UK +44 (0) 207 6106020
US +1-866-724 1590
US +1-866-724 1590
MindoThe Valley of Mindo is within the protected Mindo-Nambillo forest and is located a short two-hour drive to the northwest of Quito. The 48,000-acre (19,200 hectares) forest stretches over the slopes of Pichincha Volcano and covers diverse ecosystems ranging from the cloud-high treeless plateau or "paramo" through subtropical forest to tropical jungle.
Because of the moisture and coolness (that slows evaporation) Cloud Forests are very green and lush. This unique climate allows loads of epiphytes, plants that live on other plants, to grow almost out of control! There are mosses on the trunks of trees, orchids between the mosses and ferns growing on every branch. Mindo is a fantastically diverse world and a wonderful contrast to everywhere else in Ecuador.
Geographic diversity leads to biological diversity and Ecuador is definitely the proof with over 1,600 bird species, more frog and orchid species than any other country and almost all of these can be found with the Mindo Cloudforest. THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Below is a list of things that you can see and do in the area, though we can tailor any day to your specific interests.
The El Pahuma Orchid Reserve. This is a privately owned forest of an Ecuadorian family who is searching for a viable economic alternative to destructive activities such as logging or cattle raising, and it protects over 600 hectares (over 1500 acres) of tropical montane 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, Heliconia, ferns, vines, mosses and lichens grow in abundance here. The Butterfly Vivarium. This vivarium houses 25 varieties of butterflies. Flight areas simulate the outside forest with water streams, mineral deposits, and a wide range of wild flowers. Hundreds of caterpillars feed on their host plants in their natural environment to assure the best development of pupae and butterflies.
Walking tour. Specially trained guides introduce you to the mysteries of the Cloud Forest, pointing out the unique flora and fauna en-route, making this a great way to understand the environment.
Pacaya waterfall. A short trail through lush, epiphyte-laden cloud forest, alongside a lively, sparkling creek leads to the 50 metre (165 foot) Pacaya waterfall.
Recommended lodges in this area:
Mindo
Arasha Resort & Spa is located less than two and a half hours from Quito in one of the most bio diverse jungle environments in the world. The ecologically sensitive thatch-roofed bungalows have been designed beautifully
Mindo
Bellavista cloud forest lodge is a unique place to stay above the forest canopy and actually within the clouds! What was initially a 55 hectare reserve has now become a certified eco lodge with a700 hectare private reserve
Quito
Cafe Cultura is a mixture of traditional and contemporary design making it an ideal inner city retreat for Quito. The building has been carefully restored over a period of four years with special detail
|
|
