Mindo cloud forest

The cloud forest of the inter-Andean region is located in the Mindo Valley where two of the ecoregions with the greatest biological diversity converge: the lowlands of Chocó and the tropical Andes. Practice several sports in the Mindo-Nambillo Ecological Reserve. Watch birds and choose between a zip line adventure or hiking through a waterfall.

Leave Quito early in the morning and head to the northwest of the province of Pichincha. You will travel along the coast road (Mitad del Mundo - Calacalí - Los Bancos) and enjoy the view of the small cities on the highway while witnessing the amazing transformation of the landscape along the way. After about 1 hour and a half, you will arrive at the beautiful parish of Mindo.

Cloud forest Ecuador location: It is located in Mindo at the northwest of Pichincha between the mountains of Mindo and the Cordillera de Nambillo.

Mindo climate: an average temperature is approximately 22 ° C.

Protective forest Mindo Nambillo activities

When you reach the cloud forest of Mindo, you will take a short walk through the town and then go to the butterfly farm and the hummingbird feeders (don't forget the camera).

Then, you can choose the adventure you want:

• Option 1: for the adventurers, the best are the zip lines: 13 zip lines of different lengths ranging from 20 to 400 meters, an adrenaline-laden route that allows an incredible view of the cloud forest. (The price of the activity is not included in the price of the excursion)
• Option 2: enjoy a hiking adventure through the cloud forest towards a waterfall and a walk in the famous "Tarabita" of Mindo (tram). Take your time to observe the natural beauty and diversity of Mindo.
• Take a break and enjoy a local lunch.

Mindo biodiversity

• Visit the Lek del Gallo de la Peña: The lek is a small territory within the cloud forest where around 10 to 15 specimens of the Andean Peña Roosters (Peruvian Rupícola), gather every morning to woo their partner for mating , in a show of pirouettes, singing, jumping, and display of its bright red plumage. In the First of May enclosure, Km 60 on the Calacalí- La Independencia road and in the El Cinto sector, 6 kilometers from the town center of Mindo, there is a small redoubt of forest where these events can be observed, especially by fans of bird watching. (AME, 2012)
• Observation of hummingbirds: The cloud forest of this area offers a variety of climatic floors, therefore a diversification of flora and fauna. In this way, the inhabitants of San Miguel take advantage and offer the possibility to spot hummingbirds of bright and impressive colors and a lightness in their wings. The main sites that offer this activity are the Mindo Lindo Reserve, Sachatamia Lodge, Seventh Paradise Lodge, Nataly Orchid and Butterfly Garden, Cunuco Tourist Center, Mindo Cloud Forest, Mindo Lake, Environmental Education Center, El Carmelo de Mindo, Restorán Mirador del Río Blanco, Mariposas de Mindo, among others. (AME, 2012)
• Orchid Garden: There are orchids where tours are carried out with the support of specialized guides who explain the shapes, characteristics, colors and smells of the different species of orchids. These orchids can be found in the cantonal capital, in the town center of Mindo and the Pueblo Nuevo site, which were created as a local initiative so that visitors can learn about the beauty of the canton. (AME, 2012).
• Butterfly Sighting: Mindo Butterflies, Butterfly Garden, hummingbirds and Nataly orchids, you can appreciate the process of reproduction, life and metamorphosis of these incredible insects from eggs, caterpillar, pupa or chrysalis, until the transformation into butterflies.