Mindo Cloud Forest: Hummingbirds, Birdwatching and Waterfalls Private Tour

Overview

Depart from Quito for a private excursion to the Andean Chocó and the Mindo Cloud Forest, accompanied by a guide specialising in ornithology. The programme includes visits to two selected bird reserves to observe and photograph species such as hummingbirds, toucans, and tanagers up close. The itinerary features a crossing of the lush forest via the Tarabita cable car, followed by a hike to a waterfall. Private transport and entrance fees for the mentioned activities are included in the service. As this is a private tour, the itinerary is flexible and can be adapted to your preferences for wildlife photography or hiking. Options such as the butterfly garden, ziplining, or a chocolate experience can be integrated to replace part of the standard programme.

Itinerary

1. 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.

   · Non-stop passage

2. 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.

   · Non-stop passage

3. 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.

   · 1 h· Admission included

4. 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.

   · 1 h 30 min· Admission included

5. 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.

   · 1 h 30 min· Admission included

6. 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 min

7. 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.

   · Non-stop passage

Pickup

Pickup included.

Passengers will be picked up directly from their hotels. Guests can customize their pickup location by providing the address of their hotel or Airbnb, and our guide will pick them up from the specified location.

What to know before you go

• Public transport available nearby.
• Not recommended for travellers with spinal cord problems.
• Not recommended for pregnant women.
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels.
• Confirmation is sent immediately upon booking.

Travelers

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation for a full refund at least 24 hours before departure.

• The activity may be cancelled in case of bad weather.

Who is it for?

• Birdwatching and wildlife photography enthusiasts
• Travellers seeking a flexible and private itinerary
• People wishing to discover the biodiversity of the Andean Chocó

What makes it different

• Accompanied by an expert ornithology guide
• Private transport and tailor-made itinerary
• Combination of birdwatching, cable car, and hiking

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

Product code: 106395P4

Activity offered by Galapagos My World via Viator.