MINDO CLOUD FOREST TOUR
FROM QUITO
Full Day
Book direct with a local operator. Private, flexible and fairly-priced.
Your booking keeps more money in Mindo's community while you enjoy
hummingbirds, waterfalls, chocolate and butterflies — all in one day.
Pack up! Fresh air and nature are waiting for you.
We pick you up from your hotel or residence in Quito at 08:00 and continue the journey.
The Adventure goes like this:
We head northwest of Quito with panoramic views of the Middle of the World Monument. As the descent continues into the transition zone, the tour unfolds like this...
1.- First stop, dear travelers :) We begin at the San Tadeo Birdwatching Center – the perfect spot to observe birds and hummingbirds. Common species include tanagers, euphonias, barbets, aracaris, and toucans. In the hummingbird section, it's amazing...
you can even feed them by hand!
You may see species like coronets, violet-tailed sylphs, white-booted racket-tails, western emeralds, and Ecuadorian piedtails, among many others.
We continue to the next attraction...
2.- After crossing a tarabita (cable car) above the cloud forest, we'll hike through the sanctuary area to visit the waterfalls. Bring your swimsuit, the crystal-clear waters are irresistible!
3.- After the hike, it's time to taste local cuisine. We recommend fresh trout with patacones or "carne a la piedra" (optional).
4.- Next, a guided chocolate factory tour. Taste different flavors and types of chocolate, paired with seasonal fruits.
5.- Finally, the Butterfly Garden, where you'll see several species and learn about their metamorphosis: eggs, caterpillar, pupa, and butterfly. You'll also discover a unique orchid collection.
Note.- This is our suggested plan. Since it's a private tour, you can add or remove activities, or combine with coffee tours, Pauma Reserve, canopy, tubing, or canyoning.
...just keep in mind that the "full day tour" lasts 10 hours, returning to Quito around 18:00.
Private Tour · Mindo Full Day
Cost of the Private Mindo Tour (Any Day)
Ideal rates for 2 and 3 passengers looking for comfort, safety, and flexibility.
| Number of people |
Total to pay (USD) |
| 2 passengers |
$ 180 |
| 3 passengers |
$ 225 |
* Reference prices for 2026.
* Fully private service with bilingual guide and transportation from Quito.
* Pick-up outside the urban area of Quito may involve a small additional fee.
INCLUDED:
- Tourist transport
- Professional tour guide
- Visits to all main attractions
NOT INCLUDED:
- Entrance fees: San Tadeo $5 – Chocolate Tour $10 – Waterfall Sanctuary (tarabita) $5 – Butterfly Garden $6
- Meals
- Tips
What to bring?
- Light, comfortable clothing
- Rain jacket
- Sneakers or trekking shoes
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Swimsuit
Mindo Awaits Me!
SHARED TOUR TO MINDO FROM QUITO
ONLY $70
Departure Day: Fridays only
Pick-up points:
07:00 from Plaza Foch (La Mariscal)
07:15 from Plaza San Blas (Historic Center)
Highlights:
- Stop in Calacalí for breakfast (optional)
- Guided hike through the cloud forest
- Hummingbird sanctuary (feed them by hand!)
- Tarabita or canopy (optional)
- Chocolate tasting with unique flavors
Shared day tour to Mindo: cost $70 per person. For bookings and info write us on WHATSAPP.
What's included?
- Tourist transport
- Bilingual professional guide
- Entrance permits to reserves
- Lunch (set menu)
NOT included:
- VAT
- Entrance fees: $8 hummingbird sanctuary, $10 canopy, $10 chocolate tour, $5 tarabita
- Tips
Let's Go to Mindo!
Why book direct with a local operator?
When you book through large international platforms, up to 30% of what you pay goes to commissions — not to Ecuador.
Booking directly with Middlearth Travel keeps your money where it matters most: local guides, drivers and family businesses in Mindo.
Same quality, fair price, flexible plan.
Big Platforms
Middlearth Travel (Direct)
From $230 per couple
From $180 per couple
20–35% commissions
0% commissions
No direct chat with your guide
Direct WhatsApp with your guide ✅
International ownership
100% Ecuadorian, licensed
- Better net price: avoid marketplace markups.
- Private & flexible: pace, stops and interests (birding, photography, waterfalls, adventure).
- Real impact: your payment supports local families in Mindo.
- Transparent costs: entrance fees are published and explained.
- Licensed & insured: operating since 2007 with official permits in Ecuador.
Book direct on WhatsApp
What are the main activities in Mindo?
Start with adventure: Canopy (zip lining). Tubing down the Mindo River on large floats.
Exploration: Visit waterfalls, birdwatching in dedicated sanctuaries, hikes into the cloud forest, a chocolate tasting tour, and discovering butterfly metamorphosis at butterfly farms.
How long is the Mindo tour from Quito?
The most popular tour lasts one day, starting at 08:00 and returning to Quito around 18:00.
On a customized tour, you can also stay overnight in Mindo. This option is known as the "2 days, 1 night Mindo Tour."
The destination offers plenty to do in two days, but even a single-day trip is highly rewarding.
Is the Mindo tour suitable for families or children?
Yes, it's ideal for families. Birds, butterflies, waterfalls, and the forest create a welcoming environment for both kids and adults, connecting all your senses.
The magic of exploration is alive in Mindo.
What should I bring for a Mindo tour?
Considering the humid climate and terrain, bring: cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, waterproof jacket (depending on season), sneakers or trekking shoes, shorts for comfort, swimsuit, towel, insect repellent, and a water bottle.
What does the Mindo tour price include?
Like most local operators, our base price focuses on transport and a professional guide. This keeps your initial cost fair and lets you decide which paid activities you'd like to add (hummingbirds, waterfalls, chocolate, butterfly garden, canopy, tubing, etc.).
Entrance fees and meals are listed upfront so you can plan according to your preferences and budget. No surprises — just transparent choices.
Do you work with big platforms?
We prioritize direct bookings because they keep prices fair for travelers and ensure more of your payment stays in local communities. If you prefer booking direct and talking to your guide, we're a great fit.
How do payments work?
We offer secure bank transfer and cash options. For last-minute bookings or custom plans, WhatsApp us — we'll confirm availability and send you a simple payment link or instructions.
I Learned a Lot!
"I highly recommend the butterfly farm tour with Middlearth Travel. A fascinating chance to explore the wonders of butterfly life and learn about their cycle in a beautiful, educational environment."
Leonor Uriarte
A Captivating Adventure into Nature's Splendor!
"Joining the Mindo waterfalls tour was unforgettable. Surrounded by lush landscapes and the sound of waterfalls, this experience is an enchanting escape that renews the soul and deepens appreciation for nature."
Mathew Smith
Exploring Mindo's Sky: Unmatched Birdwatching with Middlearth Travel
"My birdwatching and hummingbird experience in Mindo with Middlearth Travel was simply exceptional. The guides' deep knowledge and passion for nature made every moment magical. From the dazzling colors of hummingbirds to the majesty of wild birds, it was an unforgettable adventure. For an authentic connection with wildlife, Middlearth Travel is the gateway to this tropical paradise."
Kerlly Jurado
Fair Travel: book direct • support locals • pay a fair price
Mindo Awaits Me!
Mindo Tour — FAQs
Is it cheaper to book direct than via big platforms?
Usually yes. When you book direct, there are no marketplace commissions. Same tour, better net price and more money stays with local families.
Can we customize the itinerary?
Absolutely. It's a private tour — choose birding focus, photography stops, waterfalls, canopy, chocolate, coffee or tubing.
Is Middlearth a licensed operator?
Yes. We are a registered tour operator in Ecuador (since 2007) and members of local tourism bodies in Pichincha.
What about kids and seniors?
Mindo is family-friendly. We tailor pace and activities to your group's comfort.
