Day Tour in Mindo— Living Nature Just a Step Away from Quito

Price: 180 USD + VAT – Up to 2 people (*)

Tour and prices available for larger parties

Duration: 7-8 hours

Based on standard visit times

01. Pick-up (available from 8 AM)

Start this private experience in Quito by getting picked up from our wonderful Old Town Quito Suites. You can also request for pickup from any other hotels or landmarks(**) if you won't be staying with us by the day/time you want the tour to get started.  

Be it from our wonderful Old Town Quito Suites or anywhere else in Quito, you can customize your pickup place(**), date and time!

02. Journey to the Middle of the World (1 hour - optional)

Although this is expected to be a long way to go (outskirts of the city), your friendly guide is there to make you feel comfortable and acquainted to what you're about to witness.

Don't hesitate to make questions or even ask for rearrangement on the itinerary.

Although this is expected to be a long way to go (outskirts of the city), your friendly guide is there to make you feel comfortable and acquainted to what you're about to witness.

Don't hesitate to make questions or even ask for rearrangement on the itinerary.

03. Exploring the waterfalls of Mindo (1-2 hours) 

In Mindo, the cloud forest hides a paradise of crystal-clear waterfalls. From the imposing Reina Waterfall to the refreshing Nambillo and the magical corners of Ondinas, Guarumos, and Colibrí, each waterfall invites you to walk along green trails, cross the exciting tarabita, and enjoy nature in its purest form.

You’ll experience first-handedly the magic of standing on the Equator Line. Besides, the complex itself offers unique opportunities to delve into Ecuadorian culture and flavors, alongside with its variety of permanent exhibitions and tasting flights (craft beer and chocolate).

04. Visting the orchid garden
(0.5 hours)

The Mindo Orchid Garden is a small paradise full of color and life. Visitors can marvel at many species of native orchids, while hummingbirds and birds flit among the flowers. A unique experience to admire the beautiful flora of the place.

After modern technology measurements, this is where the actual "Middle of World" has been determined to lay. Finally, straddle between hemispheres as you learn more about Ecuadorian culture and science through fun experiments.

05. Discover the viewpoint with a wide variety of birds 
(1 hour)

The Mindo Birdwatching Center is the perfect place for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. Tourists can observe hummingbirds, toucans, and a wide variety of birds in their natural habitat while enjoying panoramic views of the cloud forest. A unique experience that connects visitors with the biodiversity of Ecuador's greenest region.

Once a key military hub and ceremonial site, dated to the Incan Empire, Pucará de Rumicucho nowadays lays as the astonishing vestiges from an ancient era. You'll get to stroll through the ruins as you learn of its historical background and enjoy panoramic views.

06. Ride the zip lines in the Cloud Forest.. 
(1 - 2 hours)

Fly over the cloud forest of Mindo! The zip line offers you an exciting adventure among trees and streams, enjoying spectacular views and the adrenaline rush of gliding on cables over Ecuador's natural landscape.

This is one among many volcanoes in Ecuador, outstanding for its dormant status, which allowed indigenous communities to settle down inside its crater. Get a glimpse on this astonishing atmosphere through the Pululahua Viewpoint. 

07. Experience the delicious tour of the Ecuadorian chocolate-making process. (1 hour)

On the chocolate tour in Mindo, you will discover the art of Ecuadorian cocoa. You will see the entire process from harvest to the production of delicious bars, participate in the grinding of beans, and taste fresh cocoa fruits, as well as savor exquisite chocolates and brownies. A sweet and educational experience that connects you with the tradition and nature of the region.

It's time to get back into the city, heading toward Rucu Pichincha, a dormant volcano bulging out right next to the city's business heart.

Besides, this is the best time to take your guide's recommendations for lunchtime, either before the ride or before arrival.

12. Drop-off (choose your dropoff place)

It's time to go back and rechange for the next adventure awaiting ahead. Tell your guide where to drop you off, could it be at our Old Town Quito Suites, another landmark you'd like to visit, a restaurant in Quito, another lodgment in Quito, or even straight to the airport(3).

Customize on the go! No matter where in Quito you'd prefer to go next, whether Old Town Quito Suites or a different place, tell your friendly guide where they should drop you off(3).

(*) Get a free quote for larger parties. Our prices include both private guiding and private transportation. Tickets, food, souvenirs and tips are NOT included given the customizable ways of this experience, yet attendants are entitled to decide the attractions they prefer to visit or skip within the itinerary, as well as the moment they want to have lunch.


(**) Pickup is available in Quito and surrounding areas including Quito airport, adding the possibility to start the trip right after airport collection for early arrivals (up to noon). Pickup from the airport or surrounding areas other than Quito downtown increases the trip price. Check with us if required.


(3) Drop-off is available in Quito and surrounding areas outside Quito including Quito airport, recommended for itinerary-free mornings and evening departures. Drop-off at the airport, surrounding areas other than Quito downtown, or outside Quito increases the trip price. Check with us if required.


(4) Pucará de Rumicucho is an optional addition, which can be either exchanged for other landmarks, or included without exchanges but reducing the time available to spend in other landmarks.


(5) Regarding Old Town destinations, it is possible to either exchange order with different landmarks within the itinerary, or change for other nearby landmarks according to attendants' preferences or desired dropoff place, thus making the tour finish closer to the last stop in the customized itinerary. Check with us if required.

Discover Quito in a Full Day: History, Science & Nature

Discover the highlights of Quito in a single day! 

Experience the ultimate full-day tour in Quito and discover the city's most iconic landmarks in just one day. 


From standing on the Middle of The World and getting to know actual Incan vestiges, passing a thrilling hike up the Rucu Pichincha volcano in New Town, to exploring the charm of the Old Town, this private experience perfectly balances nature, history and science on a curated itinerary.

This tour is ideal for families, friends and couples whose stay in Quito will be short, but still look forward to getting to know the most important highlights - and even a few bonus hidden gems - all in one day!