Tour name - Mindo Bridwatching tour
$400 plus 1% wetravel Fee The other 2.9% fee will automatically be added when you process your card

Thank you for Booking with us,

The Ecuador Eco Adventure  team

Your day begins with a 8:00 AM pick-up from your hotel in Quito. From there, enjoy a scenic two-hour drive northwest, descending from the high Andes into the lush and biodiverse Mindo Cloud Forest, a world-renowned hotspot for birdwatching and nature lovers.

Upon arrival, your first stop will be San Tadeo, a birding lookout point, where you’ll have the opportunity to spot a wide variety of native and migratory bird species, including toucans, tanagers, hummingbirds, and, if you’re lucky, the elusive Andean cock-of-the-rock. A warm cup of local herbal tea or coffee will be served as you take in the peaceful morning ambiance and the sounds of the forest awakening.

Afterward, enjoy a delicious traditional Ecuadorian lunch at a local restaurant or eco-lodge, featuring regional dishes often made with organic ingredients grown nearby.

In the afternoon, visit the Mindo Butterfly Center, home to dozens of species of butterflies in various stages of their life cycle. Walk through the enclosed gardens as vibrant butterflies flutter around, and learn about their fascinating metamorphosis process from egg to adult. The center also features other native insects and educational exhibits on cloud forest ecology.

In the early evening, you’ll be welcomed at your eco-lodge, where you can relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of the forest. A homemade dinner featuring fresh, locally-sourced ingredients will be served at the lodge’s restaurant, giving you a chance to unwind and reflect on the day’s experiences before settling in for a peaceful night surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Your day begins early with a 6:00 AM birdwatching tour in the lush Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve, one of the most biodiverse areas in Ecuador. Accompanied by a local naturalist guide, you'll embark on a serene walk through mist-covered trails as the forest comes alive with the first light of day. This prime hour offers the best chance to spot some of Mindo’s most iconic bird species, such as the toucan barbet, golden-headed quetzal, and an array of colorful hummingbirds and tanagers. The guide will provide insights into the region’s unique cloud forest ecosystem and help identify the rich array of wildlife by sight and sound.

Following the birding experience, you’ll continue on a short hike to visit one of Mindo’s picturesque waterfalls. Surrounded by dense vegetation and the soothing sounds of rushing water, the trail leads you to a natural cascade nestled deep in the forest. You’ll have time to enjoy the view, take photos, and even cool off in the crystal-clear waters if you wish.

After working up an appetite, you'll head back to town or a nearby eco-lodge for a hearty lunch, featuring a selection of local dishes that highlight the flavors of the region—often with fresh trout, plantains, tropical fruits, and organic vegetables.

In the afternoon, the adventure continues with an exhilarating ziplining experience. Mindo is famous for its canopy tours, and you’ll soar above the treetops on a series of zip lines that crisscross the forest valley. As you glide from platform to platform, you’ll enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the cloud forest below—an adrenaline-pumping yet safe and guided way to appreciate the full majesty of this incredible landscape.

This full day in Mindo offers the perfect blend of nature, relaxation, and thrill, making it one of the top highlights of any trip to Ecuador.

Your final day in Mindo begins early, with a 6:00 AM birdwatching excursion, taking advantage of the quiet morning hours when bird activity is at its peak. Accompanied by an experienced local guide, you’ll explore nearby trails or observation decks within the cloud forest, where you may encounter some of the region’s most spectacular avian residents. Keep your binoculars ready for sightings of vibrant hummingbirds, motmots, toucanets, trogons, and perhaps even the rare cock-of-the-rock. Your guide will help identify species by sight and call, offering fascinating insights into the ecology and behaviors of these tropical birds.

As the forest begins to brighten with the rising sun and the sounds of birdsong fade into the day’s rhythm, you’ll return to your lodge for a relaxed breakfast or coffee before preparing to leave.

At approximately 11:00 AM, your driver will meet you for the return transfer to Quito. The two-hour journey winds back up from the cloud forest into the Andean highlands, offering beautiful panoramic views and a chance to reflect on your time immersed in nature. You’ll arrive in Quito in the early afternoon, with the rest of the day free to explore the city or rest.