
cloud forest of ecuador
march 23-28, 2026

Discover Mindo, Ecuador: a hidden gem in the Andes where nature comes alive. Immerse yourself in one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet, a lush paradise teeming with life in every corner. Why Mindo? In this small, enchanting region, the extraordinary is commonplace; from world-renowned birdlife to breathtaking natural wonders. Here, nature reveals itself at its purest, most magical, and unforgettable.

Travel from the historic streets of Quito into the mystical cloud forests of Mindo, where vibrant wildlife thrives in pristine reserves. Watch hummingbirds land in your hand, witness the spectacular courtship of the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock, and explore a family-run coffee farm to learn the journey from bean to cup. Delve into conservation at Ecuadorβs leading amphibian center, meeting scientists working to save rare and endangered species. Every step of this journey immerses you in the wonder of Ecuador.

itinerary
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Welcome to Quito, one of the highest capital cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled in the Andes at over 9,000 feet above sea level.
After settling into our hotel and taking a moment to unwind, we will have lunch and head over to Mitad del Mundo βThe Middle of the Worldβ where you can literally stand with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one in the Southern. This site marks the point where 18th century astronomers helped confirm the exact curve of the Earth proving the planet bulges at the equator. Inside the park, weβll find interactive exhibits, museums, shopping, delicious food, and more.
We return to our hotel and have our first dinner as we close our first day in magical Ecuador.
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This morning we leave Quito and head into the lush, green world of Mindo. Our first stop will be a private reserve tucked in the mountains where we can observe many bird species up close. The star attraction here is the intimate hummingbird experience.
From here, we continue to Sachatamia Reserve, one of the most celebrated birding lodges in Ecuador and a true conservation success story. The reserve protects more than 70 hectares of pristine cloud forest and is home to hundreds of species.
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Today we dive deep into coffee as we visit a family farm using sustainable practices passed down through generations. Mindo sits along the western slopes of the Andes where volcanic soil, constant moisture, and cool mountain air create ideal growing conditions for specialty Arabica beans.
On our visit, youβll get an inside look at every stage of production, from planting to harvesting, fermenting, drying, and finally roasting. We finish the experience with a guided tasting with the producers themselves. By the time we leave, youβll understand the journey of coffee from bean to cup.
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This morning we travel deeper into the forest to a protected stretch of lush Andean habitat known for the incredible concentration of rare and endemic bird species. This reserve is a true treasure for conservation and allows wildlife to thrive. Here you will get to observe some of the most beautiful birds in the world and quite literally have hummingbirds landing in your hand.
After lunch, we will visit another site where we can observe the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock. This is one of the most sought after birds in Ecuador and if we are lucky, we will get to observe the courtship rituals between the males and females
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For our final day in the cloud forest we will visit a reserve that is a successful restoration site. Once heavily deforested, it now serves as a sanctuary for hummingbirds.
After lunch, we have the incredible opportunity to visit Wikiri, Ecuadorβs leading amphibian conservation center. This organization focuses on rescuing, breeding, and reintroducing native frogs back into the wild. Some of their projects are the very last of the species due to habitat loss and fungal diseases that affect frogs. Youβll have the chance to see rare species you would otherwise not encounter on any tour, all while meeting the incredible scientists behind this project.
Tonight, we return to Quito for our final evening together.
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After a final breakfast together, we begin our journeys home, carrying with us the unforgettable memories of the Ecuadorian cloud forest.
COST
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The full experience is $2,700 USD per participant, based on double occupancy. Single occupancy available upon request.
Your experience includes:
All accommodations, meals, transportation (including airport pickup and drop-off), and all scheduled activities/entrance fees.Not included:
International flights to and from Quito, alcoholic beverages, travel insurance, and personal spending for snacks or meals not specified in the itinerary. -
We accept all major payment methods for your convenience β including credit and debit cards, bank transfers, and digital platforms such as Zelle, Venmo, PayPal, and Wise. You can also checkout through the link below. You may choose to apply for payment plan options through Klarna.
Choose the option that works best for you and weβll make the process simple and secure.
PAYMENT PLANS
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Secure your spot with a $500 deposit. Flexible payment plans are available for the remaining balance upon request.
All balances must be paid in full 90 days prior to the tour start date.
Please note that all payments are non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in the event of unforeseen circumstances. For more information, visit the Travel Insurance section in our main menu.