Mindo, about 80 km northwest of Quito in the cloud forest on the western slope of the Andes, is one of Ecuador's premier birdwatching and ecotourism destinations. The village sits at 1,250 metres in a lush valley surrounded by forests that are among the most biologically rich on the planet — in terms of bird species per unit area, this is one of the most concentrated spots on Earth.
Even for non-birders, Mindo is a wonderfully relaxing place to spend a day or two: the climate is warm and misty, the river is clear for swimming, butterfly farms and chocolate plantations offer tours, and the cable car (tarabita) that crosses the river gorge to reach the waterfalls is a worthwhile adventure. Mindo is accessible by bus from Quito (about 2.5 hours) or as a day trip with a rental car. Most visitors stay two days to get the most out of the birding.