Mindo birding tour

Personal bird guide with excellent English. High quality birding. Day or multy-day tours. Pick up/drop off from/to Quito. Wonder with the endemic birds of the Choco in Ecuador. Bird photography tours and Ecuador Birds tours around Ecuador.

ecuador birding tour

"Design your bird tour"

All over Ecuador. From tropical rainforest up to Paramo (tree less). Please let us know your tour inquiries.

choco birding tour

"Endemic 1 - one birding day"

1 full day birding with a 4am Quito pick up to see the andean cock of the rock bird lek and late afternoon drop off.

choco birding tour

"Endemic 2 - one birding day"

1 full day birding with a 3am Quito pick up to see the long wattled umbrella bird lek and late afternoon drop off.

highlands birding tour

Choco and Highalnds - two days

2 days birding from 1100m to above the tree line (3700 meters).

ecuador birding tour

"Ecuador birding"

7 days round Ecuador. From tropical rainforest up to Paramo (tree less).

choco birding tour

"Choco birding tour"

4 days birding. Staying in ecolodges. Lower elevation than Quito.

choco birding tour

Bird lek mating - club winged manakin

3 days birding on the Northwestern part of Ecuador.Choco Endemic. Lodging out of Quito.

highlands birding tour

Highlands birding

3 days birding above the tree line (3700 meters). Based in Quito.

Professionals in birding

mindo birding tours

I do enjoy birding since 2005. Our first pioneers in birding like: Audobon Society, Bird Life International, International Conservancy, Cornell University, Paul Greenfield and Robert Ridgely and others, are the ones who seriously made a milestone in Ornithology of Ecuador. Our sincere respect and thanks to all of those who have been working and some they do still work on. Mindobirdingtour.com is just a result of their work. Our passion for birding. Sincerely: Richard Hernandez naturalist and bird guide

A very simple work

  • 100% local encourage
  • We do support/use local bird lodges/sanctuaries
  • We are not a huge multinational
  • Your entrance fee supports
  • Not too much playback
  • Less laser pointer
  • ExploreConserveObserve
  • We leave no trace

mindo birding tour

"Mindo Birding Tour" on Tripadvisor

About richard hernandez - naturalist and bird guide.

mindo birding tour

"The birding experience of a lifetime"

mindo birding tour

"Choco Birding"

mindo birding tour

"Fantastic experience"

mindo birding tours

"Excellent two days tour"

"Ecuador birding tours"

  • Yanacocha and Choco bird tour
  • Antisana and Cotopaxi birding
  • Guango bird & Papallacta tour
  • Mindo bird photography tours
  • 7 days birding Ecuador
  • 4 days Choco birding
  • Antisana birding
  • Endemic bird tour
  • Ecuador bird photography tours

Birding lodges and Reserves

  • MCForest org
  • San Jorge ecolodges
  • Yanacocha reserve
  • Mangaloma area
  • 23 de Junio village
  • Antisana Reserve
  • Yunguilla reserve
  • Santa Lucia reserve
  • Maquipucuna reserve

"Birding Ecuador" - Highlands and Choco - bird tours from Quito

  • Quito airport pick up and drop off services

The Republic of Ecuador in Southamerica is one of the 17 megadiverse groups world wide. The presence of the Andes mountains from North to South forming valleys in between the West and the East Andes chain crossed by the Equator line, makes up different ecosystems both eastern andean slopes and western andean slopes. Nearby the Subtropical Zone of Tandayapa, this hummingbird route, is Mindo Cloud Forest this unique bird area with endemic species of birds and plants is the transition Cloudforest zone from 2,500 meters above the sea level down to 1,000 m. a. s. l. with rain fall of 800 to 2,500 milimeters per year. Ecuador birding tour .

bird watching tours mindo

Birding Tours in Mindo, Ecuador

Welcome to the ultimate birdwatching and birding adventure in Mindo, Ecuador, with Refugio Paz De Las Aves, a family reserve established in 2005 by Angel Paz y Rodrigo Paz dedicated to birdwatching and forest conservation.

Discover the breathtaking landscapes home to over 200 bird species, including Antpittas, toucans, Cock of the Rock, and quetzals, in Mindo, renowned as Ecuador’s premier birding paradise and part of the enchanting cloud forest.

Explore the diverse and vibrant ecosystems of Mindo with our specialized tours, guided by expert tour guides, offering a unique opportunity for sightseeing and exploration throughout the region and various parts of Ecuador.

Book your high-quality, safe, and unforgettable birdwatching tours with us today and experience the best spots for an unparalleled birding adventure in Mindo.

"Birding ways to enjoy in our Mindo Cloud Forest Reserve."

Birding and photography tours in Florida, Ecuador, Costa Rica and Brasil.

HALF DAY TOUR

A spectacular bird with an emerald green head and throat, a brilliant red breast, and a black and white striped tail perches on a mossy branch

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bird watching tours mindo

©Refugio Paz de Las Aves 2022 /  [email protected]  

Contacts us:  EC +593 987253674 (WhatsApp) /.  US +1 619 9194985 (WhatsApp)

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bird watching tours mindo

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Home > Ecuador > Cloud Forest > MINDO BIRDWATCHING TOUR

Mindo Birdwatching Tour

Birding tour.

A Golden Tanager on the Birdwatching Tour in Mindo, Ecuador

  • Last Updated: February 27, 2024

Welcome to the Mindo Birdwatching Tour, a journey that promises an extraordinary opportunity to witness the rich diversity of birdlife in just two immersive hours. Here, you’ll have the chance to spot an impressive 70-90 bird species , chosen from the ca. 550 that inhabit this remarkable region.

Mindo, nestled in the heart of the Ecuadorian Cloud Forest , stands as a premier destination for bird enthusiasts. Its diverse landscapes and flourishing ecosystem create the perfect stage for an incredible range of birds. As you immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Mindo, you’ll be treated to the mesmerizing sight of hummingbirds, tanagers, toucans, woodpeckers, kingfishers , and an array of other remarkable feathered friends.

Spanning a vast expanse of 19,200 hectares within the Mindo-Nambillo Protective Forest , this region is a sanctuary like no other. The significance of Mindo’s birdwatching prowess is underscored by its unwavering participation in the international event “Christmas Bird Count” since 1994. Over the years, this enchanting destination has consistently delivered remarkable results, with bird counts reaching extraordinary heights, including up to 456 species.

Table of Contents

Mindo birdwatching tour: details.

To reach the Punto Ornitológico de Mindo , you’ll need to walk approximately 15 minutes from Mindo’s town center and talk with the owner Alcivar to start the tour:

  • Highlights: Hummingbirds, Tanagers, Toucans, Kingfishers, and between other 70-90 different species.
  • Duration:   2 hours.
  • Opening Hours: 06:00-19:00
  • Tour Schedule: 07:00-09:00
  • Price:  20$ USD. 
  • Agency:  Punto Ornitológico de Mindo .
  • Included on this Tour: Binoculars, Free Coffee, and the option for the owner to lend you his Camera if requested, using your own SD Card.

For more information please get in touch with them at: 

Extra info:

Feeding Hummingbirds: If your interest is solely in observing hummingbirds, you have the option to participate in a Hummingbird feeding session priced at 5$ . During this session, you are free to explore the reserve at your leisure.

Night Tour: They offer a 15$  Night Tour between 7-9 p.m., allowing you to encounter frogs, reptiles, snakes, owls, armadillos, bats, and more . This tour occurs on a separate property but can be easily booked through them. Notably, you may spot around 12-13 frog species, including the famous crystal frogs in four unique varieties.

Bird Paradise Tours: Another company known as Bird Paradise offers birdwatching tours of varying durations, including 1, 3, 7, and 15-day options. These tours provide opportunities to observe remarkable birds such as the Andean Cock of the Rock and the Umbrella bird , along with other unique avian species found in the Mindo area.

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Mindo Birdwatching Tour

Mindo Birdwatching Tour: Curiosities

Diverse Community : Mindo, a diverse community of around 3,000 residents, is a cultural melting pot with 80% involved in tourism.

Biodiversity Hotspot : Located 79km north of Quito, Mindo is a biodiversity hotspot with a consistent temperature of 18-24°C, year-round.

Seasonal Patterns : Mindo experiences a rainy season from December to May, with short afternoon showers, and drier, warmer months from June to November.

Natural Marvel : Nestled in a valley surrounded by the 19,200-hectare Mindo-Nambillo Protective Forest, Mindo hosts over 550 bird species, 200 orchid species , and diverse wildlife.

Birdwatcher’s Paradise : Mindo is globally recognized as a birdwatcher’s haven, actively participating in the “Christmas Bird Count.”

Ideal Elevation : Situated at 1,250 meters, Mindo falls within the perfect range for the cloud forest ecosystem.

Subtropical Climate : With a subtropical climate, Mindo maintains humidity between 60-80%, and the highest rainfall occurs during the rainy season.

Jungle Experience : Surrounded by lush mountains and rivers, Mindo offers a jungle paradise for exploring waterfalls, ziplining, adventure sports, and birdwatching.

Visitor-Friendly : Mindo balances infrastructure for visitors, offering accommodation and dining options for those seeking Ecuador’s unique forests and diverse wildlife.

A Red Headed Barbet on the Punto Ornitológico reserve

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With viator, what should i bring to the mindo birdwatching tour.

  • Sunscreen – Ensure you have a minimum of SPF 50 as the Equator’s sun is more prone to causing burns compared to other regions.
  • Camera – For capturing beautiful bird photos during this tour, I suggest bringing a lens with a focal length of at least 100-400mm. (Pro Tip: If you don’t have a camera, be sure to bring an SD Card; the owner kindly lent me a Canon camera because my 70-200mm lens wouldn’t be very effective on this tour due to the birds being quite distant for a 200mm lens.)
  • Outfit – Wear comfortable, lightweight clothing and sturdy, grippy shoes, as there may be muddy paths, and the weather in Mindo is typically warm. Consider bringing a hat, and if it happens to be chilly, especially around 7 a.m., pack a compact windshell jacket, although you may not need it for an extended period.
  • Mosquito Repellent – Keep in mind that this is a tropical area where mosquitoes are common, so it’s advisable to have mosquito repellent on hand.

A Parrotlet on the Birdwatching Tour in Mindo

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My Experience on the Mindo Birdwatching Tour

Due to my limited time and arriving late at the reserve, I made an arrangement with Alcivar, the owner, to opt for a shorter tour instead of the full 2-hour excursion, for which I believe I paid $15. We proceeded to explore the entire reserve together. During this tour, I had the privilege of witnessing birds with an astonishing array of colors that I had never seen up close before. With my trusty Sony camera equipped with a 70-200mm lens, Alcivar kindly loaned me his Canon camera with a 100-400mm lens, correctly pointing out that my equipment wouldn’t capture the close-up shots I desired, for which I’m immensely grateful.

I inserted my SD card into his camera, and with binoculars in hand, we embarked on a private tour, just the two of us. It was truly remarkable to be in the midst of nature and spot so many different bird species in such a short span. Alcivar possessed an incredible knowledge of their sounds and movements, even identifying them from a distance, leaving me deeply impressed.

A Dragonfly on the Birdwatching Tour in Mindo

My first Birdwatching Tour

At one point, he retrieved a small speaker and used his phone to reproduce the specific sounds of the birds we sought. This innovative approach seemed to draw the birds closer to us, enabling me to capture their images. It was an intriguing experience, unveiling an entirely new world that I had never before had the pleasure of discovering.

After our tour around the premises, we ascended to the top floor of the main house, where our tour had commenced. Here, I had the delightful opportunity to feed and photograph at least 4-5 different types of hummingbirds. These small, fast, and brilliantly colored birds left me fascinated by their charm and beauty. It was an incredible experience that left me captivated.

My journey into the world of nature photography and birdwatching began on that day. As a result, I decided to create a small gallery of photos, each dedicated to a specific bird I had photographed and identified. For fellow birders, I hope you enjoy these photos and find inspiration in the remarkable avian diversity that can be found here. It was truly a fantastic tour, one that left a lasting impression on me.

Punto Ornitológico de Mindo's Entrance

Photo Gallery

Hummingbirds.

A Male White Necked Jacobin Hummingbird on the Birdwatching Tour in Mindo

Other Impressive Birds

A Sunbittern on the Birdwatching Tour in Mindo

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2 thoughts on “MINDO BIRDWATCHING TOUR”

Hi Joao, I am really enjoying your blogs about Ecuador and the Galapágos. Thank you for such an incredible work in organizing all this information (and photos) for the benefit of people like me. I was wondering if you can share more information on places to stay at the Reserve in order to visit the forest. Thanks so much! Cris

Hi Cris, thank you so much for the kind words. I have a ton of information more to write about Mindo, and all the neighbouring reserves after but at the moment I only had the time to do the Birdwatching Tour. When i was there i stayed at CasKaffeSu Hotel and it was really nice, they also served an awesome sweet Trout although a bit too sweet for me but it was a nice mix, and they had a cute rabbit walking around the place. I’ll do a Best Hotels in Mindo article soon, hope you enjoy your time there, the Waterfalls hike, the Marisposario, and the Canopy are also really nice experiences to try there. Have fun!

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Hi, my name is Irman Arias

I have 15 years experience as a birding and nature guide in the Andean Mountians, Amazon Jungle, Cloud Forests and Highlands of Ecuador.

I speak both English and Spanish, searching online you can find many reviews of my work. I was also featured as part of the 'Lonely Planet' guide to Tourism in Ecuador.

Here you can find details of the tours I offer for those who would like to experience the beauty and natural paradise of Ecuador and its wildlife.

Daily Birding Sessions

Cloud forest tour, western andes tour, amazon jungle tour, photographic tour, what my clients say....

Private & personalized tours

Explore the cloudforest, unique places, natural habitat, more time to discover, 2 days tour.

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"Choco Endemic 1"

Pick up at 04:15AM from Quito. Birds are more active in the morning. The kind of tour for beginners/aficionado birdwatching. Easy ad enjoyable tour while discovering birds in the wild. Join us for a fantastic natural bird experience. Not in bird feeders please !

mindo birding tour

"Choco Endemic 2"

Are you a keen bird watcher ? Pick up at 03:00AM early bird call. Looking for the rare ones, average of 60-75 sp. observed !

antisana birding tour

"Antisana birding tour"

Private birding tour to the highlands near Quito. At Antisana Ecological Reserve spectacular chance to watch for the andean condor and other birds like: andean gulls, black chested buzzard eagle, stout/bar winged cinclodes, plumbeous sierra finch, andean coot, caranculated cara cara. The reserve offers unique isolated tundra like area. Best birding on the highlands !

Urb. Biloxi, Quito-Ecuador

02 3064 089

Within Ecuador: WhatsApp/Mobile: 0986193500

From abroad of Ecuador: WhatsApp/Mobile: (011-593-9)86193500

[email protected]

[email protected]

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Mindo birds - please not in feeders - Choco endemic

mindo cloud forest tours

Choco toucan

spotted out at Mindo cloud forest

mindo cloud forest tours

Plate-billed mountain toucan

at Mindo cloud forest

mindo cloud forest tours

Collared Aracari

spottted at Mindo cloud forest

mindo cloud forest tours

Toucan barbet

spotted at Mindo cloud forest

mindo cloud forest tour

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mindo clud forest tour

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mindo cloud forest tours

Velvet-purple coronet

Our agency offers travelers various tours and excursions with destinations all over Ecuador. Browse our website to find your dream tour!

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Mindo Cloud-Forest birding and naturalist tour

bird watching tours mindo

  • Private transportation
  • Entrance fee to San Tadeo feeders
  • Cofee or tea in San Tadeo
  • Birding in Mindo Cloud Forest
  • Entry/Admission - San Tadeo Birding
  • Entry/Admission - Paz de las Aves Bird Refuge
  • Breakfast and lunch
  • Additional activities and expenses
  • We will pick you up and drop off at your hotel.
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

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bird watching tours mindo

  • You'll get picked up See departure details
  • 1 Mindo Stop: 2 hours See details
  • 2 San Tadeo Birding Stop: 60 minutes - Admission included See details
  • 3 Mindo Nambillo Cloud Forest Reserve Stop: 60 minutes See details
  • 4 Paz de las Aves Bird Refuge Stop: 5 hours - Admission included See details
  • You'll return to the starting point

bird watching tours mindo

  • gloriagI3745SQ 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Horseback ride in Cotopaxi It was a beautiful day in Cotopaxi. My guide Christian, had so much information about Ecuador in general and all the volcanoes including Cotopaxi. The horses were well cared for and responded well. The terrain and views are absolutely beautiful! Read more Written January 30, 2024
  • Scottex 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing transfer service! I don’t usually get excited about airport transfers but our transfer was amazing! Our driver Chris was wonderful. He met us exactly as specified. He is a Very safe driver and was very informative and congenial on our drive to the hotel. He spoke perfect English. Highly recommend choosing this transfer. Read more Written December 8, 2023
  • nivaldof51 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great trip !! Excellent !! The best of all is that we are in a private trip, only us and the guide !! Fully recommend !!! Read more Written November 28, 2023
  • Agron B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent!! Must do while in Quito Had an incredible time on this tour with Christian! He was very informative, patient and overall pleasant. We got to visit all the sites listed and truly enjoyed our time! Thank you Christian ! Read more Written October 23, 2023
  • DayTrip39312818815 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good Everything was cool ! Was what I want. Tour guy was really nice. We have many pictures. Quito is really nice place. Read more Written October 20, 2023
  • P6159XZbrandyp 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour! Daniel was an amazing tour guide! We were only in Quito for one day and this tour balanced the history, culture, and beautiful geography. After the fun and informative equator tour, Daniel took us to the cable cars (Telerifico) and was patient with us as we adjusted to the altitude on the hike up to spectacular views! He took the best panoramic picture of us! After that, he took us to a great spot for lunch, old city sites, and chocolate tasting. Finally, he dropped us off at a good spot for shopping in the market. Daniel also had great knowledge of the birds in the area. Highly recommend! Read more Written September 26, 2023
  • I5911VKfranciscol 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Very nice tour! Christian guided us through Quito! We went to La Virgen del Panecillo and also to La Mitad del Mundo. Christian explained a lot of details and the city and even he had the patience to let us go inside the monument even though we decided to go where the original line is at Lat 0°0’00”. Great experience I highly recommend this one Read more Written September 12, 2023
  • taylor_dvm 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent experience I’m a solo female traveler, just to sort that out. I had a brilliant day. We left early for the bird watching. My guide Daniel was fabulous & incredibly knowledgeable. We saw 24 species of birds including 8 species of hummingbirds (both male & female). The hot springs were great, I had a massage. I’d do this again in a heartbeat. Thank you!! Read more Written September 2, 2023
  • 213elleg 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful dose of fresh air, mineral rich waters and hummingbirds Daniel was a great tour guide. He’s a keen birder and his enthusiasm for the bird life was wonderful. The springs were wonderfully relaxing. Lie back in the warm waters and look up and see the stunning surrounds. Read more Written August 31, 2023
  • Trek555144 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Hot Springs are Nicer than Expected Christian was a great tour guide—knew lots about Quito as we drive through it. The Hot Springs were nicer than expected. If you have extra time, book a massage there. The spa area is world class. Read more Written July 20, 2023
  • Silvana B 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nurtured by nature, a walk in the clouds, a massage and thermal bath so very restorative for the body mind and spirit. Top notch guide. He knew where to take you, gave you tips on what to look for, informed you of the various plants and it’s medicinal value. Very educational tour. Read more Written July 18, 2023
  • JamesB905 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent day tour We picked this tour as we wanted to visit Papallacta, but wanted to do so safely. It was a great choice!! Daniel was an excellent driver. Very safe and we felt looked after. He picked us up from our hotel at the time agreed, and gave us some interesting facts about Quito and Ecuador as we drove, was very interesting to find out more. His English was very good (which is great, as we don’t speak much Spanish, to our shame). Drive was just over an hour - up some beautiful mountains , the scenery is stunning. We did the spa first on a Saturday - although I think Daniel may vary this depending on business and the day. The spa - amazing. Price of entry is not included - it was about $25 each. We also paid an extra $50 each for a massage which was well worth it! We had a hot chocolate at the cafe too (lunch was available for those who want it). Surprising recommendation - try the hot chocolate with cheese!!! I did not expect to love it, but surprisingly tasty. We then went to the hummingbird reserve. Originally I wasn’t too fussed by this, not a big bird watcher - but it is amazing. Beautiful birds all around, a glimpse of the Amazon. It’s a great experience. Entry to this was included, so no extra cost. Daniel then drove us back to our hotel where he dropped us, around 3pm. Perfectly safe and reliable. Some tips - it can be rainy in the mountains for the bird reserve, it’s the edge of the rainforest, worth taking a waterproof with you (we didn’t, so couldn’t do the small hike at bird watching). Take some water, I didn’t see many opportunities to get any so would recommend taking some. Maybe take a plastic bag or something to store wet bathing suit after the spa! We didn’t think about this so ended up with a slightly wet bag. Brilliant day trip, well worth it. Read more Written July 15, 2023
  • Excursion25419849643 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great tour! This was such a great way to start my trip. I arrived to Ecuador the same morning of the tour and wasn’t sure if I would make it on time. I was happy to see that they were accommodating. The guide, Daniel, was friendly and informative. He didn’t rush us during the tour and even offered to take our pics. It was a terrific experience. Highly recommend this tour! Read more Written July 7, 2023
  • corozco662 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome guide! Daniel was very informative and a great guide! He accommodated our drop off location and went out of his way to make sure we had a great experience. Read more Written July 4, 2023
  • B5540JMrodb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Outstanding Day The attractions were really spectacular! We especially enjoyed the experiments portion... very interactive. The best part of the day was meeting our tour guide Daniel. Of all the guides we encountered during our stay in Quito, Daniel was by far the most competent, knowledgeable, and informative. 5 stars!! Read more Written June 22, 2023

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bird watching tours mindo

Mindo Cloud-Forest birding and naturalist tour provided by Llamingo Travel

bird watching tours mindo

Day 1: Arrival in Quito

Day 2: Guango

This day we visit the Papallacta Pass, spending most of the day exploring mountain cloud forests, lush Polylepis forests, wind-stunted elfin forests, and the paramo ecosystem (similar to tundra). We will also visit the lodge and hot springs of Papallacta - a paradise for hummingbird lovers and photographers. In the area you can spot up to 14 species of hummingbirds, like the Long-tailed Sylph, Mountain Velvetbreast, Tourmaline Sunangel, Sword-billed Hummingbird, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, and more.

bird watching tours mindo

Day 3: San Isidro

Cabañas San Isidro Lodge and the lush cloud forest reserve, can be reached by paved road from Quito. It’s an amazing place to enjoy the beauty of Ecuador's cloud forest, where you can find magical species such as Bronzy Inca Green Hermit, Green-fronted Lancebill, Wedge-billed Hummingbird, Brown Violetear, Green Violetear, Sparkling Violetear, Tourmaline Sunangel, Speckled Hummingbird and Long-tailed Sylph.

Day 4: Narupa

Narupa Reserve is located in the Napo province in the eastern part of Ecuador, along the road from Narupa to Loreto, in the Amazonian lowlands. This road is often referred to as the Loreto road, and in the area you can spot birds like the Gray-chinned Hermit, White-bearded Hermit, Stripe-throated Hermit, Tawny-bellied Hermit, White-tipped Sicklebill, Wedge-billed Hummingbird, Green-fronted Lancebill, Blue-fronted Lancebill, Gray-breasted Sabrewing, Napo Sabrewing, Lesser Violetear, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Violet-headed Hummingbird, and more.

Day 5: San Isidro / Quito

After long days of work, we will enjoy some rest in the San Isidro Lodge and in the afternoon we will go back to Quito.

Day 6: Yanacocha / Alambi

Start your grand adventure of the day with a visit to the Yanacocha Reserve, situated on the slope of Quito's proximate volcano – Volcan Pichincha. Here, we will walk a trail with fabulous mountain views and a variety of hummingbirds. Look for species like the Golden-breasted Puffleg, Rainbow-bearded Thornbill, Shining Sunbeam, Giant Hummingbird, and the endemic Ecuadorian Hillstar.

bird watching tours mindo

The rare Black-breasted Puffleg is known to breed on the reserve, and with some luck you may catch a glimpse of this small beauty. In small patches of the Polylepis forest, you may find other species like the Tufted Tit-tyrant, Blue-backed Conebill, Superciliaried Hemispingus or one of the colorful mountain-tanagers. We continue on our drive through the old Nono-Mindo road towards Alambi Feeders.

Day 7: Birdwatchers House

This beautiful place is located in the eco-route, at 2100 meters, in a strategic height for hummingbirds and species of the two slopes. We will spend som time in the Birdwatchers House, near the feeders, to have the opportunity of taking pictures of more than 10 species of hummingbirds, such as the Collared Inca, Buff-tailed Coronet, Gorgeted Sunnungel and Hoary Pufleg.

Day 8: Mindo Area

One can be busy for a week in the Mindo area, searching for birds of the western Andean cordillera. This day, your expert tour guide will weave the best plan to see key species of this forest. Perhaps, you will start at the famous streetlight around the lodge, given that the town is well-known for its biodiversity. It has a large number of hummingbirds and you will have the opportunity to photograph the Andean Emerald, Purple-throated Woodstar, White-necked Jacobin, Brown Violetear, Rufous-tailed Hummingbird, and more.

Birdwatching

Mindo Birding

Mindo Birding

Cock of the Rock

Cock of the Rock

Paz de las Aves

Paz de las Aves

Silanche Tower

Silanche Tower

Bellavista

Mindo Bird of Paradise Tours

Mindo SabinaTour

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+59398-659-4965 [email protected] 

Within our category Birdwatching Tours we have the following tours that will demonstrate the beauty and majesty of our Ecuador

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Complete Mindo Birdwatching Tour 4 days 3 nights

Andean choco biosphere birdwatching & photography tour 6 days/ 5 nights, tropical slopes of ecuador birdwatching and naturalist tour 10 days 9 nights, small, safe, private tours, birding in mindo extended tour.

Introduction

SabinaTour Operato We offer customized, profoessional tours for nature lovers in the cloud forest of Mindo, Ecuador. Personalized attention and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of our company. Our knowledgeable guides specialize in small, private tours with your needs in mind. All SabinaTour guides are English-speaking and native to the region and meet our high standars for extensive education, coomunication and excellent customer service.

3 Days/ 2 Nights

DAY 1 - Quito – Yanacocha – Eco Route

6am:  The tour begins with an early morning Quito Hotel pick up and then heading down the western slope towards the Mindo area.

Coffee is served before birdwatching at high altitude Yanacocha Reserve. Enjoy the  Sword-Billed Hummingbird, Scarlet-Bellied Mountain Tanager, Sapphire-Vented Puffleg, Shiny Sunbeam Hummingbirds  just to get the day started.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in the Reserve, and continue along the eco route to Mindo stopping along the way for birdwatching opportunities.

3pm:  Arrive at Casa Divina Lodge. Check in, free afternoon and in-house dinner.

DAY 2 -Paz de Las Aves – Cloud Forest Reserves

5:15am: Andean Cock-of-the-rock  observation at Paz de Las Aves Reserve. Unique opportunity for up close viewing of this rare species in the cotinga family. Coffee and fruit at the bird hide. Continue on after the lek to observe bird species that are difficult to spot.  Ochre-Breasted and Moustached Antpittas,  among others. After breakfast either continue climbing to see higher altitude cloud forest species like the  Plate-Billed Mountain Toucan or the Tanager Finch,  or stop at a few lower elevation feeding stations to observe tanagers like the  Black-chinned Mountain Tanager,  many hummingbirds and possibly the endemic  Toucan Barbet. .

Picnic Lunch on the trail. Afternoon arrival to Casa Divina Lodge.

DAY 3 - Umbrella Bird – Milpe Reserve

5am: Early departure to a small town an hour drive from Mindo, to see the  Long Wattled Umbrella Bird.

Breakfast is provided at the reserve and the day continues with a visit to Milpe Reserve where you may see  Club-Winged Manakin, Rufous Motmot, Green-Crowned Woodnymph,  among other species.

Return to Casa Divina Lodge for in-house lunch and check out.

2pm:  Transfer to Quito hotel, or your next destination.

What’s Included In Your Tour

  • 2 nights lodging at first rate cloud forest lodges, including all taxes.
  • All transportation starting with hotel transfer on day 1 and ending on day 3.
  • All meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 3.
  • All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary.
  • Local, licensed, English-speaking bird watching guide.
  • Purified drinking water.

Not included are the beverages at dinner, tips and any extra activities.

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Your Comfort & Safety Are Our Top Priority

Payment Policy

To confirm your tour a 50% deposit is required. The balance payment is due at least 8 days before your arrival.

Cancellation Policy

Cancelations made more than 30 days before the scheduled arrival date, qualify for a 50% refund of the deposit. Cancelations made less than 30 days before scheduled arrival date do not qualify for a refund but may apply the total deposit to a future reservation of equal or higher value redeemable within one calendar year. Cancelations made less than 8 days before the scheduled date of arrival do not qualify for a refund and 50% of the total payment may be applied to a future tour of equal or higher value within one calendar year.

Complete Mindo Birdwatching Tour

We offer customized, profoessional tours for nature lovers in the cloud forest of Mindo, Ecuador. Personalized attention and excellent customer service are the hallmarks of our company. Our knowledgeable guides specialize in small, private tours with your needs in mind. All SabinaTour guides are English-speaking and native to the region and meet our high standars for extensive education, coomunication and excellent customer service.

4 Days/ 3 Nights

6am: The tour begins with an early morning Quito Hotel pick up and then heading down the western slope towards the Mindo area.

Coffee is served before birdwatching at high altitude Yanacocha Reserve. Enjoy the Sword-Billed Hummingbird, Scarlet-Bellied Mountain Tanager, Sapphire-Vented Puffleg, Shiny Sunbeam Hummingbirds just to get the day started.

3pm: Arrive at Casa Divina Lodge. Check in, free afternoon and in-house dinner.

DAY 2 - Mindo – San Lorenzo Ridge

Birdwatching and coffee on the Observation Deck at Casa Divina Lodge. Continuing on to the trails of Casa Divina Reserve until breakfast.

After breakfast head out to the San Lorenzo Ridge to spot where it’s possible to see a variety of toucans: the endemic Choco Toucan, Chestnut- Mandibled Toucan, Rufous Motmot, Guayaquil Woodpecker, Blue-Necked Tanager are often spotted along this route. Sack lunch on the trail.

Afternoon Return to Casa Divina Dinner at Casa Divina Lodge

DAY 3 - Paz de Las Aves – Cloud Forest Reserves

5:15am : Andean Cock-of-the-rock observation at Paz de Las Aves Reserve. Unique opportunity for up close viewing of this rare species in the cotinga family. Coffee and fruit at the bird hide. Continue on after the lek to observe bird species that are difficult to spot. Ochre-Breasted and Moustached Antpittas, among others. After breakfast either continue climbing to see higher altitude cloud forest species like the Plate-Billed Mountain Toucan or the Tanager Finch , or stop at a few lower elevation feeding stations to observe tanagers like the Black-chinned Mountain Tanager , many hummingbirds and possibly the endemic Toucan Barbet .

Dinner at Casa Divina Lodge.

Rio Silanche:

5:30am  Early morning departure to lower elevation reserve where a picnic breakfast will be served while birdwatching at tree level on the Rio Silanche Tower.

A few species that might be seen are: Black- Cheeked Woodpecker, Scarlet-Breasted Dacnis, Orange-Fronted Barbet, White-Bearded Manakin, Blue-tailed Trogon, White-tailed Trogon. After the tower observation there are some nature trails for continued birdwatching.

2pm:  Transfer to Quito hotel, or your next destination.

Umbrella Bird – Milpe Reserve:

5am:  Early departure to a small town an hour drive from Mindo, to see the Long Wattled Umbrella Bird.

Breakfast is provided at the reserve and the day continues with a visit to Milpe Reserve where you may see Club-Winged Manakin, Rufous Motmot, Green-Crowned Woodnymph, among other species.

  • 3 nights lodging at first rate cloud forest lodges, including all taxes.
  • All transportation starting with hotel transfer on day 1 and ending on day 4.
  • All meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 4.

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Andean choco biosphere birdwatching & photography tour.

6 Days/ 5 Nights

6am:  The tour begins with an early morning Quito Hotel pick up and then heading down the western slope towards the Mindo area.

3pm:  Arrive at Casa Divina Lodge. Check in, free afternoon and in-house dinner.

DAY 3 - Rio Silanche Reserve and Tower

5am  Early morning departure to lower elevation reserve where a picnic breakfast will be served while birdwatching at tree level on the Rio Silanche Tower. A few species that might be seen are: Black- Cheeked Woodpecker, Scarlet-Breasted Dacnis, Orange-Fronted Barbet, White-Bearded Manakin, Blue-tailed Trogon, White-tailed Trogon.

After the tower observation there are some nature trails for continued birdwatching. Picnic Lunch at the reserve.

Afternoon return to Casa Divina Lodge. Dinner at Casa Divina Lodge.

DAY 4 - Paz de Las Aves – Cloud Forest Reserves

5:15am :  Andean Cock-of-the-rock  observation at Paz de Las Aves Reserve. Unique opportunity for up close viewing of this rare species in the cotinga family. Coffee and fruit at the bird hide. Continue on after the lek to observe bird species that are difficult to spot.  Ochre-Breasted and Moustached Antpittas,  among others. After breakfast either continue climbing to see higher altitude cloud forest species like the  Plate-Billed Mountain  Toucan  or the  Tanager Finch , or stop at a few lower elevation feeding stations to observe tanagers like the  Black-chinned Mountain Tanager , many hummingbirds and possibly the endemic  Toucan Barbet . Picnic Lunch on the trail.

DAY 5 - Amagusa Reserve

5am Depart for Amagusa Reserve. Sack Breakfast included to eat at feeders at Amagusa Reserve.

This is a very unique reserve located northeast of Mindo. At about the same the altitude as the valley of Mindo, Amagusa Reserve boasts many different endemic Choco Andino species like  Golden-

Collared Flower-Piercer, Glistening-Green Tanager, Moss-Backed Tanager, Indigo Flower- Piercer . Picnic lunch on the trail.

  • 5 nights lodging at Casa Divina Lodge, including all taxes
  • All transportation starting with hotel transfer on day 1 and ending on day 6.
  • All meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 6.

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Tropical Slopes of Ecuador Birdwatching and Naturalist Tour

10 Days/ 9 Nights

DAY 1 – Western Slope - High Elevation Cloud Forest Quito – Yanacocha – Mindo

6am:  The tour begins with an early morning Quito Hotel pick up and then heading down the western slope towards the Mindo area. Coffee is served before birdwatching at high altitude Yanacocha Reserve.

Enjoy the Sword-Billed Hummingbird, Scarlet- Bellied Mountain Tanager, Sapphire-Vented Puffleg, Shiny Sunbeam Hummingbirds just to get the day started. Lunch at Yanacocha Reserve. Continue along the eco route to Mindo stopping along the way for birdwatching opportunities. 4pm:  Arrive Casa Divina Lodge. Dinner and Lodging at Casa Divina Lodge.

DAY 2 - Mindo – Casa Divina Reserve – San Lorenzo Ridge

Birdwatching and coffee on the Observation Deck at Casa Divina Lodge. Continuing on to the trails of  Casa Divina  Reserve until breakfast. After breakfast head out to the San Lorenzo Ridge to spot where it’s possible to see a variety of toucans: the endemic Choco Toucan, Chestnut-Mandibled Toucan, Rufous Motmot, Guayaquil Woodpecker, Blue-Necked Tanager are often spotted along this route. Sack lunch on the trail. Afternoon Return to Casa Divina. Dinner and lodging at  Casa Divina Lodge .

DAY 3 - Cock-of-the-Rock Lek and Cloud Forest Reserves

5:15am: Early morning departure.  Andean Cock-of- the-rock  observation at Paz de Las Aves Reserve.

Continue on after the lek to observe bird species that are difficult to spot.  Ochre-reasted and Moustached Antpittas , among others. Country breakfast at the reserve observation area. After breakfast either continue climbing to see higher altitude cloud forest species like the  Plate-Billed Mountain Toucan  or the  Tanager Finch , or stop at a few lower elevation feeding stations to observe tanagers like the  Black-chinned Mountain Tanager , many hummingbirds and possibly the endemic  Toucan Barbet . Picnic Lunch on the trail.

Afternoon return to Casa Divina Lodge.

Dinner and lodging at Casa Divina Lodge.

DAY 4 - Rio Silanche Reserve and Tower

5:30am  Early morning departure to lower elevation reserve where a picnic breakfast will be served while birdwatching at tree level on the Rio Silanche Tower.

A few species that might be seen are:  Black- Cheeked Woodpecker, Scarlet-Breasted Dacnis, Orange-Fronted Barbet, White-Bearded Manakin, Blue-tailed Trogon, White-tailed Trogon.  After the tower observation there are some nature trails for continued birdwatching. Picnic Lunch at the reserve.

DAY 5 - Amagusa Reserve – Oilbird Cave

5:30am  Early morning departure to the northernmost reserve on this tour located in the Choco Andean Corridor. Picnic breakfast at Amagusa Reserva feeding station where hummingbirds and tropical tanagers abound.

Orange-Breasted Fruiteater, Moss-Backed Tanager, Glistening-Green Tanager, Black Solitary  are but a few of the fantastic species you’ll be able to spot at this special reserve. Explore the cloud forest while walking the reserve trails. Continue on to the Oilbird cave where dozens of individuals can be spotted together in this very unique environment. Country lunch served at the reserve.

DAY 6 - Umbrella Bird / Milpe Reserve – Continue on to Eastern Slope

Option 1:   Umbrella Bird Reserve 5am  Early morning departure. Observe the unusual sounds and sights of the  Long-Wattled Umbrella Bird . Country breakfast after observation. Possible to spot the Red-billed Parrot, Bronze-winged Parrot, Beryl-spangled Tanager, Laughing Falcon.

Option 2: Milpe Reserve 6am  Departure. Beautiful reserve managed by a local conservation foundation. Easy flat trails. Picnic breakfast at Reserve. Hummingbird and Tanager feeder observation.  Club- winged Manakin, Golden-headed Quetzal, Collared Aracari, Green Thorntail Hummingbird, Crowned Woodnymph Hummingbird.

Return to  Casa Divina Lodge  for In-House Lunch. Check out at  Casa Divina Lodge .

2pm  Depart for Eastern Slope.

Arrive at a cloud forest reserve on the eastern slope of Ecuador to a charming lodge nestled along the Papallacta River.

Dinner and lodging at high elevation eastern slope reserve.

DAY 7 - Eastern Slope High Elevation Cloud Forest Reserve

6am:   Start the day enjoying a wonderful variety of hummingbirds at the feeders. Breakfast at the lodge followed by birdwatching on the reserve trails.

Possible to spot  Tourmaline Sunangel, Collared Inca,  Buff-winged Starfrontlet Hummingbirds.  The Torrent Duck is often spotted along the Papallacta River.

Catch the  Cinnamon Flycatcher  and the  Black-Crested Warbler  as well. Lunch at the lodge. Depart for lower elevation reserve.

Dinner and lodging at lower elevation cloud forest lodge.

After dinner search for the San Isidro Owl.

DAY 8 - Lower Elevation Cloud Forest Reserves

6am:  Birdwatching at lower elevation cloud forest reserve. Breakfast at the lodge and trail exploration in the eserve. Bird watching does not disappoint here. Spot the  Green Jay, Chestnut-breasted Coronet, Long-tailed Sylph, Gorgeted Woodstar, Montane Foliage-gleaner.  After lunch continue on to our final cloud forest lodge where the sub tropical humid forest meets the upper amazon. Afternoon Hummingbird observation at reserve feeders like Wire-crested Thorntail, Napo Sabrewing, Violet-headed Hummingbird.

Dinner and lodging at upper Amazon lodge.

DAY 9 - Full Day Upper Amazon

6am:  Full day of birdwatching at Upper Amazon Reserve. There are many trails to choose from in order to see fabulous eastern slope species  Golden-collared Toucanet, Gilded Barbet, Chestnut-fronted Macaw.

Lunch and Dinner at upper Amazon Lodge.

After dinner look for the Band-bellied Owl.

DAY 10 - Upper Amazon – Quito. End of Tour.

6am:  Breakfast followed by birdwatching at upper amazon reserve. Opportunities to observe  Black- breasted Mango, Ecuadorian Piedtail, Gould’s  Jewelfront Hummingbirds.  Sometimes it’s possible to see the  Plain-backed Antpitta, Short-tailed Anthrush, White- crowned Manakin, Spotted Tanager.  Lunch at lodge.

Time to say goodbye to magical cloud forest of Ecuador.

2pm:  Depart for Quito or next destination. End of Tour.

  • 9 nights lodging at first rate cloud forest lodged, including all taxes.
  • All transportation starting with hotel transfer on day 1 and ending on day 10.
  • All meals from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 10.
  • Local, licensed, English-speaking bird watching and naturalist guide.

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Bird Watching Guide and Seasons for Mindo Cloud Forest in Ecuador

Bird Watching Guide and Seasons for Mindo Cloud Forest in Ecuador

Ecuador

When Is the Best Time

Mindo in Ecuador is the hotspot for birdwatchers from around the world. Mindo is exceptional, breathtaking, a Must-Visit place and the capital city for birding with more than 500 different species. However, with estimated 200.000 visitors annually, it is still not overrun more an insider tip.

Toucan Barbet sitting on a branch

We spent three nights here and spotted more birds than ever in our life. If you travel to Quito, don't miss out on this unique place for birding. The area of Mindo is either privately owned or protected in the Mindo Nambillo Ecological Reserve. The residents of Mindo treasure and protect the valuable cloud forests and their inhabitants the birds.

Hummingbird in blue and green having the tongue outside in Mindo

Get to know the ultimate time, which tours you should not miss in the area, where to stay, and how to get there. Scroll down to see all the fantastic pictures - all taken by us. 

A rufous-tailed hummingbird sitting on a huge leaf

The best time for birding in Mindo is during the rainy season. The best months are December to April, while the birds are more abundant (migratory birds) and active. Due to the high food supply, birds start mating and nesting.

A zoom photo of a green, blue, and yellow shimmering hummingbird on a branch

The dry season is pretty short, from June until the beginning of October. The driest months are June to August but expect precipitation even during the driest months.

Squirrel-Cuckoo with its long tail in the tree

Due to the proximity to the equator, the sunrise and sunset don’t change much. It’s always roughly around 6 in the morning and evening. Night temperatures are around 15°C/59°F and below due to the high elevation. Day temperatures are, on average, about 20°C/ 68°F and can climb up to 25°C. There is high humidity throughout the year.

Rainy Season

A hiker with rain poncho walking through the rain forest

The rainy season is the birdwatching season , and it already starts in October and lasts until mid-May or even June. Generally, it pours down from the afternoon until the next morning, but it also can rain the entire day. The average annual rainfall of 2.500 mm is pretty high. 

Mosquitos in Mindo

Two different hummingbird species on branches

Usually, the rainy season is the mozzie season, but due to the location at a high elevation, mosquitoes do not occur, and therefore malaria is not an issue here which is a big advantage for birding in Mindo.

Avoiding Crowds

Big MINDO letters with birds painted on it

Mindo is a popular weekend escape for people from vibrant Quito. Avoid weekends and public holidays like Carnival and Easter. The rest of the time, it isn't too busy here. 

Two Andean cock-of-the-rock birds

Recommend Tours

To be on the safe side if travelling alone, I highly recommend a guided tour by GetYourGuide either for a long day trip or for two days. Usually, most birds can be spotted in the early morning and evening therefore, I prefer to stay overnight. 

Thx for booking via my website! With your support, I am able to provide all information first-hand. Tour prices are at no extra cost!

Best Months to Visit

Related Topics

Location and Tips

Ecuador

Mindo is a small town on the western slopes of volcano Pichincha at roughly 1200 to 1300 m/ around 4000 ft altitude. It has about 3000 inhabitants and is packed with hostels and lodges. Some offer a birdwatching area where birds get attracted to bananas and hummingbird feeders. Already here, you can spot plenty of colourful birds.

Ochre-breasted Antpitta sitting on the forest floor.

Mindo is famous for birdwatchers from all over the world. The Andean cloud forest elevations range from 900 to 2.500 m/ 3000-8000 ft above sea level, and different birds can be spotted depending on the elevation.

A bromelia at a tree in the rainforest

The region is a biodiversity hotspot and has international importance for birds and orchids, bromeliads, and epiphytes. It is part of the Choco Andean rainforest corridor, a project to protect the forests from the constant threat of logging and mining.

Booted Racket-tail Hummingbird at a feeder station

There is an entrance fee almost everywhere for hiking and birdwatching and also quite often for a guide. The advantage is due to the fee, more reserves were developed, and areas got protected by the locals.

Red-headed barbet eating pieces of a banana

Although mining companies try to buy land here in the region, the residents fight back and need your support. The locals need an income, and the entrance fees are reasonable compared to prices in Europe or North America.

Guided Birdwatching and Cloud Forest Trips

Rufous Motmot sitting on a branch in the rain

Several operators in the town of Mindo offer guided tours. These are the ones you shouldn't miss:

Quetzal sitting on a branch

To spot the famous Andean cock-of-the-rock, the Quetzal, Crimson-rumped Toucanet, different Antpitta species, the Toucan Barbet, hummingbirds with a long tail; the Violet-tailed Sylph and the Booted tacket-tail, you must book a guided tour in the Angel Paz Reserve  (no affiliate link, just my tip) or stay in the Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve .

Long-tailed sylph sitting on a branch

Both areas are located at a higher altitude, the reason for utterly different bird species, most of them rare to spot.

Giant Antpitta on the forest floor

Tip: Often, you only get the Cock-of-the-rock tour offered, which lasts a maximum of 2 hours and is fantastic, however, try to ask for the Antpittas and breakfast afterwards at the owner's lodge.

This guide is calling the antpittas

This tour lasted almost 6 hours and was one of the best birdwatching trips ever. You get your breakfast or, better early lunch outside with hummingbirds, tanagers, and many other birds around you. Food simply becomes a secondary matter here.

Blue-winged Mountain-Tanager on a branch in the cloud forest

To experience the natural beauty of a cloud forest without any crowds, contact Luis of the Rio Bravo Reserve. It is located after Nambillo at the very end of the gravel road, and he is one of the owners.

Cascada La Esperanza in a private cloud forest reserve

His uncle bought the forest with beautiful waterfalls in the '80s, a famous boxer from Uruguay. Luis guides you inside the reserve and prepares one of the best natural lemonades for you. There is even a possibility of camping if you request it in advance. You get there best by taxi, and it's roughly 9 km, always uphill from the river to the reserve gate.

Where to Stay in Mindo

The restaurant and kitchen building of La Roulotte

There are plenty of accommodations in Mindo. We got the La Roulotte recommended from our hostel in Quito. We had an excellent stay and felt utterly safe here in one of the gipsy wagons. 

A blue wooden gigsy wagon

Low Budget ;  La Roulotte;  is run by Ignacio, an attentive and lovely staff and a fantastic chef from Switzerland. The accommodations are six gipsy wagons similar to cabins with two big bunk beds, a bath, and an oven.

The breakfast in La Roulotte

After a hike through the lush cloud forest in the rain, we got our clothes dried with the oven. They contacted Luis for us for an awesome cloud forest walk.

Bird Watching area with hummingbird feeders

Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve ; The ultimate lodge for bird watching, which has been run by a Columbian-British couple since 1991. The lodge is located inside the reserve at a higher altitude. Their guides are experienced and super friendly (one guide is a woman with immense knowledge, a charming person), comfortable rooms, delicious meals, and the guides speak different languages. Of course, 

How to Get to Mindo

The bus with guests from Quito to Mindo

  • You can get there by taxi from Quito, which is much faster and more convenient, but prices increased due to gas shortage in 2022 - fee about $80 one way.
  • Book a two-day guided tour and spend a night in Mindo by GetYourGuide , which is the safest option. Birds are more active and frequently spotted in the evening and morning.
  • Or take the bus, which we did. The bus is the cheapest option but watch your luggage. The drive to Mindo takes about 2 hours by bus. The busses from the company Flor de Valle frequently depart from Terrestre Norte, station La Ofelia daily. Ask for the exact dates in your hostel or hotel. You can't get a round-trip ticket. When leaving Mindo, arrive early to get your return ticket before they are sold out, and you have to wait for the next bus. Each ticket has a seat number. Try to sit on the right side to Mindo, that's more scenic and back to Quito on the left. The bus ticket price is roughly $5.

Attention: Carry all your valuables and your luggage, best a backpack with you. One guest's jacket got "lost" on the way back to Quito. We left most of our luggage in Quito and travelled with a backpack which we put between our legs. Not comfortable, but nothing got lost.

Is it Worth Going to Mindo

Hummingbird feeder with four hummingbirds

It is a paradise for bird watching even if you travel low budget. Yes, Mindo is definitely a reason to travel to Ecuador. Some guided tours are more expensive, but these are the ones where you spot the rare Andean cock-of-the-rock or the Antpittas as we did.

A brown type of heron.

Markus and I took all these pictures during our trip through Ecuador, and I have many more. Please get in touch with me if you wish to use any of our pictures, but I will take action against picture theft.

Why Are Hummingbirds Colourful

Two green hummingbirds at a bird feeder.

There is a good reason for their dazzling colours. Hummingbirds have an excellent colour vision to find bright, colourful flowers with nectar. But most important male hummingbirds are extremely colourful to attract females for mating. Males perform their acrobatic flights, which takes a lot of energy from them, but it is given her clues about his health and fitness.

Please get in touch with me if you wish to use any of my photos, but I will take action against picture theft!

Mindo

Birding Northern Ecuador – The Birds of Mindo

Go to all blogs | neotropical birding blogs | birding tours in the neotropics   | ecuador birding tours  , northern ecuador birding paradise   |   all our birding tours,  posted on 11 june 2021.

Andy Walker provides some highlights from his 2019 northern Ecuador birding trip.

I have been lucky to live and bird (and lead birdwatching tours and guide at lodges) in several countries in the Neotropics , such as in Costa Rica , Peru , Panama , Brazil , and Colombia , but for one reason or another (too busy guiding in Europe , Asia , and Australasia mainly!), I had never made it to Ecuador . That was until I had a gap in my schedule after taking part in the 2019 Biggest Week in American Birding (BWIAB), in Ohio, USA. I had a few weeks to play with so I got in touch with our South American experts Eduardo Ormaeche and Galo Real to start planning something special. We decided the best course of action would be to split the time up to cover the north and south of the country, targeting a few key sites and birding areas as well as dropping into the famed Ecuadorian Amazon . Unfortunately, I did not have time to include a trip across to the Galapagos Islands , but plan to do that when I am able to return. I had just purchased a new camera at the BWIAB, so I was looking forward to learning how to use it in Ecuador – it was a steep learning curve but the photo opportunities I had on this trip were amazing, particularly in the north!

This blog post will highlight some of the areas I birded in northern Ecuador and show some of the amazing birds I was able to observe. I will put together some other blog posts on the south and Amazon birding adventures soon too.

Northern Ecuador offers the chance to see some spectacular and highly sought-after species such as Andean Cock-of-the-rock , Andean Condor , Sword-billed Hummingbird , Giant Hummingbird , Torrent Duck , Dark-backed Wood Quail , Toucan Barbet , Plate-billed Mountain Toucan , Golden-headed Quetzal , Crested Quetzal , Giant Antpitta , Rufous-crowned Antpitta (the famous Pittasoma!), Scarlet-breasted Fruiteater , Ocellated Tapaculo , Tanager Finch , and Oilbird . Additionally the numbers of tanagers, hummingbirds, toucans, trogons, and other spectacular birds in this area is crazy, the density of birds really is something to behold. The area is excellent if you are looking for Ecuadorian specials and great if you are looking for awesome views of amazing birds.

I spent my time birding in northern Ecuador based out of Mindo, and birded the famous Tandayapa Valley, Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve, Amagusa Reserve (Mashpi), Milpe Bird Sanctuary, and Refugio Paz de las Aves. Mindo is a great place to be based, only a couple of hours from Ecuador’s capital city of Quito, where I also enjoyed exploring, some wonderful museums and restaurants.

The route from Quito to Mindo passes through some amazing birding areas and so journeys were broken up to allow for a bit of extra birding (e.g. the famous Yanacocha Reserve). I cannot emphasis enough just how birdy this area is. Over the course of a week around the Mindo area – mainly sat enjoying the hummingbird and fruit-feeder set up, and some very gentle hikes in neighboring forests, I found around 200 species (including many Chocó endemics ) and managed to get some nice photos of so many quality birds.

Below are some photographs of some of the interesting birds that I managed to find.

Andean Cock-of-the-rock , Rupicola peruvianus – One of the most spectacular birds in the world and one of the most iconic birds of the Andes where it is found in cloudforest at middle elevations. I was thrilled to get to watch these noisy members of the Cotinga family displaying on their lek near Mindo in the early mornings. The males are brilliant crimson or orange with black wings, obvious silver tertials and a short, rounded crest. For many this is a “bucket-list” bird and it is easy to see why.

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Rufous-crowned Antpitta , Pittasoma rufopileatum – One of two members of the highly sought-after, rare and secretive Pittasoma genus of antpittas. I was so thrilled to get this bird to complete my Pittasoma list after seeing Black-crowned Antpitta in Costa Rica previously. This chunky, nearly tailless bird, is found in lowland and foothill rainforest. I enjoyed several other antpittas while around Mindo, including Yellow-breasted Antpitta , Ochre-breasted Antpitta , Chestnut-crowned Antpitta , and Tawny Antpitta . Unfortunately, I missed out on seeing Giant Antpitta and Moustached Antpitta , but it gives me a great reason to go back!

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Plate-billed Mountain Toucan , Andigena laminirostris – An iconic and colorful toucan of the Andean cloudforest in Ecuador and southern Colombia (it is a Chocó endemic ). They are usually encountered in pairs or small groups that move through the forest canopy. Around Mindo there are a few sites where these spectacular birds come to feeders, allowing for fantastic close views. Several other toucans were also found in the area and all gave great views too, like Crimson-rumped Toucanet and Yellow-throated Toucan .

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Toucan Barbet , Semnornis ramphastinus – One of two members of the Toucan Barbets family (the other being Prong-billed Barbet , a Chiriqui endemic found in Costa Rica and Panama). This is always one of those iconic birds that people want to see, and I was pleased to get some excellent views of several of them during my trip. It is found in northwest Ecuador and western Colombia and is a Chocó endemic .

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Orange-breasted Fruiteater , Pipreola jucunda – A personal milestone bird for me as it was my 5,000 th world bird. A pleasing bird for this personal landmark as it has a relatively restricted range in western Ecuador and Colombia (another Chocó endemic ) where it is found in the cloudforest in the western Andes, and it is a stunning bird visually too!

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Sword-billed Hummingbird , Ensifera ensifera – One of the craziest birds in the world, I’d enjoyed seeing this species in Peru and Colombia but was very happy to see it again in northern Ecuador. This bird is unmistakable, it has the longest bill in relation to its body size of any bird in the world. It occurs in montane forest and forest edges, where it feeds from long, tubular flowers. It also visits feeders, which is an interesting sight! Ecuador is fantastic for hummingbirds, there are so many feeders all over the place (and lots of gardens for a more natural look) and great views of many species are guaranteed including Violet-tailed Sylph , Velvet-purple Coronet , White-booted Racket-tail , Buff-winged Starfrontlet , Crowned Woodnymph , Great Sapphirewing , Lesser Violetear , Purple-throated Woodstar , Sapphire-vented Puffleg , Shining Sunbeam , Tyrian Metaltail , and Purple-bibbed Whitetip .

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Blue-winged Mountain Tanager , Anisognathus somptuosus – A giant of a tanager and one of so many different tanagers that gave such fantastic and prolonged close-up views during my time in northern Ecuador. The tanager experience in this part of South America is one that really needs to be seen to be believed. Everywhere you go there are seemingly endless flocks of colorful tanagers, they love the feeding stations. It is a veritable riot of color! Some of the other tanager species I enjoyed here included Golden Tanager , Flame-faced Tanager , Glistening-green Tanager , Moss-backed Tanager , Black-chested Mountain Tanager , Black-capped Tanager , Golden-naped Tanager , Rufous-throated Tanager , Silver-throated Tanager , Green Honeycreeper , and Golden-collared Honeycreeper .

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Ornate Flycatcher , Myiotriccus ornatus – A gorgeous, plump, small flycatcher that can be rather conspicuous perched low down in forest clearings and along the roadside. It is fairly common in the foothills and subtropical zone from Colombia south to Bolivia. I was really pleased to get such nice views of this bird as they had eluded my camera when I had seen them before! The while lores (or “headlights”) really stand out.

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Dark-backed Wood Quail , Odontophorus melanonotus – Found only in northwest Ecuador and the extreme southwest of Colombia (a Chocó endemic ). Usually a difficult species to observe but at Refugio de las Aves near Mindo a small covey come to feeders, allowing a wonderful opportunity to get to grips with this rare species. A really nice bonus bird on my trip.

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Masked Flowerpiercer , Diglossa cyanea – A common and widespread bird found above 6,500 feet (c.2,000 meters) in the Andes from Venezuela to Bolivia where it feeds on fruit, nectar, and insects. Occasionally dropping down to hummingbird feeders. A really attractive blue bird with black mask and striking red eye and typical flowerpiercer bill (upturned with a hook at the tip).

northern-ecuador-birding

The above is really just a small sample of some of the great birds that I saw and managed to get photos of, there were so many more too! Northern Ecuador really is one of the best birding destinations I’ve visited in the Neotropics. The ease of the birding at times was really refreshing, the views of the birds was at times mind-boggling, and the whole feel of the places was wonderful and really birdy. To have so many hummingbirds and tanagers repeatedly within arm’s reach was a magical experience. Ecuador does ecotourism and avian tourism the right way and it is paradise if you like these amazing birds.

Galo and Eduardo have put together a fantastic tour of northern Ecuador , I thoroughly enjoyed the part of it I covered and cannot wait to get back out there for some more birding. I would highly recommend this bird tour in Ecuador; a fun and bird-filled time is guaranteed.

For Part 2 of this blog series (Birding Southern Ecuador) please click here.

For Part 3 of this blog series (Ecuadorian Amazon Birding) please click here.

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Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge & Spa is a family-owned business run by owner David Brito, with a dedicated local staff from Mindo.

We are proud to offer a place to relax and enjoy in one of the best birdwatching hotspots in the world, Mindo Cloud Forest. Don’t miss out on the Dana Experience!

Mindo, Ecuador is located in the heart of the Choco Andino de Pichincha Biosphere Reserve , declared by UNESCO on July 25, 2018.

Our lodge is a pioneering eco-lodge with a modern design that blends the latest technology in metal frame construction with traditional construction techniques in Mindo, Ecuador. It is a sustainable building that is environmentally conscious.

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Cock of the Rock at San Tadeo Birding

Birding in Mindo

Ecuador is for the birds. The relatively small country holds about 16% of the world’s bird species, so if you’re a bird nerd like us, you’ll enjoy the heck out of Ecuador.  And while you can spend thousands on a pre-arranged tour, it is easy enough to do DIY birding which makes it an affordable location. One of the best places in Ecuador to go birding is Mindo’s cloud forest.

Getting to Mindo

I have seen flights to Ecuador’s capital for bargain basement prices, so set up an alert with Google Flights, Hopper, or Skyscanner and wait for a deal. Once in Quito, check out the Botanical Gardens for some city bird-watching, then grab a bus from Caracen terminal to Mindo for $6. The buses in Ecuador are a safe and reliable way to travel. Just keep your belongings close. Some asshat tried to rifle through my purse that I had beside me on an empty seat from the seat behind it. I wore it on me at all times after that.

Other options include a private car hire for about $80 or and Uber for $60-80.

Pale-Mandibled Aracari in Mindo Ecuador

Where to  Go Birding in Mindo

Mindo is a delightfully quaint small town in the rain forest just 2 hours northeast of Quito. It features excellent restaurants, opportunities to look for birds right in town, and plenty of options for tours to fit most budgets. Also, if birding is not your style, Mindo offers rafting, cycling, zip-lining, and quading as well.

But this post is about birds, so we’re going to focus on them.  From dozens of species of hummingbirds to the famous Andean cock of the rock, there is an astonishing diversity of birds that can be seen in the Mindo area. Some are harder to find than others, a cock of the rock for example requires waking up at 5:30 in the morning and hiking to a “lek” (aka where bird dude bros hang out) to catch them singing and showing off at sunrise. They wise up and spend the rest of the day hiding shortly after that. Their brilliant red plumage makes them an easy target for predators after all. Others can be seen by simply going to one of the many places that has set up blinds and feeders.

Long Tailed Sylph

Where to See Birds in Mindo

Yellow house.

The Yellow House can be reached by a roughly ten minute walk from the centre of the small town. Often there are good bird sightings along the way. Once there, you can access the property’s extensive walking trails for a $6US fee.  They have a lek that can be reached by way of a long hike starting at about 4:45 in the morning, as well as the opportunity to see toucans, queztels, parrots, barbets and many more birds. Spectacled bears, cavvys, and monkeys can be spotted from the trails too. It is best to plan for a full day if you want to do this since it could easily take over 4 hours to hike all the trails. We recommend bringing snacks, lots of water, and bug spray.

Choco Toucan at Yellow House Mindo

There are also hummingbird feeders set up on the Yellow House’s patio where you can easily spy several species of hummingbirds that don’t seem to mind that you’re there.

We also saw some tanagers, parrots, and crimson-rumped anacaris from the patio, but our most exciting visitor, was the choco-toucan that had been teasing us on the trails. With a bit of patience, we were finally able to get a photograph of one near the house.  This page features more information about the species that can be seen there.

Parrot just outside Yellow House

Rooms start at $25US/pp/night for a room, breakfast, and access to the trails so it’s a good budget option. There are also longterm rental options if you want to spend longer in Mindo, which probably will happen.

If you’re looking for an even more inexpensive experience, consider renting a room or bed at any one of the cheap hostels in town and spending a day walking the trails.

San Tadeo Birdwatching

This cute little place is just outside of Mindo along Highway 28. The family that lives there set up a blind with multiple feeders where you can easily see a dozen different tanagers, anacaris, toucanets, and barbets. They also have a hummingbird feeding station with a breathtaking view of the valley below. A ride from town to there should cost about $5US and it is $5US to birdwatch on their property.

Toucan Barbet at San Tadeo Mindo

They were the sweetest people who told me that “the birds were their babies” and they even rescued a poor female cock of the rock who had been hit by a car. They brought her over to us to look after while they carried on with their business. We gave her some water and a quiet spot to recover and to our delight, she flew off after about an hour. She rested in a tall tree for another 30 minutes or so, before disappearing into the valley. I truly think that if they hadn’t of found her on the road and brought her to safety, she might not have made it.

Cock of the Rock at San Tadeo Birding in Mindo

Cock of the Rock Tours

While the female we met who we named Helen stole our hearts, many people flock to (sorry had to) Mindo for an opportunity to see the male cock of the rocks do their morning ritual singing to try to attract a mate. Groups of males hang out together in what is called a lek, early in the morning before disappearing deep into the canopy for the rest of the day. A cock of the rock tour can be arranged before arriving to Ecuador, but that pretty much guarantees overpaying for something that can be easily arranged onsite. There are multiple shops in Mindo that can set up a tour for you and they cost about $50 for 3-4 hours of guided birdwatching, leaving at 5:30 in the morning. The main attraction is the Andean cock of the rock lek, but you can see many other birds on these trips as well.

Beryl-spangled tanager

Santarosa Bird Lodge

Santarosa Bird Lodge is owned by Vinicio Perez who is one of the best bird guides in the country. He has set up the most incredible hummingbird feeding station at his house so you can easily see at least 10 different kinds of hummingbirds just in his front yard.

He also has blinds set up where you can see toucan and toucanets feeding, as well as many different tanagers, and a blind where you can see forest birds feeding at the crack of dawn.  All in, we probably saw at least 40 different species of birds just at his house. He has extensive knowledge of Ecuadorian birds and most graciously (and very patiently) went through our pictures with us to help us make positive IDs.

Plate Billed Mountain Toucan at Mindo

The lodge is 11kms from Mindo along a country road and can be a bit of a  challenge to get to but it’s totally worth it, since you basically have the rain forest right outside your door. Taxis in town may not know how to get there, so tell them to go to the “Y” turn right onto the “eco-ruta” and drive straight for a long time until you see a sign for the property, at which point you would turn left shortly after the sign.

Rex the resident floofy dog may bark at first but he turns into your friend pretty quickly. A taxi should cost $8-10US. If you’re coming straight there from Quito, you could ask to be let out at the “Y” and then hail a cab (which may be a pick up truck rather than yellow cab) to the lodge.

Female Empress Emerald Humingbird

It costs about $65US per night and that includes breakfast and use of the blinds. Dinners are steep for Ecuador at $12 per person, but you’re only other option is to get a ride to and from town, or bring your own easy to assemble food. It still remains an affordable option because you don’t have to pay for a bird tour this way, you can do your own right at the property. Also, many tour groups brought their clients there anyway and it seemed like the going rate to access his blinds was $20US per person.

While we liked being deep in the forest and highly recommend Santarosa Bird Lodge, we would also consider staying at Yellow House next time to have more opportunities to explore those trails. Seeing a spectacled bear would be pretty cool too!

Velvet Purple Coronet

The above-mentioned options would allow you to do a DIY bird tour in Ecuador for hundreds, rather than thousands of dollars. Saving $$ on a bird tour in Mindo means you can extend your trip in Ecuador and head to the Cuyobeno, Amazon region , or even the famed Galapagos Islands for even more wildlife watching.

But whether you’re looking for a custom-made experience that spares no expense, or seeking a budget, DIY birding experience, Ecuador can accommodate it all.

Purple Throated Woodstar

7 Replies to “Birding in Mindo”

Great share you guys! What beautiful shots you got of these incredible birds

We went to Mindo last year. We stayed in the Yellow House. The two women who own/run it are great. The Cock of the Rock lek was disappointing. The birds were a long way off. We used a guide named Julia. Without her we wouldn’t have spotted half the birds that we did.

Good to know, thanks Dave! The two women were definitely amazing even though we weren’t staying there, so friendly!

Love this post; am planning a trip to Ecuador with a friend. The several tours/locations and directions to them are very useful. Thank you. Just to let you know, your “Yellow House” link takes one to the Yellow House in Quito, not Mindo.

Thanks CJ. It’s a wonderful place and I hope that you have a great time! Good catch on the link, we’ll fix that ASAP. Happy New Year!

Can u guide me how to contact yellow house

Hey Abhay, it seems like they aren’t on Trip Advisor anymore. Try this link: http://ecuadormindobirds.com/yellowhouse_contact.html

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    6am: The tour begins with an early morning Quito Hotel pick up and then heading down the western slope towards the Mindo area. Coffee is served before birdwatching at high altitude Yanacocha Reserve. Enjoy the Sword-Billed Hummingbird, Scarlet-Bellied Mountain Tanager, Sapphire-Vented Puffleg, Shiny Sunbeam Hummingbirds just to get the day started.

  15. Mindo Birdwatching

    This Mindo Birdwatching tour can be extended to visit the Makipukuna cloud forest reserve, or Santa Lucia, upon clients request. You can combine this trip also with Yasuni - Cuyabeno Amazon tours or Galapagos Islands on request and tailor-made your birding tour. Lodging: Wooden cabins, eco-friendly bedrooms, with 2-3 beds or private single ...

  16. Birding In Ecuador

    Other species you can admire are the Green Violetear, the Booted Racket Tail, or the Black-breasted Puffleg, critically endangered with only 300 individuals left. Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge & Spa is considered the best lodge in Mindo Cloud Forest, organizing private birding tours in Ecuador with professional guides, from 1 up to 20+ days.

  17. Bird Watching Guide and Seasons for Mindo Cloud Forest in Ecuador

    Is it Worth Going to Mindo Congestion at the hummingbird feeder. It is a paradise for bird watching even if you travel low budget. Yes, Mindo is definitely a reason to travel to Ecuador. Some guided tours are more expensive, but these are the ones where you spot the rare Andean cock-of-the-rock or the Antpittas as we did.

  18. Birding Northern Ecuador: The Birds of Mindo

    Posted on 11 June 2021. Andy Walker provides some highlights from his 2019 northern Ecuador birding trip.. I have been lucky to live and bird (and lead birdwatching tours and guide at lodges) in several countries in the Neotropics, such as in Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, Brazil, and Colombia, but for one reason or another (too busy guiding in Europe, Asia, and Australasia mainly!), I had never ...

  19. Bird Paradise

    Bird Paradise Tour Operator offers daytime and night-time expeditions, which may include bird watching, hiking, tubing, canyoning, canopy, chocolate tour, horseback riding, visiting the butterflies or orchids gardens, among others. Our guides are bilingual Spanish - English, and with previous request we can coordinate tours in French and German.

  20. Cloud Forest Ecuador Tours Birdwatching Mindo Travel Agency

    3-day FREE Orchid Garden & birdwatching tour. Discover the enchanted and mystic nature of Mindo. Explore the Cloud Forest. Enjoy Mindo birding and relax with a variety of activities. It's ideal for individuals, couples, groups, and families. MORE DETAILS.

  21. Mindo Ecuador BirdWatching Tours Birding Hotels Cloud Forest

    Tour details: Length: 12 Days. Start / End city: Quito. Pace: Easy. Physical difficulty: Easy. Focus: Bird photography. Max group size: 6 photographers. Embark on a birdwatching journey in Mindo, Ecuador. Discover avian wonders with tours, stay in birding hotels, and immerse in the lush beauty of the cloud forest.

  22. Birding in Mindo

    Mindo is a delightfully quaint small town in the rain forest just 2 hours northeast of Quito. It features excellent restaurants, opportunities to look for birds right in town, and plenty of options for tours to fit most budgets. Also, if birding is not your style, Mindo offers rafting, cycling, zip-lining, and quading as well.

  23. Mindo Ecuador Birdwatching Birding Tours Galapagos Cruises Amazon

    April 2020. Birding Tour in Ecuador with Dana Tours. It was a dream of many years for us to visit Ecuador and the Galapagos. There are many options both on the mainland and in the Galapagos and it can be a lot of work to negotiate the best prices with the tour operators. After a lot of research, we chose to do business with David Brito of Dana ...