5 Wonders of Mindo Cloud Forest, Ecuador: A Perfect Day Guide for Anyone
A couple of hours northwest of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, you will find Mindo, a UNESCO-designated "Biosphere Reserve." Cradled within the cloud forests of the Andes, Mindo stands out for its unique natural allure and rich biodiversity. Drawing nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike, Mindo has earned its reputation as an eco-tourism haven.
In this blog post, I’ll spotlight five top activities accessible to visitors of all ages that can be enjoyed in Mindo within just a single day.
“In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous.”
Punto Ornitológico Mindo (Birdwatching Point Mindo)
@puntoornitologicomindo
If, like me, you've ever dreamed of getting up close to hummingbirds, Punto Ornitológico can make that a reality. For just $5 USD, you have the opportunity to feed and observe these marvelous creatures up close, and also take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful grounds. To feel the power in their little wings and grip of their tiny feet on your hand is truly remarkable!
Tip: Though Punto Ornitológico is near the town center, it can be a bit difficult to get to on foot. Plan to take one of the local taxis if not everyone in your party is capable of making the walk.
2. JARDÍN DE LAS MARIPOSAS (Butterfly Garden)
@jardindelasmariposasmindo
Jardín de las Mariposas is a butterfly sanctuary that offers an immersive experience allowing visitors to witness the mesmerizing life cycle of these delicate creatures, from caterpillars to two-winged beauties. An informative guide leads you through the various stages of a butterfly's lifecycle, and you're then welcomed to engage with them up close.
Tip: Plan to arrive early, ideally between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m., to witness the butterflies in full activity.
3. Jardín de Orquídeas (Orchid garden)
Jardín de Orquídeas is an enchanting garden showcasing the breathtaking diversity of over 250+ orchid species native to the region. A knowledgeable staff member will guide you through the vibrant garden’s winding paths giving you an inside look into the intricate world of orchids.
4. Quinde Mindo Coffee & Chocolate Tour
Quinde gives visitors the unique opportunity to trace the fascinating journey from coffee and cacao cultivation to the creation of these two exquisite local delights. Not up for a tour? You can also just grab a seat along with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee and take in the soothing sounds of Mindo.
The best known chocolate tour in Mindo is found at Yumbos Chocolate. The setting is casual and you can book a tour without a reservation for groups of less than ten. I brought home all the things - solid chocolate bricks, cocoa powder, and chocolate bars and they did not disappoint!
5 MORE THINGS TO DO IN MINDO (IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME OR WANT MORE ADVENTURE)
These five things are on my list for my next visit to Mindo. If you have more than a day, I highly recommend checking these out! Some involve a little more adventure and walking than some people may want to engage in, but they are all top picks among visitors.
Photo credit: Minjoy Park Facebook
Photo credit: Zack Zhu
Photo credit: mariposasdemindo.com
Photo credit: Tripadvisor
Photo credit: El Quetzal de Mindo Facebook