experience!
Response from the operator: Dear John and Sarah We are so pleased to hear you had such a great. time with us! It is definitely one of the best coffees around so we are so glad you gave it a shot trying it fully black and even more so that you enjoyed it so much. Safe travels! Michael
via Tripadvisor
What more could you want? Amazing tour!
Incredible tour and worth every penny! Our guide, Alex, was such a knowledgable and fun guide and made the experience so enjoyable. After 5 months of travelling, we can easily say this tour is one of the favourites we’ve done. We loved how authentic and community-focused it was, and how Takiri pick the coffee and chocolate locations carefully, so you get the chance to support local businesses as well as stuffing your face with delicious chocolate and coffee. Thank you so much again for the experience, hopefully we will be back one day!
Response from the operator: Hi Bronnie! Amazing to read your comments about this Coffee & Cacao tour because yes, this is one of our best sellers and also a tour that represents us really well as a company. We carefully select the local businesses that share our same values and standards so we're happy you were able to experience all of this. You guys are always welcome back any time! Safe travels Michael
via Tripadvisor
Spectacular!
Our day trip out of Quito to visit the cloud forest, a hummingbird center, an organic coffee farm, and a cacao farm was spectacular! The trip was carefully and thoughtfully planned, and our driver/guide Abel was warm, knowledgeable, kind, and witty. We loved it!
Response from the operator: Hi Grace, thank you for taking the time to write a short but wonderful review! You're right, our Mindo Coffee & Cacao trip was designed for foodie travelers who would like to taste different flavors of chocolate and learn how to prepare the best cup of coffee while visiting the cloud forest surrounded by hummingbirds! We're glad to know you enjoyed this experience, safe travels!
via Viator
Hummingbirds, Coffee, and Chocolate… Oh My!!!
Telmo did a great job driving and even translating a little for us on this multi-stop excursion. First we stopped for some juice at Los Armadillos and watched the many different hummingbirds, which was fascinating. I’ve never seen that many different colors and sizes! Then we went to Frajares for a coffee demo, tasting, and tour. Maria Fuentes (?) was an excellent guide, and even though she only spoke Spanish and we knew very little Spanish, she made sure we understood everything and answered our questions (sometimes with Telmo’s help translating). She was very organized and knowledgeable, and also very personable, which made this tour very enjoyable. Our last stop was El Quetzal for chocolate tour, tasting, and lunch. Carolina was our guide, and again, was very organized, knowledgeable, and personable, and she gave us plenty of different types of chocolates to try and explained what we would taste and feel (in terms of texture) for each… and sometimes she’s let us taste first and tell her what we experienced. Very interesting learning about the differences between the Ecuadorian Nacional and CCN51 types of cacao. The lunch was also delicious, with a perfect brownie for dessert! Our al fresco dining experience with some amusing colorful birds in the trees nearby was a perfect way to end our last stop. Telmo then transported us safely back to our hotel, giving us tidbits along the way. Excellent excursion that we would do again and again!
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
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 4
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Mindo Coffee and Cacao Tasting Experience from Quito: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Quito.
How much does Mindo Coffee and Cacao Tasting Experience from Quito cost?
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Prices start at $190 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 Coffee and Cacao Tasting Experience from Quito 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 Coffee and Cacao Tasting Experience from Quito worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 12 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 Coffee and Cacao Tasting Experience from Quito?
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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 Coffee and Cacao Tasting Experience from Quito 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 Coffee and Cacao Tasting Experience from Quito?
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Around 4 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 Coffee and Cacao Tasting Experience from Quito 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 Coffee and Cacao Tasting Experience from Quito?
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Included: English speaking guide for the whole tour; Lunch; Coffee Plantation Farm Visit and Tasting; Private transportation w/ pick up-drop off at your hotel in Quito downtown; and Chocolate Workshop Visit and Tasting. Not included: Personal Expenses; Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary; Optional activities; and Tips for guides. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Mindo Coffee and Cacao Tasting Experience from Quito include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 94 listed pickup locations in and around Quito. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Mindo Coffee and Cacao Tasting Experience from Quito 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 Coffee and Cacao Tasting Experience from Quito?
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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 Coffee and Cacao Tasting Experience from Quito wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Mindo Coffee and Cacao Tasting Experience from Quito 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 Coffee and Cacao Tasting Experience from Quito?
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Across 12 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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