Getting there
~2 hr from Quito, on the western Andean slope
Best for
Hummingbirds, cock-of-the-rock, tanagers, Chocó endemics, cloud-forest birding, photography
The land
Lush western-Andean cloud forest in the Chocó bioregion
Good to know
Mindo's feeders draw dozens of hummingbird species to within camera range
What it is
Mindo is Ecuador's famous cloud forest — hummingbird feeders, cock-of-the-rock leks and Chocó endemics, just two hours from Quito.
On the western Andean slope, the Mindo cloud forest is one of the world's most accessible birding hotspots. Lodge feeders blaze with hummingbirds, a cock-of-the-rock lek displays at dawn, and the Chocó forest holds tanagers, toucan-barbets and a long list of endemics — superb for both birders and photographers.
The reason to come
The cloud-forest classic
Mindo is the accessible, dazzling heart of Chocó birding.
Hummingbird feeders
Dozens of hummingbird species at close range.
Cock-of-the-rock lek
The brilliant red bird displaying at dawn.
Chocó endemics
Toucan-barbets, tanagers and western-slope specialities.
Worth knowing
A cloud forest of hummingbirds
Mindo's feeders bring dozens of hummingbird species within camera range — the essence of Chocó birding.
When to come — honestly
A year-round cloud forest.
June – September
Best
Drier months — the best cloud-forest access.
Year-round
Good
Feeders are productive all year.
December – May
Good
Greener and showery, still excellent birding.
It is a cloud forest — expect mist and rain in any season; feeders perform regardless.
Context
The cloud-forest heart
Mindo is the accessible centrepiece of western-Andes birding.
It anchors the cloud-forest itineraries from Quito.
We base Mindo for its feeders and leks, the easy heart of Chocó cloud-forest birding.
Beyond the obvious
More to Mindo Cloud Forest.
Hummingbird feeders
Dozens of species.
Cock-of-the-rock lek
At dawn.
Chocó birding
Tanagers and endemics.
Why Wild Voyager
We string together cloud forest, Amazon and islands.
Ecuador packs cloud forest, Amazon and the Galápagos into a small country, but the logistics are fiddly. We handle the lodges, river canoes, flights and cruises so the pieces connect smoothly.
Handpicked stays
We choose the lodge and guides that fit your goals, not whatever is left.
We time it right
We build your visit around the season and the wildlife that delivers.
Where to stay
Where you’ll stay in Mindo Cloud Forest
Signature Collection
Luxury Collection
Classic Collection
Wildlife you may see
Plan your Mindo Cloud Forest trip.
Photograph hummingbirds in the Mindo cloud forest. Tell us your dates and we will build the route around it.
Plan a trip