From Quito: 2-Day Mindo Cloud Forest Birdwatching Tour｜Ecuador

Day 1: Quito to Mindo

Begin with a morning pickup in Quito and head toward the lush Mindo Cloud Forest. Stop at San Tadeo Bird Sanctuary, a productive birding site where feeders and forest edges attract a wide variety of species, offering excellent photo opportunities in a short visit.

At midday, enjoy lunch in Mindo town before settling into Mindo Wood Cabin, a peaceful eco-cabin surrounded by gardens that naturally attract birds throughout the day.

In the afternoon, head to the Nambillo Cloud Forest for your first focused birdwatching session, exploring trails and viewpoints where toucans, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, tanagers, and aracaris are commonly seen. Return to the cabin in the late afternoon to relax, enjoy the garden birdlife, and disconnect from the city. The day ends with a private dinner at the cabin, accompanied by the sounds of the forest.

Day 2: Andean Cock-of-the-Rock and Return to Quito

Start early and head deep into the cloud forest for the iconic Andean Cock-of-the-Rock experience, where you observe males performing their striking courtship displays at the lek—one of the highlights of birdwatching in Ecuador. After the activity, enjoy breakfast in the forest, allowing time to continue spotting additional species active in the early morning mist.

Late in the morning, return to the cabin to pack and then begin the drive back to Quito, arriving in the afternoon.