Private Mindo Day Tour: Cloud Forest, Nature & Chocolate
Mindo Valley, Ecuador
Discover the Mindo Cloud Forest on a private tour from Quito. Ride a cable car over the forest, visit a butterfly garden, and enjoy a chocolate tasting.
Overview
This full-day guided tour in Mindo, Ecuador, suits nature enthusiasts interested in birds, waterfalls, butterflies, and chocolate production.
Highlights
- Observe diverse hummingbird species and feed them by hand.
- Ride a cable car over the forest canopy and hike to one of Mindo's waterfalls.
- Walk among hundreds of butterflies and learn about their metamorphosis.
- Visit a chocolate factory and taste fine-flavor Ecuadorian cacao.
Description
Begin your visit with a stop at San Tadeo Birding, where you can observe and hand-feed vibrant hummingbirds, ideal for close-up photography.
Next, take the Tarabita cable car for aerial views of the forest canopy. Then explore the Waterfall Sanctuary, which features a network of trails leading to one of seven waterfalls—an ideal place to cool off and relax.
Continue to a butterfly garden where you can walk among hundreds of butterflies and learn about their metamorphosis through an interactive experience in the cloud forest.
For lunch, your bilingual guide will suggest local dining options.
Conclude the day with a guided tour of a chocolate museum, learning the process from cacao tree to chocolate bar, followed by a tasting of Ecuador’s fine-aroma cacao.
Includes
- Private bilingual guide-driver
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from centrally located Quito hotels
- Bottle of purified water
- All entrance fees for San Tadeo Birding, Waterfall Sanctuary & Tarabita, Butterfly Garden, and Yumbo Chocolate (including tasting)
Excludes
- Meals
- Personal expenses
- Hotel pick-up or drop-off outside Quito city limits (additional cost $30–$70 depending on passenger number and location)
Important Information
- Tour involves walking on natural trails; suitable footwear is recommended.
Cancellation Policy
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, and a camera. The best time to visit is during dry weather for easier access to trails and clear views.
