a violet-tailed sylph from Mindo Vaalley
Rio Mindo meanders down from western slopes of the Pichincha volcano forming the valley, densely covered with the unique ecosystem: the cloud forest.
The “Andean eyebrow” is basically similar to the rain forest, but as it is located on a slope, the sunrays are able to penetrate deeper within the trees enabling more vivid forms of fauna and flora, than the ones known from the rain forest.
Although the whole country feature enormous number of bird species, the Mindo Valley is a real paradise for bird watchers and ornithologists!
The birds met here include famous Andean Cock-of the Rock, the golden-headed quetzal, crimson-rumped toucanets, violet-tailed sylph and some other 300 species. Over 15,000 acres of rainforest are included in protected Mindo-Nambillo Reserve, which besides birds is also the home for at least 250 species of butterflies and moths,and a vivid variety of bromeliads and orchids.
The town Mindo is situated short two hours by car from centre of Quito. The tour commences in an air-conditioned private car with the service of an English-speaking guide, which on the way intriduce you to different aspects of cloud forest fauna and flora.
In Mindo you will visit the El Pahuma Orquid Reserve, where in the Botanical Garden you can find over 170 species of orchids as well as bromeliads, heliconias, ferns, vines, mosses and lichens.
Next is Mariposas de Mindo(Butterfly Vivarium) housing 25 varieties of butterflies.The interior of vivarium simulates the nature outside with water streams, orchids and other exotic flowers, plants and caterpillars to provide best flight conditions for preserved butterfiles.
After visiting vivarium you will have a lunch at the restaurant Mariposas de Mindo, included in price of the tour.
Along the route there are two other spots to stop ( if time permits )
Sachatamia, a private ecological reserve with the hundreds of bird species, and
Geobotanical Reserve with the panoramic view from the slopes of extincit volcano Pululahua.
Duration
7 hours
Tour commences
Daily
Start
07:00 am
Price
from £130.88
[photo courtesy of Michael Woodruff]