Tour in Mindo to explore Ecuador’s cloud forest
5 day stay in a lodge in the Mindo Cloud forest
Embark on a journey to uncover the hidden treasures of Choco Andino, a pristine wildlife corridor nestled in the western Andes. Just two hours from Quito lies the picturesque village of Mindo, perched at an altitude of only 1300 meters amidst the enchanting cloud forest.
Your adventure begins with a two-day stay at Mashpi Lodge, nestled within a breathtaking cloud forest nature reserve. Accompanied by knowledgeable guides, you’ll embark on invigorating hikes during the day and captivating night walks, immersing yourself in the lush surroundings. Prepare to witness an abundance of exotic birds, vibrant butterflies in their natural refuge, and a diverse array of wildlife that thrives within this tropical forest.
Continuing your stay at Bellavista Lodge, an ecological reserve, you’ll have the opportunity to marvel at orchids, encounter hummingbirds, toucans, and a multitude of captivating species.
Length of stay: 5 days
Kind: Nature and Wildlife
Fix: For all public
Countries visited: Ecuador
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Day 1 : Quito Airport
Welcome to Ecuador !
A proverb says *Traveling leaves you speechless at first, before turning you into a storyteller*
… Let the adventure start in the country of the middle of the world ! Chulla vida ! Reception at the airport by an english-speaking guide. Private transfer with spanish-speaking driver from Quito airport to your hotel. Night at Ikala hotel in Junior Suite room.
Day 2 : Quito
English-speaking guide in a private transport. Departure from Quito to follow a scenic road through the Equatorial cloudy forest to the Mindo area, and more precisely the private reserve of Mashpia unique place for its biodiversity. You will arrive at the entrance of the Mashpi Reserve, a forest that extends over 1,300 hectares, a paradise of wildlife and biodiversity. The activities offered to you will depend on factors such as the size of the group, your physical condition, weather conditions and your arrival and departure times.
You will have the choice between:
– guided forest walks, day or night,
– visit the butterfly farm,
– exploration of the canopy from an observation tower or a suspended gondola,
– visit by cable car. Lunch, dinner and night in Mashpi Lodge in Wayra room (Standard category).
Day 3 : Mashpi Lodge
English-speaking guide in a private transport. Today, you can do the options not done the day before. Departure from Mashpi to reach the small town of Mindo, below but in a similar ecosystem. Night at Terrabambu Lodge in Suite room (Standard category).
Day 4 : Mindo
English-speaking guide in a private transport. Hike of Mindo Waterfalls:
On the way to Nambillo, you will take a cable car to go to the other side of the valley and start your walk which will take you to three beautiful places where are the most beautiful waterfalls of the region. According to your wishes and physical condition, the walk can last from 1 to 3 hours.
Difficulty: easy hike: sunday sportsmen, welcome!
Estimated duration: 1 to 3 hours – Elevation: -120m./+120m. – Max. altitude: 1600m. – Distance: 4 km. Depart from Mindo to reach Tandayapa. Let’s leave the capital for the western flank of the Andes Cordillera, towards the tropical high altitude region known as the cloud forest. You will follow a road that winds through mountain forests until you reach the dome of your lodge in the middle of the clouds.
You will start the day by walking one of the many trails around the lodge in search of toucans, quetzal, tanagers and other bird species. Your expert guide will explain the flora and fauna found in this unique ecosystem.
After lunch, you will leave again to discover the mysteries of the lush vegetation of this cloud forest (Bromeliads, Orchids, etc.), with your guide, as well as its avifauna which is the subject of annual symposiums, so rich is it.
After nightfall, you may be lucky enough to spot two nocturnal mammals (Olinguo and Kinkajoo) that have made their home near the lodge.
Dinner and night at the Bellavista Lodge.
Day 5 : Tandayapa
Before breakfast, you will go on an expedition in search of the early morning birds, the ones that can only be seen at dawn.
After breakfast, a second surprise awaits you with a walk to a waterfall hidden under the foliage of the tallest trees in the cloud forest.
Back at the lodge, relax or explore the surrounding area at your leisure.
After lunch, you will continue your journey. English-speaking guide in a private transport. Depart from Tandayapa to reach Quito. Transport with a spanish-speaking driver to Quito’s airport. Free connection for your international flight from Quito. According to your flight schedule, you will dispose of more or less free time.
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