Explore the Untouched Beauty of Mindo, Ecuador: Your Ultimate Guide to a Hidden Paradise

Welcome to our blog about Mindo, Ecuador - a place where nature and adventure blend together to create a magical experience for all visitors. We created this blog to share our love for this hidden paradise with tourists from all over the world.

Mindo is a small town nestled in the cloud forests of Ecuador, located just a few hours away from the bustling city of Quito. The town is known for its rich biodiversity and eco-tourism, offering a range of activities for nature lovers, including bird watching, hiking, zip-lining, and much more. Mindo is home to over 500 species of birds, making it one of the best bird-watching destinations in the world.
Whether you're a solo traveler, a group of friends, or a family looking for an adventure, Mindo has something to offer for everyone. Join us as we take you on a journey to explore the untouched beauty of Mindo, Ecuador.

How to get to Mindo

Mindo is located in the Pichincha region of Ecuador. Here are some options to get to Mindo:

By car: If you are in Quito, you can take the Panamericana Norte highway towards Los Bancos, and then continue on towards Mindo. The trip takes approximately two and a half hours.

By public transportation: You can take a bus from the La Ofelia or Carcelén bus stations in Quito. However, please note that the only bus company that enters the town of Mindo is Cooperativa Flor de Valle. The bus departs from Ofelia station from Monday to Friday at 8am, 9am, 11am, and 4pm, and on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays at 8am, 9am, 11am, 1pm, and 4pm. The trip takes around two hours. On the other hand, buses from Carcelen do not enter the town, so you will need to take a taxi (which is always available) at the town's entrance and pay 3 dollars to enter, or alternatively walk 8 kilometers.

By taxi: You can also hire a taxi in Quito to take you to Mindo. The price is negotiable, but can vary between $40 and $60 USD depending on the distance.

Private tour: If you want a more personalized option, you can hire a private tour from Quito that takes you to Mindo. In this case, you can choose the itinerary and places you want to visit.

In summary, you can get to Mindo by car, public transportation, taxi, or private tour. Choose the option that best suits your needs and budget.

To get back to Quito

You can catch the bus at Flor del Valle Cooperative, which is two blocks away from the main square (picture below). On weekdays, the schedule is at 8am, 9am, 11am, and 4pm, and on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, it runs at 8am, 9am, 11am, 1pm, and 4pm.