Mindo Cloud Forest
Duration:1 day
Day 1
Quito - Valley of Mindo
Early morning departure from Quito into the Valley of Mindo with its unique cloud forest flora and fauna. Hike on a trail through lush, epiphyte-laden cloud forest, alongside a lively, sparkling creek to the 50 metre (165 foot) Pacaya waterfall. Later visit El Pahuma Orchid Reserve, the privately owned forest of an Ecuadorian family who are searching for a viable economic alternative to destructive activities such as logging or cattle raising. The family protects over 600 hectares of tropical forest. Over 170 species of orchids have been identified within the reserve, which lies in a region with some of the highest rates of plant endemism in the world. Orchids, bromeliads, heliconias, ferns, vines, mosses and lichens grow in abundance here.
Continue to the quaint little village of Mindo, at an altitude of 1,300 metres, observing the bird life along the way. From here, visit the Butterfly Vivarium, housing 25 varieties. Flight areas simulate the outside forest with water streams, mineral deposits, and a wide range of wild flowers. Stop for lunch at a nearby restaurant before returning to Quito in the afternoon. L
