Mindo, the small eco-friendly town, is located in the cloud forest of Ecuador and is part of the Nature Reserve called the Bosque Protector Mindo-Nambillo which is about 47.444 acres. Just 2,5 hours away from Quito, Mindo is a great option for a daytrip, especially when you are interested in bird watching. 350 different species of birds can be observed in the surroundings of Quito. Also many rare species like the toucan-barbet, cock-of-the-rock and the golden-headed quetzal, are domestic in the cloud forest around Mindo. Because of the great diversity of birds it is not remarkable that Mindo belongs to the best bird watching spots in South America.

For those who are not that much interested in birds, Mindo has a wide range of other activities. The surroundings of Mindo are affected by an incredible nature which is steeped in nature trails, freshwater rivers and beautiful waterfalls. You can explore the nature by foot or bike, renting a bike costs 5$ per day. Another funny activity is tubing on the Rio Mindo, its great floating along the river in a tube and just enjoying the great nature. Tubing in Mindo costs 5-7$ per Person and includes a helmet, the tube, a life jacket and the guide. In the Orchid Gardens can be seen the Guayaba Orchards, for which Mindo is very well known, and other beautiful species of orchards. Big, colorful butterflies can be observed at the Butterfly farms around Mindo. The most famous Butterfly Farm is “Mariposario” and for just 3$ per Person you can see the greatest butterflies you have ever seen.

Do you want to listen to a frog-concert? Then you should join the daily night walk which starts at 6 pm at costs 2,50$ per person. While you are listening to the concert of the frogs you enjoy a great glass wine, which is included.

During a canopy tour along cables over 3650 meters  or during a ride on the cable car, called “tarabita” (2$ per person) you will have a beautiful view of the cloud forest and great opportunities of taking pictures.

Spending one day in Mindo is like one week holiday! Or what do you think?

source: http://ecuador.travel