(3000 inhabitants, 1250msnm, cloud forest)
Mindo is located about 80 km northwest of Quito. It is on the road from Quito - Esmeraldas so it is a good stop before going to the beaches. With an ideal and constant temperature, it makes a spectacular place for tourism with a primary forest Mindo-Nambillo, an endless number of outdoor activities, extreme sports and of course an impressive amount of flora and fauna.
The temperature in the area ranges between 15 º C - 24 º C throughout the year. The rains are common, but during the months of June to November the climate becomes drier.
Mindo is also famous for extreme sports that can be practiced, and it is one of the best places to birdwatch or bird watching all over the world. Mindo has around 500 species of birds, 200 species of orchids, butterflies and hummingbirds.
In addition, this small town belongs to the Mindo-Nambillo Ecological Reserve, one of the many Protected Areas in Ecuador.
There is a bus route that takes you from Quito directly to Mindo. The transport operator is called "Flor del Valle - Cayambe", the cost of the one way ticket is $ 2.50 and it is suggested to buy the return ticket as soon as it reaches the town, at the bus stop offices, as they usually end up soon.
These buses leave from the North Station of the Metrobus Q "La Ofelia", the last station north of this transport system. The one way tickets you get there. We suggest that the purchase of the ticket be made in advance, especially the holidays and weekends that are the days of greatest influx to Mindo.
From Monday to Friday, buses leave Quito at 8:00 am, 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. Saturdays depart at 7:40, 8:20, 9:20 and 4:00. Sundays and holidays depart at 7:40, 8:20, 9:20 and 1:00 p.m.
The timetable for the return are: Monday to Friday at 6:30 and 2:00 p.m., Saturdays at 6:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., and Sundays and holidays at 6:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Cascada río Pita Saturday 22 February 2025
Tourism
