MINDO CLOUD FOREST: Nature & Adventure - Flexible Private Day Tour
Surrounded by forested mountains and just two hours away from Quito, Mindo offers a variety of activities for all interests and tastes. You will start the day with a hike in the Mindo Nambillo Reserve. This is a transitional sub-tropical rainforest where two of the most biologically diverse ecoregions in the world meet: the Chocó lowlands and the Western Tropical Andes. Three rivers (Mindo, Saloya and Cinto) and hundreds of streams irrigate the landscape. The Nambillo Waterfall Sanctuary is one of the main attractions and invite you to test the refreshing waters of the river. Time permitting, once you are done exploring the forest interior, you can choose from several additional activities: Canopy Zip Line Park, Tubbing, Butterfly Farm or the Artisanal Chocolate Factory. These options are available under request, you can pay for the cost of the activity of your choice directly the day of the tour. Talk to you guide about your interest and he will customize the tour accordingly.
Options
Early pick up + Lek visit
Andean Cock of the Rock Lek: Visit the Andean Cock of the Rock Lek in the afternoon
Duration: 4 hours: Early pick up at 5:30 am, and additional visit to the Cock of the Rock Lek in the afternoon- ideal for birdwatchers
Pickup included
What's included in MINDO CLOUD FOREST: Nature & Adventure - Flexible Private Day Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve
Your guide will pick you up from your hotel at 8 am for a scenic 2 hour drive towards the western slopes. Mindo is surrounded by forested mountains and offers a wide variety of activities for all interests and tastes. You'll will start the day with a hike in the Mindo Nambillo Reserve. This is a transitional sub-tropical rainforest also known as cloud forest that ranges from 950 to 2800 m.a.s.l. where 2 of the most biologically diverse ecoregions in the world meet: the Chocó lowlands and the Western Tropical Andes. The reserve is home to an outstanding number of orchid, bird, mammal, insect and reptile species. The Nambillo Waterfall Sanctuary is one of the main attractions and invite you to test the refreshing waters of the river. On the way back, it is possible to ride a cable car above the canopy where you'll have an amazing perspective of the beauty of this unique ecosystem. If you are afraid of heights, it's possible to walk back instead.
Mindo
The town of Mindo is full of options to suit all tastes and interests. Time permitting, once you are done exploring the forest interior, you can opt for one or more of the several additional activities available in the area (entrance fee not included). Talk to your guide about your interests and expectations and he will make sure to run the tour accordingly. You can admire an interactive butterfly farm where you'll witness at close range all the life stages of these wonderful beings; or you can visit a local chocolate factory that processes organically grown cacao, and allows you to participate in the chocolate making process- from plant to bar. If you are in a more adventurous mood, you can choose to go the a Canopy Zip-line Park instead, and enjoy the thrill of exploring the forest from a different perspective or venture down the river in a tubing adventure.
Mindo
Enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant
Inclusions
- Lunch with soft drink
- Private transportation
- Certified, bilingual naturalist guide
- Entrance fee and coffee at Alambi Reserve
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Entrance fees to additional activities (i.e. Canopy Zip Line Park, Butterfly farm, Chocolate tour)
- Service animals allowed
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- A small amount of walking is involved along trails with irregular terrain although if participants require longer hiking trails are available.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Child rate applies only when sharing with 2 paying adults
- Copy of passport of one of the group members is required for billing purposes (local tax exemption)
- Difficulty of the hikes can be adjusted to travelers´ requirements
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Additional Information
Pick up and drop off at your hotel or accommodation in Quito and the airport area are included.
