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. It belongs to the rural parish of Mindo,
canton San Miguel de Los Bancos, in the province of Pichincha, and has been recognized
internationally as an Important Bird Area (IBA) in the Americas.
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, tubing,
butterfly gardens, chocolate tours, 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 about 80 km northwest of Quito, in the Pichincha region. Here are some options to get there:
By car: If you are in Quito, 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. Please note that the only bus company that enters the town of
Mindo is Cooperativa Flor de Valle. The bus departs from Ofelia station 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. Buses from Carcelén do not
enter the town, so you will need to take a taxi (always available, around $3) at the
town's entrance, 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, choosing your own itinerary and places to visit.
To get back to Quito
You can catch the bus at Flor de Valle Cooperative, two blocks away from the main
square. On weekdays, the schedule is 8am, 9am, 11am, and 4pm, and on Saturdays,
Sundays, and holidays, it runs at 8am, 9am, 11am, 1pm, and 4pm.
What to do in Mindo
The Waterfall Sanctuary trail is one of the most popular routes: a 4.2 km path
connecting seven waterfalls of different heights, a favorite for sustainable tourism
lovers. For hummingbird watching, the Hermit Trail is a newer option where you can
feed them sugar water up close.
Photography and birdwatching enthusiasts should bring binoculars — morning routes
tend to have the strongest bird activity. Mindo also offers horseback riding,
mountain biking, rafting, and canyoning, plus the Eco Ruta del Quinde leading to the
Tulipe ruins.
