Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip: Hummingbirds, Tarabita & Butterfly Farm from Quito
Difficulty
easy
Duration
6 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires short walks on uneven, sometimes steep, forest trails and getting in/out of a tarabita.
Overview
Cross a tarabita into mist-slick canopy, watch hummingbirds hover like living gems, and wander gardens where butterflies outnumber human visitors. This private day trip from Quito packs hummingbird hides, a waterfall walk, and a butterfly farm into a concise, wildlife-forward experience.
Mindo Cloud Forest Day Trip: Hummingbirds, Tarabita & Butterfly Farm from Quito
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You step off the van and the air changes — cooler, damp, threaded with the metallic hum of wings. A tarabita (open-air cable car) waits on a steel cable that spans a valley of moss-draped trees; when it rocks forward you cross into a cloud that seems to have a will of its own. Mist rolls down the western Andean slope and the forest reacts: epiphytes stiffen, a torrent somewhere laughs, and a cluster of hummingbirds suddenly hangs in the air like living jewels.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Wear grippy shoes
Trails to Nambillo Waterfall are short but steep and often muddy; trail runners or hiking shoes will keep you steady.
Bring a rain layer
The cloud forest is humid and prone to sudden showers — a lightweight waterproof will keep you comfortable.
Pack binoculars and a telephoto lens
Hummingbirds and other birds are small and fast; 8x binoculars and a 300mm+ lens improve sightings and photos.
Carry small bills
Local cafes and stalls in Mindo often prefer cash for lunch, tips, and souvenirs.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Andean cock-of-the-rock (occasionally seen in the area)
- Various hummingbird species including Violet-tailed and Booted racket-tail
History
Mindo’s modern eco-tourism grew in the late 20th century as conservation projects protected cloud forest tracts previously used for agriculture.
Conservation
Local reserves operate with community and NGO support to fund habitat protection; visitors are encouraged to stick to trails and avoid single-use plastics.
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Adventure Hotspots in Quito
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof shell
Keeps you dry during sudden cloud forest showers and wind on the tarabita.
Sturdy hiking shoes
Provides traction on muddy, root-strewn paths to the waterfall.
Binoculars or spotting scope
Helps identify hummingbird species and distant forest birds at feeding stations.
Insect repellent
Protects against biting insects common in lower-elevation Andean forests.