Mindo Cloud Forest: Private Day Trip with Waterfalls & Cable Car

Summary

Private day trip to Mindo Cloud Forest with waterfalls hike and cable car ride

You’ll travel from Quito into the heart of Ecuador’s Mindo Cloud Forest on a private day trip with hotel pickup included. Expect up-close moments with hummingbirds, a cable car ride through misty treetops, hiking to hidden waterfalls (with a chance for a quick dip), and lunch in Mindo village—all guided by someone who knows these trails by heart.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Quito before the air changed—somehow softer, heavier, smelling faintly of wet leaves. Our guide, Diego, picked us up right at 8 (he actually waited while I ran back for my rain jacket—classic). The drive to Mindo is all winding roads and sudden views that made me wish I could press pause. Diego pointed out a patch of orchids clinging to the trees as we climbed, and he laughed when I asked if it always felt like this—like you’re walking into a cloud. “Most days,” he said, “but today’s especially good.” I believed him.

The first stop was this hummingbird farm—I didn’t expect to stand so close you could feel their wings flicker past your ear. There must’ve been dozens, all colors you can’t name. One hovered near my hand so long I almost forgot to take a photo. Then we rolled down into Mindo village itself—a quiet place but somehow alive with birdsong and the smell of wood smoke from someone’s breakfast. Diego explained how important this spot is for birdwatchers worldwide (I’m not one, but even I got it after seeing those toucans).

The cable car across the cloud forest was…well, I’m not great with heights but honestly? It was worth every second. You just glide over green that goes forever; mist curls around the trees below like something out of a dream or maybe a movie I saw once. We hiked after that—muddy in places, roots everywhere—and stopped at waterfalls with names like “Colibríes” and “Madre.” The water was freezing but clear enough to see your toes. Diego told us stories about local plants adapting to all this dampness; he seemed genuinely proud of his home.

Lunch in town tasted better than it should have after all that walking (maybe it was just being hungry), and there was time for chocolate at a little factory where the owner let us try warm cacao nibs straight from the roaster. On the way back to Quito, everyone got quiet—tired in that good way where your shoes are muddy and your head’s full of new things. I still think about the sound of those hummingbirds sometimes when everything else is too loud.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Mindo Cloud Forest and Wildlife

• Pick up from Quito hotel at 8:00 a.m.
• Visit Nambillo ecological reserve waterfalls
• Stop at hummingbirds' farm
• Drive to Mindo village
• Take cable car across mountains
• Hike to waterfalls and enjoy nature
• Lunch and optional orchid, butterfly, or chocolate farm visit
• Return to Quito hotel by 5:30 p.m.

Top questions

How long does the private Mindo Cloud Forest day trip take?

The tour starts with pickup at 8:00 am from Quito and returns around 5:30 pm the same day.

Is hotel pickup included for this Mindo Cloud Forest tour?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup in Quito is included.

What activities are part of this Mindo Cloud Forest day trip?

The tour includes visiting a hummingbird farm, riding a cable car over the forest, hiking to several waterfalls, and free time in Mindo village.

Is lunch included on the tour?

No set lunch is included but there’s time in Mindo village for lunch at local restaurants or cafes.

How difficult is the waterfall hike in Mindo?

The hike can last 1–2 hours depending on fitness level; paths can be muddy and uneven but are manageable for most active travelers.

Are guides English-speaking?

Yes, certified English-speaking guides lead the tour.

Can infants or pregnant travelers join this tour?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What wildlife might I see during this private day trip?

You’ll likely spot hummingbirds, toucans, orchids, air plants, and other exotic species native to the cloud forest.

What’s included

Your private day includes hotel pickup from Quito by certified English-speaking guide and driver, comfortable transportation throughout the journey—including all stops at hummingbird farms and waterfalls—with time for lunch in Mindo village before returning in the evening.