Mindo

Mindo Essentials

Located in the Ecuadorian Andes, Mindo is a biodiversity hotspot centered around the 19,000-hectare Nambillo Protective Forest. This selection features the Tarabita cable car crossing the Nambillo River gorge, leading to a sanctuary of seven waterfalls. It includes specialized conservation sites like Las Gralarias and Nathaly’s garden, alongside the region’s famous bean-to-bar chocolate production at El Quetzal. The list highlights specific ecological attractions, from butterfly flight enclosures to high-altitude canopy zip-lines.

Tarabita y Santuario de las Cascadas

Open-air cable car crossing a 150-meter deep gorge. It connects to a trail network leading to seven distinct waterfalls within the cloud forest.

Butterfly & Hummingbird Garden Nathaly

Garden featuring feeders that attract numerous hummingbird species. Includes a butterfly house showcasing local Lepidoptera in various stages of development.

Canopy Adventure

Zip-line course featuring ten cables stretching across the cloud forest canopy, offering views of the forest ecosystem from heights up to 400 meters.

El Quetzal de Mindo

Cacao farm and restaurant offering bean-to-bar chocolate tours. Demonstrates the traditional fermentation, drying, and roasting processes of Ecuadorian fine aroma cacao.

Bosque Protector Nambillo

19,000-hectare reserve spanning altitudes from 1,100 to 4,700 meters. It provides habitat for the cock-of-the-rock and the endangered spectacled bear.

Cascada Nambillo

15-meter waterfall featuring a natural pool used for swimming. Accessible by the tarabita or a trail from the main road.

Hosteria Mariposas de Mindo

Butterfly farm and lodge with a large walk-in enclosure. Houses thousands of butterflies and offers educational exhibits on their life cycle.

Mirador Mindo

Elevated observation point providing panoramic views of the Mindo-Nambillo valley and the surrounding Andean cloud forest.

Cascada la Reina

The furthest waterfall in the Nambillo Sanctuary, reachable via a 50-minute hike. Known for its steep drop and surrounding primary forest.

Reserva Las Gralarias

Private conservation area focused on protecting rare birds and amphibians. Notable for its populations of glass frogs and the endemic Mindo glass frog.