If you’re looking for unforgettable things to do in Mindo, you’re in the right place. Just two hours from Quito, this lush cloud forest town is famous for its birds, butterflies, orchids, and adventure activities. In this blog, I’ll take you through my recent visit with a friend, highlighting the best experiences you can add to your Ecuador itinerary.
Things to Do in Mindo: A Cloud Forest Escape
Mindo is often called “the town of birds, butterflies, orchids, and adventure.” With more than 400 species of birds and just as many orchids, it’s a dream destination for both nature lovers and families. Adventurous travelers will find canopy tours, canyoning, and tubing, while those seeking a slower pace can enjoy chocolate tastings, butterfly farms, night walks, and (of course) birdwatching.
Staying in Mindo: Las Terrazas Eco-Lodge
We stayed at Las Terrazas, a boutique eco-lodge just outside of town. They upgraded us to top-floor rooms with a sweeping view. Since the rain rolled in that afternoon, we settled into the on-site restaurant for lunch and enjoyed a peaceful start to our stay.
Birdwatching in Mindo
The next morning, our guide picked us up at 6 a.m. for a birdwatching tour. Our first stop was to see thousands of Western Cattle Egrets returning to roost—a sight we had noticed the night before and wanted to learn more about.
I had never done a birding tour before, and my only hope was to see a toucan. Instead, we spotted around 20 species of birds, including several toucans, even a baby poking out of a tree! Other highlights included the Ornate Flycatcher, Masked Trogon, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, Yellow-throated Toucan, and a Roadside Hawk.
Hummingbirds Up Close
After breakfast back at the lodge, we headed into town to visit the hummingbirds at Punto Ornitológico. For a small entrance fee, you’re given sugar water in a bottle cap, and the hummingbirds land right in your hand. At one point, I had six of them at once — it was absolutely magical.
Exploring Orchids in Mindo
Next, we toured the Jardín de Orquídeas, home to about 250 orchid species. Some were so tiny we needed a magnifying glass to see them. Having a guide made all the difference here, pointing out unique details we would have otherwise missed.
A Taste of Chocolate in Mindo
And of course, no trip to Mindo is complete without chocolate. Since my friend Susan and I had both done chocolate tours before, we skipped the tour this time and indulged in rich brownies at Yumbos instead. But if you haven’t taken a chocolate tour yet, I highly recommend it — I tried it on my first trip to Mindo and loved the experience.
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Ready to Plan Your Ecuador Adventure?
From birdwatching at sunrise to chocolate tasting in the afternoon, there are countless things to do in Mindo that make it a must-visit stop just outside Quito. Whether you’re adding it to a Galápagos trip or planning a longer Ecuador journey, I’d love to help design the perfect itinerary for you. Book a consultation today, and let’s start planning your adventure.