Mindo Cloud Forest Tour | Nature Galapagos

Discover the magic of Ecuador’s cloud forest in Mindo

What is the Mindo Cloud Forest and why visit?

Embark on a Mindo Cloud Forest tour and explore one of Ecuador’s most captivating natural wonders. Located just a few hours from Quito, this lush ecosystem combines tropical vegetation, waterfalls, and mist-covered trails teeming with birds, orchids, and butterflies.

Whether you choose a day trip or a multi-day package with lodging included, a Mindo Cloud Forest tour offers the perfect mix of adventure and tranquility. From birdwatching and chocolate tours to hiking and ziplining, Mindo is the ideal gateway to Ecuador’s cloud forest biodiversity.

Mindo Cloud Forest Tours

Mashpi Lodge | Mindo Ecuador

This Mindo cloud forest tour from Quito is perfect for travelers seeking luxury, biodiversity, and soft adventure in one all-inclusive experience. The Mashpi Lodge program typically includes:

Tulipe Archaeological Site: a cultural stop en route, featuring Yumbo ruins and a taste of local cuisine with fresh empanadas.
Mashpi Lodge: an exclusive ecolodge set deep in the cloud forest, with panoramic glass architecture, sustainable design, and access only for guests.
Nature Excursions: daily guided hikes, birdwatching, and wildlife encounters in one of Ecuador’s richest ecosystems.

Mashpi Lodge | Mindo Ecuador

Mashpi Lodge and adventure, Mindo Ecuador, a Luxury cocoon in the clouds offers tours in ecuadorian rainforest. For more information please click here!

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Tandayapa Cloud Forest | Bellavista Reserve – 2 Day Trip

This two-day escape to Bellavista Reserve is perfect for travelers looking to disconnect in one of Ecuador’s most biodiverse regions. The experience typically includes:

Overnight stay at Bellavista Lodge, a unique ecolodge nestled above the forest canopy, surrounded by hummingbirds and panoramic views.
Birdwatching paradise with access to a 700-hectare private reserve, home to over 330 recorded bird species including tanagers, toucans, and antpittas.
Guided forest hikes on safe, well-marked trails through lush vegetation and cloud-covered landscapes.
All-inclusive experience, with round-trip transportation from Quito, 5 meals, lodging, and bilingual naturalist guides included.

Tandayapa Cloud Forest | Bellavista Reserve – 2 Day Trip

Visit Tandayapa Cloud Forest, Bellavista Reserve offers 2 Day Trips every day! Enjoy the beauty of a hidden paradise, click here for more information!

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1 Day Trip

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Arasha Tropical Forest Resort & Spa

Arasha Tropical Forest Resort & Spa is a luxury eco-retreat immersed in one of the world’s most biodiverse hotspots. This all-inclusive experience blends comfort, nature, and wellness in the heart of Ecuador’s tropical forest. Highlights include:

Elegant, eco-friendly bungalows, designed for total relaxation in a lush and tranquil rainforest setting.
Extraordinary biodiversity, with over 35,000 plant species and more than 250 bird species recorded on-site.
Wellness-focused experiences, including aromatic massages, natural spa treatments, and chocolate therapy.
Interactive eco-workshops and nature-based activities for all ages, from guided walks to wildlife observation.

Arasha Tropical Forest Resort & Spa

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El Carmelo de Mindo | Mindo Ecuador

El Carmelo de Mindo is a family-run lodge nestled in the Mindo-Nambillo cloud forest, offering a peaceful and nature-filled experience in one of South America’s top birdwatching destinations. Highlights include:

Private trails and forest access, with 74 acres of land featuring butterfly gardens, rivers, and panoramic viewpoints.
Diverse activities for all ages, including birdwatching, hiking, fishing, swimming, and cloud forest exploration.
Sustainable tourism values, with a long-standing commitment to conservation since 1994.

Swimming pool with recreational activities in El Carmelo de Mindo

El Carmelo de Mindo | Mindo Ecuador

El Carmelo de Mindo, we would like to invite you to the beauty and the serenity of a lodge nested in the Mindo Nambillo cloudforest. More information here!

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Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve & Lodge Day Trip

Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve offers a full-day nature experience in one of Ecuador’s most iconic birding areas, perfect for wildlife lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Highlights include:

700-hectare private reserve, located at the top of the Tandayapa Valley, known for record-breaking bird counts in the Americas.
Guided nature walk, exploring cloud forest trails while learning about endemic birds, botany, and forest ecology.
World-class birdwatching, with over 330 recorded species including tanagers, toucans, and the elusive Giant Antpitta.
Unique setting, featuring a four-story dome where guests can relax and watch hummingbirds in their natural habitat.

Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve & Lodge Day Trip

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NOTES: ** Price of the tour depends on hotel catergory selected ** Price per person ** Single supplement not included

Why book your Mindo tour with us?

Exploring the Mindo cloud forest Ecuador is a once-in-a-lifetime experience—lush, biodiverse, and full of life. But the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one often comes down to who you travel with. Here’s why booking your Mindo cloud forest tour with us is the best choice:

Local expert guides and flexible itineraries

Our certified naturalist guides are not only experts in the Ecuadorian forest, but also deeply familiar with hidden trails, rare species, and the unique microclimates of the cloud forest Ecuador. From visits to Tandayapa Bird Lodge or the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve and Lodge, to butterfly farms and orchid trails, we adapt every itinerary to your interests—whether that’s bird photography, adventure, or quiet forest walks.

Small group and private tour options

We prioritize immersive experiences with minimal impact. Our tours operate in small groups or fully private formats, allowing deeper exploration of places like Bellavista Cloud Forest, cloud forest lodges in Ecuador, and handpicked ecolodges such as Mindo Ecuador lodges or family-run hotel Mindo accommodations. It’s your journey, your rhythm.

Support sustainable tourism in Ecuador

By booking with us, you’re not only securing a well-organized experience—you’re also supporting conservation efforts and the local economy. We work directly with ecolodges in Ecuador, community-based initiatives, and responsible Ecuador hotels in the cloud forest. Every tour contributes to protecting the fragile ecosystems of the cloud rainforest Ecuador and preserving its beauty for future generations.

Best things to do in Mindo Cloud Forest

A Mindo cloud forest tour isn’t just about admiring the scenery—it’s about living it. This unique ecosystem invites travelers to engage with nature through a variety of immersive activities included in most guided tours. Whether you’re seeking soft adventure, wildlife encounters, or peaceful moments in nature, Mindo has something for everyone.

Birdwatching in Tandayapa and Bellavista: the cloud forest is a birder’s paradise. Guided outings to hotspots like Tandayapa Bird Lodge and Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve and Lodge offer the chance to spot over 300 species, including toucans, quetzals, and hummingbirds—perfect for both beginners and serious birders.
Hiking through primary and secondary forest trails: most tours include short, scenic hikes where expert guides point out endemic flora and fauna. Trails often pass waterfalls, orchid gardens, and panoramic viewpoints that showcase the diversity of the Ecuadorian forest.
Relaxing stays at ecolodges: between excursions, unwind in carefully selected cloud forest lodges Ecuador is known for—such as Mindo Ecuador lodges, boutique hotels in the cloud forest, or a tranquil ecolodge en Ecuador. Many tours combine nature and comfort with spa treatments, gourmet meals, and quiet forest settings.
Night walks and wildlife spotting: after sunset, the forest transforms. Join a night tour to spot frogs, insects, and other nocturnal species that emerge after dark—one of the most magical and surprising parts of the cloud rainforest Ecuador has to offer.

Book your Mindo Cloud Forest experience today

Live the magic of Ecuador’s cloud forest!

Speak with our local travel experts to craft the perfect Mindo experience. Whether you want to spot hummingbirds in Bellavista, hike lush trails to hidden waterfalls, or relax at a peaceful cloud forest lodge in Ecuador, we’ll help design a tour that fits your pace and passions.

Call Us Today!

Wonderful nature experience on Santa Cruz islands in the highlands area. Great to do right after you land - Never did I expect to see huge long neck tortoises that are really old mating. That was a once in a lifetime experience for sure. Well organized with nature guide... read more

bennetts548
February 26, 2025

Trip of a lifetime - This was an experience of a lifetime. I couldn't have dreamt anything better. The Nature Galabagos 360 is the best excursion I have ever done. The trip to Kicking rock... read more

Keith592016
February 8, 2025

Our guide Ozwaldo was amazing - Eight night cruise was amazing due to our guide and great crew
Each and every site was so special and unique, and we learned so much and felt so well... read more taken care of by our guide and crew

ljohnson80435
February 8, 2025
Awesome experience! - The best experience of our life!
I strongly recommend this experience!
It's good also for families with kids, they love the nature.

Road19647587143
October 24, 2024

Amazing, smooth experience -- flexible itinerary - I actually did this trip back in November 2019 and never got around to writing this much-deserved review. Now that I have this Tripadvisor account up and running, I wanted... read more

jeneeng2015
September 13, 2024

Contact our Mindo travel experts for personalized advice

Planning a trip to the Mindo Cloud Forest can feel overwhelming with so many activities and hidden gems to discover. That’s why our Mindo travel experts are here to help!

Whether you need assistance selecting the best tours, advice on the ideal season to visit, or guidance on creating a customized itinerary, our team is ready to provide expert recommendations tailored to your needs.

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Frequently asked questions about Mindo Cloud Forest

How far is Mindo from Quito and how to get there?

Mindo is located northwest of Quito, in the province of Pichincha. The most common ways to reach it are by private transfer, shuttle, or public bus from Quito’s Ofelia Terminal. While the distance is around 80 km, the winding mountain roads make the journey typically last around two hours. Most tours include round–trip transportation from your hotel in Quito.

What wildlife can I see in Mindo Cloud forest?

The Mindo cloud forest is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world. You can expect to see hundreds of bird species—especially hummingbirds, toucans, and tanagers—as well as butterflies, frogs, insects, and possibly even mammals like coatis or the elusive spectacled bear. The region is also rich in orchids and other endemic plants.

Can I visit Mindo on a day trip from Quito?

Yes! Many travelers choose a Mindo cloud forest tour as a full-day excursion from Quito. These tours typically include transportation, guided nature walks, birdwatching, and visits to local attractions like waterfalls, butterfly farms, or chocolate workshops.

What should I pack for my Mindo tour?

We recommend lightweight, breathable clothing, hiking shoes with good grip, a waterproof jacket, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, and a reusable water bottle. For birdwatching or photography tours, don’t forget binoculars, camera gear, and extra batteries.

Are there guided birding tours available year-round?

Absolutely. Mindo is a year–round birdwatching destination, with expert-led tours available every month. While bird activity can vary slightly by season, the region’s rich biodiversity ensures excellent sightings throughout the year—especially in renowned spots like Bellavista Cloud Forest and Tandayapa Bird Lodge.