9 Best Things to Do in Mindo, Ecuador (+ Complete Travel Guide)

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

Mindo is one of those places in Ecuador that feels like a secret you can’t wait to share.

Tucked away high in the Andean cloud forest, this tiny town is packed with incredible biodiversity, adventure and some of the most epic scenery I’ve seen.

While you can walk the entire town in about 30 minutes, the real magic lies in the surrounding forest. Think lush green forests draped in mist, toucans flying overhead, waterfalls you can actually swim in, and some of the best chocolate you will ever taste.

Mindo was one of the absolute highlights of our 2-week Ecuador road trip.

This guide covers everything you need to know about visiting, from the absolute best things to do in Mindo to how to get there and where to stay.

Let’s dive in!

Best Time to Visit Mindo

Similar to the rest of Ecuador, the great thing about Mindo is that you can visit all year-round, but the experience changes slightly with the seasons.

• Dry Season (June – September): This is the most popular time to visit. You’ll have less rain, which makes hiking trails less muddy and increases your chances of clear skies. However, it’s also the busiest season.
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• Rainy Season (October – May): Don’t let the name scare you off! The “rainy” season usually just means a heavy downpour for an hour or two in the afternoon, leaving the rest of the day clear. This is also the best time for birdwatching, as migration is at its peak from December to April. We visited during this time and found the afternoon rain was the perfect excuse to relax with a craft beer and a brownie.

If you’re just starting to plan your trip, my guide on Things to Know About Ecuador Before You Go is the perfect place to begin.

How to Get to Mindo from Quito

Getting to Mindo is surprisingly easy, which is why it’s such a popular weekend trip from Quito.

If you’re planning to spend a night there before or after your Mindo adventure, check out my complete guide on where to stay in Quito for the best neighborhoods and hotels.

By Car (The Easiest Way):
This is by far the easiest way to get to Mindo if you’re taking a road trip. It’s only a 2 hour drive from Quito down via E28.

The road twists and t urns through the mountains, but overall the driving is very easy once you leave the city.

Bus (The Cheapest Way):
The cheapest way to get there is by taking the Flor del Valle bus from the Terminal La Ofelia in North Quito. The ride takes about 2 hours and costs around $3-$4 per person. Buses run several times a day, but it’s a good idea to check the schedule in advance as it can change.

Tip: Try to grab a window seat! This route winds through the mountains and cloud forest, and the views are so beautiful the whole way.

By Taxi or Private Transfer:
If you’re short on time or traveling with a group, you can hire a taxi or a private driver. This will cost anywhere from $50-$70 but gives you the flexibility to stop for photos along the way.

We used TripAdvisor to book private transfers and tour guides a few times during our time in Ecuador. You can also arrange transport with your hotel.

The 9 Best Things to Do in Mindo, Ecuador

This little slice of paradise has a way of making you slow down and soak it all in. Here’s my list of the best things to do in Mindo, from chasing waterfalls to tasting world class chocolate!

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 network of trails that leads you deep into the Nambillo Ecological Reserve, where you’ll find seven different waterfalls, crystal-clear swimming holes and some of the most stunning cloud forest scenery in Ecuador.

The adventure starts before you even hit the trail. You have to take a cable car called the Tarabita across the Rio Nambillo gorge. It’s a bright yellow metal basket that glides high above the forest canopy, and yes, it’s a littleeee scary, but the views are absolutely incredible.

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

Once you’re across, you can choose your own adventure.

The main trail leads to a series of six waterfalls, while a separate, longer path takes you to the impressive Cascada Reina.

The trails are moderate but can be very muddy, so good hiking shoes are a must! And don’t forget your swimsuit. The humidity is REAL and jumping into the cool, refreshing water is the perfect reward.

What to know:

• Cost: $5 per person for the cable car (cash only)
• Hours: 8:30 AM – 4 PM
• My Tip: Start as early as you can! You’ll beat the crowds and, more importantly, the afternoon rain that almost always rolls in.

2. Go on a Bird-Watching Tour

Even if you don’t think you’re a “bird person,” you will be after a morning in Mindo!

Bird watching is (hands down) one of the best things to do in Mindo because the cloud forest is home to over 500 species of birds, including more than 130 species of hummingbirds. That’s over 40% of all known hummingbird species on Earth!

You can certainly walk the trails on your own, but I highly recommend hiring a local guide. They have an almost supernatural ability to spot birds you would walk right past. They carry a telescope to help you get a closer look at colorful toucans, quetzals, and if you’re really lucky, the elusive Andean cock-of-the-rock.

We found that birdwatching was best in the early morning when the birds are most active.

It’s a peaceful, eye-opening experience that will give you a whole new appreciation for Ecuador’s biodiversity.

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. 

Booking a few nights in an eco-lodge is an experience in itself. It makes you feel like you’re living right in the heart of the cloud forest (because you are).

Most lodges here are sustainably run, serve incredible farm-to-table food, and have outdoor decks where you can watch hummingbirds buzz by while you sip your morning coffee.

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

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

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

We stayed for two nights in this tranquil glass cabin perched on a mountain about 40 minutes from town. Getting there was an adventure (it involves a bumpy dirt road and a hand-pulled cable car over a river), so it’s definitely not for everyone.

But it was the perfect place to disconnect. We spent our days reading on the deck, soaking in the views and exploring private trails along the river. This was  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.

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

4. Take a Chocolate Tour (and Eat the World’s Best Brownie)

If you love chocolate, you have to visit El Quetzal Restaurant.

This isn’t just a chocolate shop; it’s a whole institution in Mindo, famous for its rich, fudgy brownies that they claim are the “best in the world.”

To be totally honest, I was skeptical of such a large claim, but after trying one, I can 100% confirm they are seriously incredible.

You can stop in for a brownie and coffee, but for the full experience, sign up for their chocolate tour to see how it’s all made.

You’ll learn about the entire “bean-to-bar” process, from how the cacao is grown to how it’s turned into the final product.

The best part? You get to taste chocolate at every stage. It’s a fun, delicious tour that will give you a new appreciation for high-quality Ecuadorian cacao.

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

5. Visit the Mariposas de Mindo (Butterfly Sanctuary)

A visit to Hostería Mariposas de Mindo is like stepping into a real life fairy tale.

This beautiful butterfly sanctuary is home to hundreds of butterflies in every color imaginable. What I 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 lush garden as butterflies flutter all around you, and you can even feed them bits of smashed banana. If you stand still long enough, one might just 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. Go on a Guided Night Walk

When the sun goes down, the cloud forest completely transforms. A guided night walk lets you discover a whole side of Mindo that most people miss.

With flashlights in hand, your guide will help you spot glowing insects, tiny glass frogs, and maybe even a kinkajou (a cute rainforest mammal that looks like a cross between a monkey and a raccoon).

Hearing the sounds of the forest at night, like the chorus of frogs and insects, is a little spooky, but in the best way possible.

7. Go Ziplining Through the Canopy

If you’re craving a bit of adrenaline, you HAVE to go ziplining in Mindo at Mindo Canopy Adventures.

While they might not be as extreme as the ziplines in Baños, Mindo’s ziplines take you through the treetops for a bird’s eye view of the cloud forest. 

This actually wasn’t even on our list until our hiking guide insisted he “knew a spot for a quick zipline break”. We’re so glad we did it! It was super low key; we just walked right in and got fitted for our gear. 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.

8. Eat Arepas (and Other Ecuadorian Street Food)

Arepas are a must-try when you’re in Mindo. These corn cakes are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and usually stuffed with delicious melted cheese. They’re the perfect comfort food for breakfast or a quick snack.

We tried them for lunch at El Quetzal and were totally hooked after that.

Full disclosure: Arepas are originally from Venezuela and Colombia, not Ecuador. So while they’re delicious, if you want something more traditionally Ecuadorian, try these instead:

• Empanadas de viento: Crispy, deep-fried empanadas filled 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 and cheese soup from the Andean region

9. Go Tube Rafting on the River

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

You’ll be strapped into a cluster of inner tubes tied together while a guide helps you navigate the river’s twists and turns. It’s a mix of a relaxing float and some bumpy rapids, depending on the water level.

It’s a blast, and your hotel or a local tour operator can easily arrange it for you for about $6-$10 per person.

Where to Eat in Mindo

• El Quetzal: You have to go for the brownies (they’re famous), but they also serve great lunch with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

• The Food Studio: A small, farm-to-table spot focused on fresh, local ingredients—perfect for a lighter, healthy meal.

• Mishqui Quinde: One of the best spots in Mindo for vegetarian-friendly food, with fresh, flavorful dishes and really good juices.

Getting Around Mindo

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

Mindo is a tiny town, and you can easily walk from one end to the other in about 30 minutes.

For attractions further out, like the Ruta de las Cascadas, you can grab one of the red taxi trucks that hang out in the center of town. They only take cash, so come prepared.

If you rent a car, a 4×4 is a good idea if you plan to drive on the steep and muddy mountain roads, like to the Ruta de las Cascadas trailhead or to hotels up in the mountains. The roads are steep and our car almost got stuck in the mud after some 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 you need in Mindo?

I recommend at least 2-3 full days. This gives you enough time to do a few major activities like the waterfall hike and a chocolate tour without feeling rushed.

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?

Yes! Mindo is a small, laid-back town and is generally very safe. The locals are incredibly friendly. Just use common sense like you would anywhere – keep an eye on your belongings and stick to well-lit areas at night.

Do I need to carry cash in Mindo?

Yes, bringing cash is a good idea. Most smaller restaurants, taxis, and tour operators don’t take cards. There is an ATM in town, but it can be unreliable. It’s best to bring enough U.S. dollars (small bills) with you from Quito to cover 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!

Final Thoughts

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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