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Mindo’s most significant flora wealth is in its diversity of orchids, of which it has over 4,500 species. Amongst the flora you will also find cedro trees, aguacatillo, arrayan, canelo and plants like berries, hill red peppers and the ortiga.

The forest also shelters more than 400 species of birds such as partridge, hummingbirds, woodpeckers and the elusive Andean cock-of-the-rock. There are many other fauna, including butterflies, bats, squirrels, deer coated bears and small amphibians.

Mindo covers 19,200 hectares and has an altitude ranging from 1,400 to 4,778 metres, Just two hours drive northwest of Quito, it is easily visited on a day trip. However, serious naturalists should consider staying for a couple of nights to explore the forest trails.

View suggested itineraries

Key info

  • Ideal for viewing: Andean cock-of-the-rock, club-winged manakin, long wattle umbrellabird, puma, torrent duck
  • Where: Pichincha Province, Ecuador

Wildlife trips

This wildlife location is featured in the following itineraries:

Ecuadorian Odyssey

Take a journey through Ecuador’s varied topography to see the best of the country’s wildlife. Immerse yourself in the cloud forests of Mindo and follow hiking trails to see colourful tanagers and hummingbirds, before spending a few days in the Amazon jungle, home to an astonishing repertoire of wildlife. Find out more about Ecuadorian Odyssey

  • Price (inc. flights): 12 days from £5,195
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • A
    • M
    • J
    • J
    • A
    • S
    • O
    • N
    • D

Andes to Amazon Rainforest Photography Workshop

Explore the Mindo Cloud Forest, the Amazon Rainforest and the rugged landscapes of the Andes in company of wildlife photographers Nick Garbutt and Alex Hyde in search of the varied wildlife and macro photography opportunities that the diverse country of Ecuador has to offer. Find out more about Andes to Amazon Rainforest Photography Workshop

  • Price (inc. flights): 19 days from £11,495
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • J
    • F
    • M
    • A
    • N
    • D

Ecuador’s Birds & Mammals with Mike Dilger

This small group tour to Ecuador explores some of its major habitats to enjoy the sheer abundance of life that can be found in this biodiverse nation. Led throughout by TV naturalist Mike Dilger, we will experience the cloudforest, Amazon rainforest and the Andean páramo during our two-week trip to Ecuador. Find out more about Ecuador’s Birds & Mammals with Mike Dilger

  • Price (inc. flights): 15 days from £8,195
  • Trip type:
    Group Tour
    Tailor-made can be arranged
  • When to go:
    • M
    • A
    • M
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