A beautiful, mountainous two hour ride down, down, down to the northwest of Quito until we reach the cloud forest at 4,000 ft. altitude, leaving the concrete city and immersing into the luscious, green forest where 600 species of birds, profusions of hummingbirds, butterflies, orchids, coffee plantations and world's best chocolate making are the main attractions.
Your hotel
- Anywhere you are staying in the Metropolitan district of Quito and Airport area.
Brief stop for pictures on the real, not the fake as most people are taken to, Equator line, opportunity to put your feet in both hemispheres at the same time.
Once in Mindo, we’ll go to see butterflies.
Drive up the mountain and take a cable car over the cloud forest to the other side of a ravine to walk to a gorgeous waterfall for a hike or if you feel adventurous, go zip lining instead.
If you feel like it, we can take a break for lunch, or go to the next attraction.
In the afternoon, we can visit an orchid garden, and/or a chocolate making process.
En route to Mindo and on return from Mindo we can stop at different hummingbird locations.
Same hotel or Quito airport.
* Vivian as guide
* Private transportation in a 4 doors KIA SUV
* Tour guide's lunch
* Parking, gasoline and tolls
Prices per person.
* Lunch ($8 to $20)
* Entrance fees:
Butterfly farm ($8,50)
Hike ($5)
Zip lining (from $10 to $20)
Orchid garden ($4)
Chocolate factory ($10)
Hummingbird locations ($5 each)
Incidentals and personal expenses.
Tips
* Mindo is located at 4,000 ft altitude; so, it is warmer than Quito and humid. Mosquito repellent and sun block might be needed, as well as a raincoat, hat and sunglasses.
* During the dry season (June through September) the bird activity slows down, but it is still possible to see different species of hummingbirds.
* The order of the itinerary varies depending on weather.
Ask Vivian about Thursdays.
Most of the Quito city museums are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
I'm available on Thursdays only from 11am to 2pm.
For more than 3 people, I can customize any tour with a bigger vehicle.
I can offer you multiple day tours.