🌿🦋 Mindo Cloud Forest Escape – Chocolate, Waterfalls and Wings
Private Tour – 1 to 4 People | 7-8 Hours | Hotel Pickup & Drop-off
🌧️ Descend into Ecuador’s lush cloud forest and discover a world of hummingbirds, waterfalls, butterflies, ziplining, and artisanal chocolate.
🔍 Tour Highlights
🛣️ Scenic Drive from Quito to Mindo – Andes to Forest
Leave the city behind and descend through dramatic changes in elevation and ecosystem. From dry highlands to lush valleys, this drive is a beautiful prelude to your forest escape. Your guide will stop for photo ops and share insights along the way.
🐦 Breakfast & Hummingbirds – Guaycapi Lodge (Entry not included)
Start your morning with a simple local breakfast (fruit, coffee, toast) while observing dozens of colorful hummingbirds feeding around you. A peaceful and intimate way to begin the day. (~$5 per person, 45 min)
🚠 Cable Car Ride & Nambillo Waterfall Hike (Entry not included)
Cross a canyon in an open-air tarabita (cable car) and begin a short trail to the scenic Nambillo Waterfall. You can swim or simply enjoy the sounds of the forest and cool mist. (~$5 per person combo, 1.5 h)
🌲 Zipline Canopy Adventure (Optional) (Not included)
Glide through the forest canopy on a circuit of 10 ziplines. Certified guides and safety gear provided. A thrilling yet safe experience for all ages. (~$20 per person, 1 h)
🦋 Butterfly Garden – Mariposario (Entry not included)
Step inside a dome with more than 1,000 butterflies. Learn about metamorphosis and interact with these delicate creatures in one of Ecuador’s most photographed spots. (~$10 per person, 45 min)
🍽️ Lunch in the Town of Mindo (Not included)
Enjoy a typical Ecuadorian lunch in a family-run restaurant. Choose trout, chicken, or vegetarian dishes with fresh juice. (~$10 per person, 1 h)
🍫 Yumbos Chocolate Tour – Bean to Bar (Entry not included)
Discover the artisanal chocolate-making process from cacao bean to final bar. Includes hands-on tasting of roasted nibs, melted chocolate, and unique flavor infusions. (~$10 per person, 1 h)
🚌 Return to Quito
After a full day of nature, flavor, and fresh air, drive back to the capital with unforgettable memories. Estimated arrival: 5:30–6:00 p.m.
✅ What’s Included
✔️ Private tourist transportation
✔️ Bilingual local guide (English/Spanish)
✔️ Chocolate tasting at Yumbos
✔️ Tour coordination at all stops
✔️ 1 bottled drink (still water, sparkling water, or soda)
❌ Not Included
❌ Entry to breakfast stop, cable car, zipline, butterfly garden, chocolate tour
❌ Lunch
❌ Personal expenses and tips
ℹ️ Additional Information
🕒 Duration: 8–9 hours
🧍♂️ Group: 1 to 4 people (private)
🗣️ Language: English / Spanish
📍 Elevation: ~1,200–1,400 meters
🚶♂️ Easy to moderate hiking involved
🎒 Traveler Recommendations
👜 What to Bring
- Passport or ID
- Insect repellent and sunscreen
- Small cash for entrances and snacks
- Swimsuit and towel (if swimming)
👟 Clothing & Footwear
- Light breathable clothing
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Shoes with grip (for trails and ziplining)
💪 Physical Activity
- Light hiking; optional ziplining
- Waterfall trail may be slippery
- Suitable for most fitness levels
📸 Photography Tips
- Cloudy forest light is ideal for portraits
- Protect your phone/camera from rain or mist
- Great opportunities for macro (butterflies, chocolate, flowers)
📞 Book your private Mindo adventure today and immerse yourself in Ecuador’s natural wonders!