Average rating El Monte Mindo Cloud Forest Lodge

Experience the other worldly wonder of Ecuador’s tropical cloud forest, where the low mists shimmer with the polychrome play of birds and butterflies! This three-day tour based out of the El Monte Cloud Forest Lodge takes you to the heart of Mindo, one of the world’s most biodiverse cloud forest, for a holiday like no other!

It may be the second smallest country in South America, but what Ecuador lacks in size it more than makes up for in natural and cultural diversity! Straddling the equator on the northwest coast of the continent, Ecuador is a land of ancient cities, lush cloud forest, volcanic highlands and palm-fringed coastline. In a single day it’s possible to travel through all these landscapes and more, making Ecuador (pound-for-pound) the most diverse nation on Earth! One of 17 megadiverse countries, with 15% of the world’s known bird species as well as 250 endemic reptiles and amphibians, the “Republic of the Equator” is also home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including its capital, Quito, and the Galapagos archipelago, the lost world that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection. Small wonder, then, that Ecuador is a traveller’s dream!

Welcome to the jungle paradise of Mindo, where exotic orchids bloom among the moss-clad trees and tropical birds score the canopy like precious gemstones! Set amidst all this, the riverside El Monte Cloud Forest lodge is the perfect spot from which to explore the cloud forest! You’re free to fill your time as you wish, whether that’s hiking, bird-watching or whitewater tubing! There are guided nature walks on offer, as well as a trip to the Pululahua crater and the equator monument. The trip culminates with a visit to the world-renowned ‘Tony’s House’, a jungle lodge that’s frequented by around 25 species of hummingbird, many of which swoop down to the balcony at the eponymous Tony’s command! Read more in our detailed El Monte review.

This is one of most magical tours we’ve come across, one that promises sights, sounds and even smells that are as unique as they are intoxicating! Ecuador’s Edenic cloud forest is a seriously special place, and there’s no better way to discover it than with an eco-lodge stay like this one. This enchanting little tour will be adored by anyone with an interest in Life in all its myriad tones and textures, those whose idea of rest and relaxation involves a dip in a waterfall or a book, a hammock and some tropical birdsong. On the other hand, if you can’t imagine a holiday without TV, sun beds and beach bars, best look elsewhere!

Getting there

The tour departs from Quito.

Price includes

Accommodation, food, activities, transfers, guide

Not included:
Alcoholic and not alcoholic drinks, entrance fee to Middle of the World Monument, Pululahua crater and Tony’s house, personal expenses.

Price details

Price is based on 2 people sharing

Available

Jan—Dec

Typical Duration

3 days

Comfort level

Reasonably comfortable (Inns, B&Bs, luxury camping etc.)

Experience required

A reasonable level of fitness and interest is all that is needed