Mindo Cloud Forest Tour from Quito: Waterfall hike & cable car

Watch hummingbirds up close and cool off with a swim after a mountain trek in Mindo.

A nine-hour tour from Quito to Mindo cloud forest includes hummingbird sanctuary entry, private transport, and a cable car ride across the forest to reach Mindo Nambillo waterfall for a 40-minute hike and swim. The day mixes wildlife viewing with physical activity (hiking, cable car crossing, and water), so bring a bathing suit and plan for an early 7 a.m. departure. A live guide speaks English or Spanish, and children from age 5 are welcome.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Mindo Cable Car2h 30m · entry included
2. Mindo Butterfly Farm45m

Explore Mindo Cloud Forest and Surroundings

• Depart from Quito at 7:00 am
• Visit hummingbirds sanctuary
• Enjoy alternative traditional breakfast
• Arrive in Mindo cloud forest city
• Ride Mindo Cable Car across forest
• Hike 40 minutes to Mindo Nambillo waterfall
• Swim and freshen up at waterfall
• Choose optional visit: butterfly sanctuary or chocolate factory
• Optional zipline activity (tickets not included)
• Stop to buy chocolate treats before departure
• Return to Quito

The experience

The tour leaves Quito at 7 a.m. heading west toward the cloud forest. Your first stop is a hummingbirds sanctuary where you'll see dozens of hummingbird species up close before the day's main activities begin. The operator recommends eating breakfast here or bringing a packed lunch so you don't lose time to meals later in the day.

Once in Mindo, you board the Tarabita: a cable car that crosses high above the cloud forest canopy to the far side of the ridge. On the other side, a 40-minute hike descends through the forest to Mindo Nambillo waterfall, where you can swim and cool off after the trail. Bring a towel and bathing suit if you plan to get in the water. After the waterfall, you have a choice: visit the Mindo Butterfly Farm or stop at a chocolate factory to buy dark chocolate before the return drive to Quito.

The full day is nine hours including travel time. This tour involves hiking and physical exertion, so a moderate fitness level helps. It's not suitable for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. Children from age 5 can join.

What’s included

• Hummingbirds sanctuary entry.
• private transportation from Quito.
• Tarabita cable car tickets to cross the cloud forest.
• live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (19 to 70 years) · Youth (12 to 18 years) · Child (5 to 11 years) · Under 5: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Footprint-Journeys Ecuador

Is this one for you?This tour suits small groups or families with children from age 5 who want wildlife and hiking combined in one day. The fixed route and early start mean you fit multiple stops (sanctuary, cable car, waterfall swim, and a choice of butterfly farm or chocolate factory) into a single nine-hour outing from Quito.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 18 years); Child (5 to 11 years). Children under 5 can't be included in the booking.

What is the Tarabita and why does it matter on this tour?

The Tarabita is the cable car that crosses the cloud forest canopy in Mindo, carrying you from one side of the ridge to the other before the hike down to the waterfall. It's the access point to the trail and gives you views of the forest from above.

Can I swim at Mindo Nambillo waterfall, and should I bring anything?

Yes, you can swim at Mindo Nambillo waterfall after the hike. Bring a bathing suit and towel if you want to get in the water and freshen up from the trail.

What time does the tour leave Quito?

The tour departs at 7 a.m. from Quito heading toward the cloud forest.

Is lunch included in the tour price?

Lunch is not included. The operator recommends eating breakfast at the hummingbirds sanctuary stop or bringing a packed lunch to avoid losing time during the day's activities.

What are the optional stops after the waterfall hike?

After the waterfall, you can choose to visit the Mindo Butterfly Farm (extra cost of $10 per person) or stop at a chocolate factory to buy dark chocolate before heading back to Quito. Zipline is also available as an option with separate tickets.