Mindo Birdwatching Tour
Nestled within the Chocó Andino Biosphere Reserve, Mindo stands as one of South America's premier birdwatching destinations, boasting a remarkable diversity of endemic and migratory species. Just two and a half hours from Quito, its verdant cloud forest offers spectacular opportunities to spot hummingbirds, toucans, barbets, trogons, motmots, manakins, antpittas, and more than 550 other recorded species. Ecuador Eco Adventure has crafted two birdwatching programs tailored to nature lovers and bird enthusiasts of every experience level.
Perfect for travelers short on time but eager to immerse themselves in the cloud forest, this program centers on the Mindo Valley and nearby private reserves renowned for dependable sightings of hummingbirds, tanagers, and Chocó endemics. Guests will explore forest trails, observe mixed feeding flocks, and visit dedicated feeding stations that draw in hummingbirds and toucans up close. The itinerary also includes the chance to witness the breathtaking Cock-of-the-Rock lek display (subject to season). Throughout the trip, guests are accommodated in a comfortable birding lodge and accompanied by a professional, English-speaking naturalist guide.
Birdwatching Highlights:
• Over 200 possible species in a single trip
• Hummingbird gardens with up-close observation
• Native cloud forest trails and endemic Chocó species
• Optional nocturnal birding session
Best suited for: Beginner / intermediate birdwatchers, Quito-based travelers, short wildlife escapes
Mindo Birdwatching Itenerary
DAY 1
- Departure at approximately 11:00 A.M. from Quito to Mindo.
- Entrance to San Tadeo Birding Nature Reserve (1,338 M.A.S.L.) – 1 hour.
- Lunch.
- Arrival at Mindo Wood Cabin.
- Chocolate Tour: Artisanal fine-flavor cacao process, including tasting (45 minutes).
- Dinner and rest.
DAY 2
- Dios Te Dé Reserve & Breakfast at the site.
- Mindo Butterfly Garden (45 minutes).
- Tour around the town of Mindo and souvenir shopping.
- Dinner.
- Guided Night Walk (2 hours).
- Return to the cabin and rest.
DAY 3
- Breakfast at the cabin.
- Tarabita activity, hike along natural trails, and tour to 7 waterfalls (2h 30 min – 3 hours).
- Lunch.
- River Tubing – recreational descent down the river on inflatable tubes.
- Free time.
- Dinner and end of the day.
DAY 4
- Hummingbird Route – San Lorenzo (2h30 min).
- Breakfast.
- Return to the cabin.
- End of activities and return to Quito.
- Departure and end of services.
Price Includes:
– ACTIVITY COSTS
– MEALS (BREAKFAST, LUNCH, AND DINNER)
– ACCOMMODATION
– ROUND-TRIP TRANSPORTATION
– LOCAL TRANSPORTATION WITHIN MINDO
Price does not Include:
- ENTRANCE FEES OR EXTRA ACTIVITIES NOT SPECIFIED IN THE ITINERARY
- ADDITIONAL DRINKS, SNACKS, AND ANY EXTRA CONSUMPTION OUTSIDE THE INCLUDED MEALS.
SOUVENIR PURCHASES, HANDICRAFTS, AND LOCAL PRODUCTS.
- BREAKFAST ON THE FIRST DAY AND LUNCH ON THE FOURTH DAY.
*Please tell us if you are vegan or vegetarian
Mindo Birdwatching Tour Cost
INQUIRIES AND BOOKINGS
