Located just two hours from Quito, it is one of the main attractions of ecological tourism in the province and the country. Mindo has approximately 2,500 inhabitants who are mainly dedicated to agriculture, cattle raising and tourism. This discreet and very quiet place is located in a valley, surrounded by 19,000 hectares of protected primary and secondary forest.
There are around 500 varieties of birds and approximately 40 types of butterflies in the surrounding area. This great variety in such a small region is unique in South America.
Mindo was internationally called “Bird Life or Important Bird” in America, for its exceptional flora, fauna and botany, considered vital for the development of ecological tourism.
The climate tends to be milder than in Quito, with temperatures around 15º C – 24º C (60º F – 75º F) year-round. Rain is common, but there is no dry season; during the months of May – September the climate becomes drier.
The months of July – October are the busiest months because it is the holiday season in the country, weekends and national holidays throughout the year Mindo is one of the most visited places by Ecuadorians and tourists who want to enjoy the fresh air and adventure.
More than 170 species of orchids have been found within the Mindo Ecuador reserve, which is in a region with the highest rates of endemic plantations in the world. Orchids, bromeliads, heliconias, ferns, vines, mosses and lichens grow in abundance here.
Mindo is also a perfect area for adventure sports. Horse riding, mountain biking, tubing or whitewater rafting on the Mindo River. An exciting experience to enjoy the wildlife and natural landscapes while you go down the river.
The Mindo-Nambillo Protective Forest
The Mindo-Nambillo Protected Forest is located just a few minutes from local accommodation. Its 19,200 hectares range from the humid subtropical rainforest to the steep walls of the Guagua Pichincha (over 4,000m).
There are nearly 500 species of birds here, including the bright red rock grouse, which builds its nests in the steep vertical walls of the jungle canyons. Mindo is home to birds such as toucans, parrots, owls, wild ducks, quetzals, blackbirds, hummingbirds, and caciques, among others. There are also 2,000 species of native plants in the area, including a multitude of wild orchids.
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