MINDO CLOUD
FOREST DAY TRIP
INTINERARY
You’ll be pick-up at 8 am from your hotel. A 2 hour drive will take you to one of the most amazing ecosystems in the Tropical Andes. Surrounded by forested mountains and just a few minutes off the main road, Mindo offers a variety of activities for all interests and tastes. We will start the day with a hike in the Mindo Nambillo Reserve. This is a transitional sub-tropical rainforest that ranges from 950 to 3,500 meters above sea level, where two of the most biologically diverse ecoregions in the world meet: the Chocó lowlands and the Western Tropical Andes. The reserve covers about 22 000 hectares, and is home to an outstanding number of orchid, bird, mammals, insect and reptile species. Three rivers (Mindo, Saloya and Cinto) and hundreds of streams irrigate the landscape. The Nambillo Waterfall Sanctuary is one of the main attractions and invite you to test the refreshing waters of the river. On the way back, it is possible to ride a cable car above the canopy where you’ll have an amazing perspective of the beauty of this unique ecosystem. If you are afraid of heights, it’s possible to walk back instead.
If you are a nature or birding enthusiast, our specialized naturalist and birding guide will take you to different local initiatives and reserves in the Mindo area which will increase your opportunities of wildlife encounters. After a delicious lunch you’ll start your way back to Quito but there is another amazing place to visit: Alambi Cloud Forest Reserve. This is one of the best places in Ecuador to watch hummingbirds at close range. Up to 14 species have been recorded in less than 30 minutes!! You’ll be amazed with the beauty of this winged jewels.
An early pick-up can be arranged if you want to experience the best bird activity and light.
Available add-on option:
Visit the Andean Cock-of-the rock Lek in the afternoon
Visit the Andean Cock-of-the rock Lek in the afternoon
In the afternoon you can add a visit to a LEK of one of the most iconic bird species in the cloud forest; The Andean Cock of the Rock. This species exhibits marked sexual dimorphism, the male has a large disk-like crest and a very unique vivid scarlet plumage. Gatherings of males compete for breeding females with each male displaying its colorful plumage, bobbing and hopping, and making strident calls.
After mating, the female makes a nest under a rocky overhang, incubates the eggs, and rears the young by herself. The Andean cock-of-the-rock eats a diet of fruit, supplemented by insects, amphibians and reptiles. It is distributed all across the cloud forest of the Andes.
If you take this trip extension you’ll be dropped off in your hotel around 6:30 – 7 pm.
Trip considerations
PLEASE NOTE:
This is a sample itinerary subject to change due to weather conditions, safety, and particular interests of guests and groups. Changes and additions are made in order to maximize birding, wilderness enjoyment and cultural interaction with local people.
*Optional early pick-up from 5 am to 6am depending on your interest
$40 USD per person in groups of 1 to 3 includes breakfast
$20 USD per person in groups of 4 or more includes breakfast
*The Andean Cock of the Rock LEK add-on activity in the afternoon adds $35 USD per person
PricING
private tour
- 1 pax $ 290
- 2-3 pax $ 180
- 4 -6 pax $150
- 7-10 pax $110
Pick-up and Drop-off
-Naturalist & Birding Guide
-Private transportation
-Lunch and soft drinks
-All excursions and entrance fees to the reserves
-Tips
-Alcoholic beverages
-Any other item not specified
– Optional Canopy zip-line park, butterfly farm or artisanal chocolate factory tour (available under request)
