Things to do in Mindo: Tubing
Some days ago we published the blog post about a butterfly farm, one of the top things you can do when you are in Mindo.
The fact is, that we had been in isolation for over 5 months, and now some places are ready to operate during the pandemic, complying with bio-security measures.
Mindo is located in the Chocó Andino area and is part of the cloud forest of Ecuador. This is an area which due to its location has high humidity and lush vegetation. This is one of the favorite getaways for people from Quito and it is best to avoid the area during public holidays as it tends to be rather crowded.
In less than 2 hours you can get from Quito to Mindo, which is known worldwide as one of the top places for birdwatching in the world. With over 500 bird species spotted in the area, Mindo holds the annual record for bird species counted in a 24-hour period.
Now, there are several fun activities available in Mindo for those in search of adventure, one of them is tubing.
When you go tubing you can be going down rapids surrounded by the amazing lush vegetation in the cloud forest
The fact is that rivers in Mindo are not deep enough for rafting, but at the same time they are strong which makes them ideal for tubing.
What is tubing?
Tubing is a way to navigate through rapids on top of a raft made from several inner tubes tied together.
The video is made during 2 different visits to Mindo, some of the shots are taken before the pandemic and the others are recent.
If you are in South America I would love to see your pictures.
Other activities in Mindo:
and reasons to visit the Choco Andino.
How to get to Mindo
Book a tour:
You can book an organized tour, we recommend this full day guided tour.
By car:
From Quito, you pass the park with the Equator monument, Mitad del Mundo, continuing on the main road to Esmeraldas for about 70 km. The exit to Mindo is on the left and is clearly marked by signs. You can also book a car with driver to take you all the way.
By bus
In order to get to Mindo, you need to go to Ofelia station north of Quito. You can reach the station by taking the Metrobus (blue line).
The journey from Quito to Mindo takes about 2h-2h30 and costs 3.1$ per person.
Where to stay
Hosteria Terrabambu Lodge: this is an amazing place to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings in Mindo. We share our experience during our stay.
Casa Divina Lodge is the place to stay to enjoy biodiversity and birdwatching in Mindo at its best. Read all about this magical place.
What to bring
In case of rain, it is recommended to bring a waterproof jacket or poncho.
Bring good walking shoes, as not all the trails are flat.
Most importantly, make sure to bring insect repellent and sunblock.
And if you love taking pictures or making videos, bring a waterproof case for your smartphone or your GoPro/Sony Action cam with a battery.
This is one of the best activities for all who love nature, for those searching for adventure as well as for those who love nature.
Our advice is to always book your tour ahead of time with people qualified, as some tubing routes can be dangerous.
PS: We will be happy to help you plan and book your tours and accommodation, just send us an email.
If you found this page helpful, I would appreciate it if you would pin, share or tweet it on any social media platforms you use! Every little bit will help fund our travels and continue to bring great content to our site!
PIN IT FOR LATER
If you want more in-depth information and also a guide that you can bring along during your trip, I recommend the travel guide Lonely Planet Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands
.
This is a great source of information and tips, maps, and all you need if you plan on visiting Ecuador. I personally like the option of having a hard copy version where I can take notes and have them at hand.
Don´t just dream it, make it happen. Plan your South American trip with a local!
Take a look at this list of travel resources to plan your trip and travel in South America.
Daydreaming about your trip to South America? Order here your Free Ebook, I share with you some useful tips & resources for a memorable trip!
I invite you to follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram. In addition, you can subscribe on YouTube.
You can also send an email to get help planning your trip: info(at) visitecuadorandsouthamerica(dot)com
