How to plan your Mindo Trekking and Wildlife Guided Day Trip in Pichincha

Are you planning to visit Pichincha and looking for a unique and adventurous day trip? Look no further than the Mindo Trekking and Wildlife Guided Day Trip! This day-long experience offers a variety of exciting activities that are sure to leave a lasting impression. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your perfect Mindo tour.

Experience

This tour offers the chance to witness the incredible beauty and diversity of Mindo’s wildlife, along with an amazing opportunity to trek through lush rainforest scenery. Highlights of the tour include: – Watching hummingbirds fly up close and personal. – Exploring the butterfly research center. – Trekking through the forest and to see the Nambillo waterfall. – Riding on a rustic cable car with an overhead view of the forest. – Sampling the world’s finest chocolate at Yumbos chocolate factory.

Itinerary

The tour starts with pick-up from your hotel in Quito. From there, you will embark on a scenic two-hour drive to Mindo, located in the heart of the cloud forest. After arriving in Mindo, the first stop is Los Armadillos garden where you can watch the birds fly and enjoy a drink. If you have another garden in mind, it can be skipped. You will then move on to the forest and start your trek to Nambillo waterfall, with amazing views of the forest all around you. After the trek, you will hop on a rustic cable car to get a bird’s eye view of the forest as you cross between mountains. After the cable car ride, you can visit the butterfly research center to see and learn about a variety of butterflies. With hundreds of butterflies flying around, it’s an incredible sight to behold! If you get hungry at any point, there are plenty of food places to choose from where you can enjoy a delicious meal. Finally, you’ll end the tour at Yumbos chocolate factory. There, you can learn about and taste the world’s finest chocolate and locally grown fruits. You’ll get an opportunity to purchase some delicious chocolate as souvenirs.

Booking

This tour is a third-party offering and can be booked via the link here. The tour is very popular, so it’s best to book in advance to ensure availability.

Book Your Tour Now

The Mindo Trekking and Wildlife Guided Day Trip is an excellent way to experience the beauty and biodiversity of Pichincha. With a variety of exciting activities and breathtaking scenery, it’s a tour that you won’t soon forget. Book your tour today to embark on the adventure of a lifetime!

Frequently Asked Questions About Pichincha

1. Where is Pichincha located?

Pichincha is a province located in the north of Ecuador, in the Andes Mountains. It borders the provinces of Imbabura to the north, Esmeraldas to the northwest, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas to the west, Cotopaxi to the south, and Napo and Sucumbíos to the east.

2. What is the capital of Pichincha?

The capital of Pichincha is Quito, which is also the capital of Ecuador. Quito is located about 2,850 meters above sea level in the Andes Mountains.

3. What is the climate like in Pichincha?

Pichincha has a variety of climates due to its diverse geography. In the highlands, the weather is generally cool and dry, with temperatures averaging around 14°C (57°F). In the lower regions, near the coast, the climate is warm and humid, with temperatures averaging around 25°C (77°F). The rainy season runs from October to May, while the dry season lasts from June to September.

4. What are some popular tourist destinations in Pichincha?

Pichincha is home to many beautiful and interesting tourist destinations, including:

• Quito’s Old Town: This historic area of Quito is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famous for its beautifully preserved colonial architecture.
• Cotopaxi National Park: This beautiful national park is home to the Cotopaxi volcano, which is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world.
• Mitad del Mundo: This site marks the equator and is a popular tourist destination for visitors to Ecuador.
• Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve: This reserve is home to a volcanic crater that is now covered in vegetation, making it a unique and beautiful hiking destination.
• TelefériQo: This cable car takes visitors up the side of the Pichincha volcano for breathtaking views of Quito and the surrounding mountains.

5. What is the currency used in Pichincha?

The currency used in Pichincha, and throughout Ecuador, is the US dollar.

6. What is the primary language spoken in Pichincha?

The primary language spoken in Pichincha is Spanish. However, many people in the tourism industry and larger cities may also speak English.

7. What are some traditional dishes of Pichincha?

Pichincha is known for its delicious traditional cuisine, including:

• Fanesca: This soup is made with grains, beans, squash, and fish or meat, and is traditionally eaten during the Easter season.
• Hornado: This dish consists of roasted pork served with potatoes, corn, and salad.
• Mote pillo: This dish is made with hominy (dried corn kernels) and scrambled eggs, and is often served for breakfast.

8. What are some important cultural events in Pichincha?

There are many cultural events held in Pichincha throughout the year, including:

• Carnaval: This wild festival is celebrated throughout Ecuador and includes parades, music, and lots of water fights.
• Fiesta de la Luz: This festival of lights is held in Quito every August and includes stunning light displays, cultural performances, and live music.
• Semana Santa (Holy Week): This religious celebration is held during the week leading up to Easter and includes processions and other religious observances.

9. Is Pichincha a safe place to visit?

Like any destination, visitors to Pichincha should take common-sense precautions to ensure their safety, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night, not flashing expensive items, and staying aware of their surroundings. However, overall Pichincha is considered a safe place to visit, with a low crime rate compared to other cities in the region.

10. How do I get to Pichincha?

Pichincha is easily accessible by air, with flights to Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport from many cities in the United States, South America, and Europe. Alternatively, visitors can also take buses or hire private cars from other destinations in Ecuador, although this can be a longer journey. Once in Quito, there are many ways to get around, including taxis, buses, and the city’s modern metro system.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Pichincha?

Pichincha is a beautiful province in Ecuador that offers a lot of exciting activities and attractions for tourists. From adventurous experiences to cultural sites, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the most of your time as a tourist in Pichincha.

1. Visit the historic center of Quito

Quito’s historic center is the largest, best-preserved, and least altered historic center in Latin America. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful colonial-era buildings, cobblestone streets, and picturesque plazas. Visitors can take guided walking tours or explore the area on their own, but either way, they’ll see some of the most significant landmarks in the area.

2. Take a cable car ride to the Pichincha volcano

The Pichincha volcano overlooks Quito, and visitors can get a bird’s eye view of the city by taking a cable car ride to the summit. The ride takes about 20 minutes, and once at the top, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city, explore hiking trails or relax at the restaurants and cafes.

3. Explore the Mitad del Mundo attraction

The Mitad del Mundo attraction is a monument that marks the location where the equator passes through Ecuador. Visitors can stand with one foot in each hemisphere, take photos, and visit the small museum to learn more about the geography of Ecuador.

4. Visit the Pumapungo museum

The Pumapungo museum is located in the city of Cuenca and offers a fascinating look into the pre-Columbian history of Ecuador. Visitors can view artifacts from the Incas, Cañaris, and other indigenous cultures that once lived in the area.

5. Explore the Otavalo market

The Otavalo market is a vibrant marketplace where locals sell handcrafted textiles, clothing, and other souvenirs. Visitors can wander through the stalls, watch artisans at work, and purchase unique items to take home.

6. Take a hike in the Cotopaxi National Park

Cotopaxi National Park offers visitors the chance to hike in one of Ecuador’s most beautiful natural areas. The park is home to Cotopaxi volcano, and visitors can hike to the summit or explore the surrounding trails on foot or horseback.

7. Visit the Mindo Cloud Forest

The Mindo Cloud Forest is a protected area located in the foothills of the Andes. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, bird watching, and ziplining. The forest is home to over 450 different types of birds, making it a popular destination for birders.

8. Indulge in the local cuisine

Ecuadorian cuisine is diverse and delicious, with influences from Spain, Africa, and indigenous cultures. Some of the must-try dishes include ceviche, llapingachos (potato pancakes), and empanadas. Visitors can also enjoy a traditional Ecuadorian meal at one of the many local restaurants in Pichincha.

9. Attend a cultural event

Pichincha is home to several cultural events throughout the year, including the Fiestas de Quito (Quito’s annual celebration) and the Inti Raymi (the Incan festival of the sun). Visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture by attending these events and participating in the festivities.

10. Relax in a hot spring

Pichincha is home to several natural hot springs where visitors can relax and soak in the healing waters. The Papallacta hot springs are one of the most popular and offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

In conclusion

Pichincha is a beautiful and diverse province with something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or culture, you’re sure to find plenty to keep you occupied during your stay. Use this guide to plan your trip and get the most out of your time in Pichincha.