Best Things to Do in Mindo, Ecuador

Post summary: The absolute best things to do in Mindo, Ecuador

Mindo is one of Ecuador’s most beautiful hidden gems…for now. Tucked away high in the Andean cloud forest, this tiny town is packed with biodiversity, adventure, and epic scenery.

Think lush green forests covered in mist, toucans flying overhead, waterfalls you can swim in, and some of the best chocolate you’ll ever taste.

You can walk the entire town in about 30 minutes, but there’s so much to do here. It’s the kind of place where you can hike, zipline, go birdwatching, or just chill with a craft beer and a brownie.

Stick with me as I guide you through the best things to do in Mindo, Ecuador, so you can add it to your Ecuador itinerary.

Trust me, once you experience the magic of this little cloud forest town, you might not want to leave.

Let’s dive in!

 

What to Do in Mindo, Ecuador

This little slice of paradise, tucked into the Andean cloud forest, has a way of making you slow down and soak everything in.

Here’s a list of some of the best things to do in Mindo, from chasing waterfalls to tasting the most amazing chocolate you’ve ever had.

The cute little streets of Mindo town

1. Visit the Mindo Cloud Forest and Hike the Rutas de las Cascadas

If you do one thing in Mindo, make it this hike.

The Ruta de las Cascadas is a hike that leads you deep into Nambillo Ecological Reserve, where you’ll find seven waterfalls, crystal-clear pools, and some of the most stunning cloud forest scenery in Ecuador.

You’ll start by taking a cable car ride on the Tarabita (yes, it’s a little scary) over the Rio Nambillo gorge and across the forest canopy, which is already an adventure on its own.

Once you reach the trail, it’s up to you how many waterfalls you want to see! You can hike to six waterfalls on one trail or take a separate path to Cascada Reina, a massive waterfall tucked deeper into the forest. Both are worth it.

The trails are moderate but muddy, so wear good hiking shoes and bring a swimsuit if you want to jump in.

Swimming in a waterfall along Mindo’s Ruta de las Cascadas hike

What to know about hiking the Ruta de las Cascadas:

• Cost: $5 per person for the cable car (cash only)
• Hours: 8:30 AM – 4 PM
• Tip: Start early to beat the crowds and afternoon rain, which rolls in like clockwork, especially in the mountains here.

Read next: This guide to packing for a hike will help you get everything you need for the day!

2. Go on a Bird-Watching Tour

If you love birds (or even if you don’t, which would be weird), bird watching is hands down one of the best things to do in Mindo. 

Birdwatching in Mindo is a peaceful, eye-opening experience, and you’ll leave with a new appreciation for Ecuador’s biodiversity.

Mindo sits in the middle of the cloud forest, which is home to over 500 species of birds. There are over 130 species of hummingbirds alone, which account for over 40% of all known hummingbird species on Earth!

You can obviously walk through the forest on your own, but I highly recommend hiring a guide. They have a trained eye (and ear) and are able to spot wildlife that you probably wouldn’t find on your own. They also carry a telescope to help you see colorful toucans and hummingbirds hiding up in the trees. You might even see the elusive Andean cock-of-the-rock if you’re lucky!

Whether you go with a guide or by yourself, you’ll want to go in the early morning when birds are most active.

The best time of year for birdwatching is in the rainy season (October – May), with peak bird migration happening from December – April.

 

There are over 130 species of hummingbirds in the Ecuador, 40% of all known species in the world

3. Stay in an Eco Lodge

If there’s one place to splurge on a stay in Ecuador, it’s in Mindo (ok, and Cotopaxi).

Booking a few nights in an eco-lodge is one of the best things to do in Mindo. It’s such a cool experience that makes you feel like you’re right in the heart of the cloud forest (because you pretty much are).

Most eco-lodges here are sustainably run, serve fresh, local food, and have outdoor decks, where you can watch hummingbirds while sipping coffee.

These lodges know that you’re there to fully soak in the natural beauty around Mindo, so a lot of them offer guided tours or have trails for you to explore right on the property.

Here are some of my favorite eco lodges worth booking in Mindo: 

• • Terrabambu Lodge
  • The Casa Davina Eco Lodge
  • Coffee Lodge Cristal Glamping & Spa

Tranquil cabin in Mindo, Ecuador. Click here to book on Airbnb

If you prefer a more remote experience, book one of the incredible guesthouses in the mountains outside of town!

This tranquil cabin (which is essentially a glass box perched on a mountain) is about 40 minutes from town. It’s a bit of an adventure to get there (you’ll see what I mean if you go), so it’s not ideal if you like to be near the action or have easy access to the town center. But it’s the perfect place to disconnect and completely unwind in the middle of Ecuador’s most beautiful landscape.

We stayed here for 2 nights just soaking in the views, reading books on the deck, exploring the trails along the river. This is definitely one of the most romantic and dreamy places we’ve ever stayed and was easily one of the highlights of our time in Ecuador.

4. Try a Brownie and Take a Chocolate Tour at El Quetzal Restaurant

If you love chocolate (and honestly, who doesn’t?), you’ve got to visit El Quetzal Restaurant in Mindo.

This is not your average chocolate shop. El Quetzal is famous for its rich, fudgy brownies which they claim are the best in the world.

Obviously “best in the world” is a huge claim so I was pretty skeptical at first, but after trying them for myself, I can definitely confirm that they live up to the hype.

You can stop in for a quick bite at the restaurant or if you really want the full experience, sign up for their chocolate tour to see how it’s all made.

You’ll learn about the entire cacao bean process, from plant to the final delicious bar. The best part? You get to taste chocolate every step of the way. It’s so fun, and you’ll leave with a new appreciation for Ecuadorian cacao.

PS: Take an extra brownie for the road. You’ll thank me later!

5. Visit Hosteria Mariposas de Mindo

A visit to Hostería Mariposas de Mindo is like stepping into a butterfly wonderland.

This butterfly sanctuary is home to hundreds of butterflies in every color imaginable. Something we love is that this isn’t just a butterfly garden! It’s actually part of a larger conservation effort to raise and release native butterflies into the wild. 

You can walk through the garden, watch them flutter all around you, and even try feeding them some smashed bananas. If you’re lucky, one might even land on your hand – or your nose.

It’s relaxing, beautiful, and great for photos. Plus, the staff does a great job explaining the butterfly life cycle and conservation efforts.

To get here, it’s just a quick drive/taxi ride or a 30 minute walk on a dirt road from the center of town.

6. Take a Night Walk to Spot Nocturnal Wildlife

A night walk in Mindo lets you discover a whole side of Mindo that most people don’t get to see. 

As the sun goes down, the cloud forest totally transforms and comes alive with all sorts of nocturnal creatures. You’ll need to book a guide for this type of tour, where you’ll use a flashlight to spot frogs, insects, and maybe even a sneaky owl or kinkajou (a cute rainforest mammal that looks like a mix between a monkey and a raccoon).

It’s a little spooky, but in the best way, to hear the frogs croaking, crickets chirping, and the rustle of leaves in the dark.

Just wear sturdy shoes and bring a sense of curiosity.

7. Go Ziplining

If you’re craving a little adrenaline, you’ve got to go ziplining in Mindo at Mindo Canopy Adventures.

While the ziplining here isn’t as dramatic as in Baños, Mindo’s ziplines take you through the treetops for a bird’s eye view of the cloud forest. 

Ziplining actually wasn’t on our itinerary until our hiking guide insisted that he “knows a spot for a quick zipline break” halfway through our day – and we were really glad we did it!

The ziplining here is very low key (as with most everything in Mindo) and we just walked right in to get fitted with a helmet and a harness. We paid $20 cash for the ten-line zipline course, plus a bonus Tarzan swing at the end!

 

We were even able to soar through the treetops superman style in tandem with our guide on one of the longest lines, which was so much fun. Our guides made us feel safe and secure the whole time.

It was a super fun, quick, and impromptu addition to our itinerary. Just make sure to wear sturdy shoes and comfy clothes for the short, uphill trek to the zipline platforms.

8. Eat Arepas

Arepas are a must-try in Mindo! These crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside corn cakes are usually stuffed with melted cheese. But some places get extra fancy with toppings like avocado, salsa, or even a fried egg.

They’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or whenever you’re craving something comforting and delicious. We tried them for lunch at El Quetzal and were totally hooked after the first bite.

Note: Full disclosure – Arepas are originally from Venezuela and Colombia, not actually from Ecuador. So while Mindo has incredible arepas, they’re not a traditional Ecuadorian dish.

If you want something more authentically Ecuadorian, try swapping the arepas for:

• Empanadas de viento – Crispy, deep-fried empanadas stuffed with cheese and sprinkled with sugar.
• Bolones de verde – Mashed green plantain balls, often stuffed with cheese or chicharrón (fried pork).
• Locro de papa – A creamy potato soup with cheese and avocado, commonly found in the Andean region.

9. Go Tube Rafting on the River

Tube rafting down the Mindo River (Río Mindo) is one of the most fun and unique ways to experience the cloud forest.

Instead of a traditional raft, you’ll be strapped into a cluster of large inner tubes tied together, with a guide helping you navigate the river’s twists and turns.

Tube rafting is a mix of relaxing float and rapids that mostly depend on the season and recent rainfall. The river can range from a gentle ride to a bumpy adventure with class II–III rapids, which are just fine for beginner to intermediate levels.

Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet and some sturdy water shoes.

If this sounds like something you’d like to do in Mindo, your hostel or eco-lodge can help you arrange a tour for $6-10 per person.

How to Get Around Mindo

Having your own vehicle gives you the most flexibility for getting around Mindo, but you don’t need one!

Mindo is a super small town and you can easily walk most places within about 30 minutes.

To reach the trails further away (like Ruta de las Cascadas), your hotel can help you get a ride or you can hitch a ride in one of the red taxi trucks in the center of town (they usually hang out around the big Mindo sign). They only take cash and you’ll need to tell them ahead of time if you need a ride back.

If you do have a car, you might want to consider a 4×4 if you plan to drive up to the trailhead to Ruta de las Cascadas or to hotels up in the mountains. The roads can be steep and muddy, especially after a lot of rain.

Alternatively, you can always organize day trips. Whether you’re looking for half day tours or a full day, there are plenty of tour options around Mindo.

FAQs about Mindo, Ecuador

Still have questions? Here’s everything you need to know about your Ecuador adventure:

How Many Days Do I Need to See Mindo?

Mindo is super small but there’s a lot to do in the area, so I recommend staying at least 2-3 days at an eco-lodge or hotel in town so you’ll have easy access to hotels and activities. That’s enough time to hike, zipline, and maybe do a chocolate tour. If you’re not in a rush, tack on an extra night or two in an eco-lodge or Airbnb up in the mountains to relax and soak in the landscape.

We spent 2 nights relaxing in a cabin up in the mountains and then 2 full days (1 night) in town. While we crammed a lot into our time there, Mindo was one of our favorite stops on our Ecuador road trip and I wish we were able to stay an extra day or two!

Is Mindo, Ecuador Safe?

Yep! Mindo is small, laid-back, and generally very safe. The locals are friendly, and the vibe is super relaxed. Like anywhere, just keep an eye on your stuff, especially in busy spots. At night, just stick to well-lit areas, and you’ll be fine.

Do I Have to Carry Cash When Visiting Mindo?

Yes, bringing cash is a good idea. Most restaurants, shops, and tours don’t take cards, and ATMs can be hard to find (or unreliable). Bring U.S. dollars in small bills for food, taxis, and tips.

What to Pack When Visiting Mindo?

Pack for adventure and unpredictable weather. You’ll need comfy hiking shoes, a rain jacket (because it’s the cloud forest), and lightweight, breathable clothes.

Bring sunscreen, bug-repellent spray, and a small backpack for day trips. Don’t forget your swimsuit for the waterfalls and binoculars if you’re into bird-watching. Oh, and snacks never hurt!

Wrapping Up Best Things to Do in Mindo, Ecuador

I hope this list of amazing things to do in Mindo, Ecuador helps you plan your trip!

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, ziplining through the trees, or eating the best chocolate of your life, Mindo is truly one of those places that’s hard to leave.

Read next: A Guide to Visiting Cotopaxi National Park in Ecuador

Did you find this Mindo Activity Guide helpful? Let me know in the comments!

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