This day trip did not deliver what we expected. We expected as it was billed bird watching in the cloud forest with visits to waterfalls. WE were picked up by both a driver and a guide in a 20 seat mini bus which was uncomfortable and for 2 people not appropriate. We needed only 1 driver/guide in a smaller SUV. When we arrived at Mindo we found out we visit only 1 water fall and that the bird watching turns out to be 2 hummingbird feeders at a butterfly farm and an orchid farm. At Mindo we picked up a local naturalist guide and another driver. The naturalist guide at least was very good. She pointed out the forest vegetation and helped look for birds as we walked to the waterfall. She identified the various hummingbirds we saw at the feeders for us whereas the guide as part of the excursion from Quito would only indicate hummingbirds! This excursion is not a bird watchers trip to the cloud forest but in reality a trip to Mindo and select a series of adventure activities and there is a strong push to select a chocolate factory which we had no interest in doing. One activity billed as a canopy experience was in reality zip lining. To us a canopy experience is a canopy walk. Overall we felt this trip was not as expected and extremely over priced for what we got. At half the price we paid we might have been satisfied.
Review by: Paul K, August 2015
This day trip did not deliver what we expected. We expected as it was billed bird watching in the cloud forest with visits to waterfalls. WE were picked up by both a driver and a guide in a 20 seat mini bus which was uncomfortable and for 2 people not appropriate. We needed only 1 driver/guide in a smaller SUV. When we arrived at Mindo we found out we visit only 1 water fall and that the bird watching turns out to be 2 hummingbird feeders at a butterfly farm and an orchid farm. At Mindo we picked up a local naturalist guide and another driver. The naturalist guide at least was very good. She pointed out the forest vegetation and helped look for birds as we walked to the waterfall. She identified the various hummingbirds we saw at the feeders for us whereas the guide as part of the excursion from Quito would only indicate hummingbirds! This excursion is not a bird watchers trip to the cloud forest but in reality a trip to Mindo and select a series of adventure activities and there is a strong push to select a chocolate factory which we had no interest in doing. One activity billed as a canopy experience was in reality zip lining. To us a canopy experience is a canopy walk. Overall we felt this trip was not as expected and extremely over priced for what we got. At half the price we paid we might have been satisfied.
Review by: Geoff P, June 2015
Ivan was great, new his stuff and made it interesting. Mindo was a great place to visit with lots of activities to do. I loved it.
Review by: Kerry N, June 2015
Great tour. Friendly and knowledgeable guide, flexibility on schedule and what to see etc. Recommended.
Review by: Janice C, January 2015
Had a great time. Really enjoyed the zip-lining!
Review by: ldellal, January 2014
If you have more time to spend in Mindo, it would be nice to spend a few days to really see the birds and nature. But if you don't, this tour packed a lot of things in one day. Great guides and drivers. There are some great views on the way through the mountains. I've visited several butterfly farms before, but the butterflies at the Mindo one were the "friendliest" I've encountered, and loved to land on you. The hike through the cloud forest first required travel across a valley in a little open cable car, a bit frightening but nice views. Interesting plants and birds were pointed out along the way (although since we were there around noon, the birds were not as active). The waterfall is beautiful at the end. The stop at the orchid house lets you see some very tiny orchids. Lunch at the restaurant included amazing views of many different types of hummingbirds and tanagers. A great day!
Review by: Phylis B C, United States of America, July 2010
Awesome zip lining!
Review by: Phylis B. C, July 2010
Awesome zip lining!
Review by: June L. G, United States of America, April 2010
Our guides were friendly and even assisted me when I felt carsick. Things started out pretty good but gradually got worse as the day went on. They really left us feeling unimportant as they carried on most conversations without us in Spanish and at lunch then translated what they were talking about was drinking with their friends - not appropriate for us considering my son is only 13 years old. The lunch was way too late as we were so hungry at 2:30 that we were feeling sick and did not get good service at the restaurant. This also made our day very late and we spent over an hour in Quito traffic just trying to get back to our hotel. I would not recommend this outing to anyone.
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