Mindo Nature & Wildlife Experience
Four days in Ecuador’s most celebrated cloud forest—hiking misty trails, chasing waterfalls, and coming face-to-face with rare birds and wildlife. At day’s end, return to the comfort of a family-run eco-lodge where you feel less like a guest and more like a neighbor.
What will you experience
Itinerary
We’ll pick you up in the morning (9:00 a.m.) from your accommodation in Quito to begin the journey to Mindo. On the way, we’ll stop at the Inti Ñan Museum before descending into the lush valley of the cloud forest.
Upon arrival at Casa Divina Eco Lodge, enjoy a homemade lunch and take some time to settle into the peaceful surroundings.
In the afternoon, visit the Mindo Chocolate Tour, where you’ll learn about the cacao-making process and taste its unique flavors. Then, observe hummingbirds and tanagers at local feeders.
After dinner, a guided night walk will invite you to discover the wildlife that awakens as night falls.
Between 6:00 and 8:00 a.m., you can join an optional birdwatching session from the lodge’s terrace.
After breakfast, head to the Río Bravo Reserve for a hike among rivers, waterfalls, and vibrant forest scenery. There will be time to swim, take photos, and enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature.
In the afternoon, return to Casa Divina to rest, have dinner, and enjoy the lodge’s serene atmosphere.
After breakfast, walk to the cloud forest cable car, offering panoramic views of the green canopy. From there, continue with a hike to the Waterfall Sanctuary, where you can cool off in its waters and capture unique photos.
Enjoy lunch at Casa Divina and spend the afternoon exploring the village or relaxing to the sounds of the forest.
After breakfast, walk to the Mindo Butterfly Garden to observe different species in their natural habitat. Then, enjoy a tubing adventure down the Mindo River, surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
After lunch at Casa Divina, begin the return trip to Quito (2:00 p.m.), taking with you the peace, colors, and sounds of the cloud forest.
Stories from travelers like you
Your Hosts & Guides
Molly and Efrain first opened their cloud forest home to travelers in 2007, transforming it into Divine Sabina Experiences & Eco Lodge. Alongside their team of expert local naturalist guides, they share an intimate knowledge of Mindo's rhythms—teaching you to spot the flash of a tanager, identify bird calls, and move through the forest with quiet awareness.
What began as their family retreat is now a place where guests discover the cloud forest through the eyes of those who know it best: people who live here, love it deeply, and want you to see what makes it extraordinary.
What’s included in this experience
- 3 nights of accommodation in a boutique eco-lodge surrounded by the forest.
- Local naturalist guide for all activities.
- Round-trip transportation from Quito.
- All meals and entrance fees included.
- Pricing for groups of 2-4 passengers.
- Please inquire directly for singles and larger groups.
* Not included: drinks at dinner, tips, or any additional activities.
FAQs
Yes. This is a fully private experience, designed exclusively for your group. All activities, transportation, and guiding services are personalized to your pace and interests, ensuring comfort, flexibility, and privacy throughout the trip.
Casa Divina Eco Lodge is in Mindo, Ecuador, in the heart of the Chocó Andino cloud forest—just 2 hours northwest of Quito. The lodge is surrounded by nature on a private property that blends comfort, tranquility, and direct access to trails and reserves.
Exact location: 1.2 Km, Via Salado, Mindo, Ecuador.
We can meet at your accommodation in Quito, where we’ll pick you up in the morning and return you at the end of the trip.
No. All activities are low to moderate intensity and are guided by local naturalists who adapt to each traveler’s pace.
No. All activities are low to moderate intensity and are guided by local naturalists who adapt to each traveler’s pace.
Yes—especially for those who enjoy nature and hiking. We can adapt some activities based on participants’ ages.
Mindo has a mild, humid climate year-round, with temperatures between 64°F and 77°F (18°C–25°C). We recommend bringing a light jacket for the evenings.
- To confirm your booking, a deposit of 50% of the total experience cost is required.
- The remaining balance is due at least 30 days before arrival.
- Cancellations made more than 30 days in advance qualify for a 50% refund of the deposit.
- Cancellations between 30 and 8 days before arrival are non-refundable, but the full deposit may be applied to a future booking of equal or greater value within one calendar year.
- Cancellations with less than 8 days’ notice are not refundable; however, 50% of the total payment may be applied to a future experience of equal or greater value within the same timeframe.
- In cases of extreme weather or major unforeseen events, we offer rescheduling without penalty.