These unique and stunning forests, which make up just 1% of the world’s woodland, have extraordinarily high biodiversity levels. According to Rainforest Rescue, Ecuador’s cloud forests are thought to be the planet’s richest hotspot, holding 15–17% of all plant and animal species, including thousands of orchid species and nearly 20% of all bird species.
The mysterious village of Mindo should definitely be on your itinerary if you want to explore Ecuador’s breathtaking landscapes. Mindo is a destination that will draw in your senses and break you in awe of its natural beauty. It is located in the majestic Andean Mountains and is only a two-hour ride from Quito. Mindo is a haven for nature lovers and adventurers alike because it is one of the most biodiverse places in South America and has one of the biggest cloud forests in the world.
Mindo is one of our favorite places to travel in Ecuador’s cloud forest. On the western side of the Andes, there is a town called Mindo as well as a river and a region.
At a height of 1,300 meters above sea level, Mindo sits halfway between the highland Quito region and the Pacific coast, attracting birds from both of these areas on occasion. This is one of the main reasons why more than 400 species of birds can be found in the immediate vicinity of Mindo. This number increases to an estimated 550 species if we take into account locations that can be reached in a day trip from Mindo.
Ecuador’s cloud forests are a mesmerizing realm where nature’s mystique unfolds in lush abundance.
Like most of Ecuador, the cloud forest can be visited any time of year. In the western cloud forest regions, the rainy season typically lasts from January until May, with the majority of precipitation coming in the form of mist and rain. However, the rain during this time is typically fairly predictable and begins at around 2pm and lasts for a few hours, giving plenty of time to plan any activities.
The higher you go in the forest, the cooler the actual temperatures become, but generally speaking, it is very pleasant during the day and cool at night.
