Hummingbirds
Metallic colours.
Ayacop — Public domain · Ayacop — Public domain · Ayacop — Public domain
A small town in a green valley on the western slopes of the Andes, surrounded by dense cloud forest that is among the world's richest places for birds, with hundreds of species recorded. It has become a haven for nature lovers escaping Quito's cold and altitude, at only about 1,250 metres. Mindo's stars are hummingbirds: dozens in shimmering metallic colours hover around feeders in gardens and cafés, so you see them up close with ease. There are butterfly farms, orchids, forest trails to waterfalls and a small cable car crossing the valley above the trees. The town offers chocolate-making tours using local cacao and night walks to see frogs and insects. Birders rise at dawn with guides to find rare species. Rain is frequent in the cloud forest, so bring a rain jacket and shoes for mud. A night here is better than a day trip, to see the birds in the morning.
Metallic colours.
Forest trails.
From local cacao.
Mindo town, about two hours' drive north-west of Quito
You can visit in a day from Quito, but a night is better to see birds at dawn and enjoy the waterfalls and butterfly farms unhurried.