When your friendly guide picks you up from your hotel in Quito, venture out of the city on a 90-minute drive to Mindo, home to almost 50,000 acres of Ecuadorian cloud forest. The Bosque Protector Mindo-Nambillo (Mindo-Nambillo Protected Forest) is an outstanding reserve for 350 species of birds, including the toucan-barbet and the golden-headed quetzal.
Your private tour begins with commentary from your guide, who will share knowledge of the region’s ecology and prepare you for a day of exploration in lush vegetation.
As you leave the urban landscape, immerse yourself in the gorgeous scenery out your window until you arrive in the misty valley and town of Mindo, an eco-friendly base for exploring the region. Then, get ready to embark on a trek through the rainforest with your guide, who will customize the hike to your desired level of difficulty.
Head into the forest, following a foot trail, and stop to learn about the flora and fauna along the way. You’ll cross streams and walk along the riverbank, and pass gorgeous cascades such as Nambillo Waterfall, which reaches a height of 50 feet (15 meters).
Your guide will point out the parrots and hummingbirds, as well as adventurers braving the waters on kayaks and rafts. If you dare, you can dip into the refreshing pools, with temperatures hovering around 64 degrees Fahrenheit (18 degrees Celsius).
Enjoy a packed lunch while surrounded by this natural paradise, before your guide delivers you back to your hotel in Quito.