Mindo travel guide

With over 50 establishments operating in 2009, accommodation in Mindo is usually plentiful. Reserve ahead, however, for holidays and weekends from Jul to Sep. Note that many Mindo hotels ask you to take off your shoes.

$$$ Casa Divina, 1.2 km on the road to Cascada de Nambillo, T09-172 5874, www.mindocasa divina.com. Comfortable 2-storey wooden cabins in a lovely location surrounded by 2.7 forested ha, includes breakfast and dinner, private bath with bathtub, bird-guiding extra, US/Ecuadorean-run, opened in 2008.

$$$ El Monte, 2 km from town on road to Mindo Garden, then opposite Mariposas de Mindo, cross river on tarabita (rustic cable car), T02-217 0102, T02-255 8881 (Quito), http://www.ecuadorcloudforest.com. Beautifully constructed lodge in 44-ha property, newer cabins are spacious and very comfortable, includes 3 meals, some (but not all) excursions with a native guide and tubing, other adventure sports and horse riding extra, no electricity, reserve in advance.

$$$ El Carmelo de Mindo, 1 km west of town, T02-217 0109, T02-222 2837 (Quito), http://www.mindo.com.ec. Lodge set in a 32-ha reserve. Rooms, cabins on stilts and tree houses surrounded by nice grounds, price includes full board, walk with a native guide and tubing, river bathing, pool and spa, camping U$10 per person, fishing, horse riding, butterfly farm, cable car under construction in 2009, midweek discounts.

$$ Sachatamia, 300 m east of Mindo turn-off on Calacalí–La Independencia road, T02-390 0906, http://www.sachatamia.com. Very comfortable rustic lodge in a 400-ha forest reserve with trails, includes breakfast, restaurant, full board available, heated covered pool, spa, tasteful decoration, lovely views, guided nature walks (open to non-guests), birdwatching, canopy traverse (extra), no children under 8.

$$ Séptimo Paraíso, 2 km from Calacalí–La Independencia road along Mindo access road, then 500 m right on a small side road, well signed, T09-368 4417, T02-289 3160 (Quito), http://www.septimoparaiso.com. All-wood lodge in a 420-ha reserve away from town , includes breakfast, expensive restaurant, pool and jaccuzi, ample parking, comfortable rooms, lovely grounds, walking trails and pool open to non-guests for US$10.

$$ Hacienda San Vicente (Yellow House), 500 m south of the plaza, T02-217 0124, T02-223 6275 (Quito), www.yellowhouse trails.com. Friendly family-run lodge set in 200 ha of very rich forest, includes excellent breakfast and dinner, nice rooms, good walking trails open to non-guests for US$5, reservations required, good value. Highly recommended for nature-lovers.

$$ Mindo Garden, 3 km from Mindo on road to CEA, T09-733 1092, Quito T02-225 2077, http://www.mindogardens.com. Comfortable, tastefully decorated cabins in a beautiful setting by the Río Mindo, includes breakfast, restaurant, parking, good birdwatching in 300-ha property.

$$ Caskaffesu, Sixto Durán Ballén (the street leading to the stadium) y Av Quito, T02-217 0100, caskaffesu@yahoo.com. Pleasant hostel with a nice courtyard, includes breakfast, restaurant serves international food, US/Ecuadorean-run.

$$ El Descanso, 300 m from main street, take first right after bridge, T02-217 0213, http://www.eldescanso.net. Nice house with comfortable rooms, includes breakfast, cheaper in loft with shared bath, ample parking, friendly. Recommended.

$$ Quindepungo, past Mariposas de Mindo butterfly farm, T02-217 0191, T02-226 3310 (Quito), http://www.quindepungo.com.ec. Nice hotel in a pleasant location by the Río Mindo, small rooms, includes breakfast, restaurant, friendly service.

$ Jardín de los Pájaros, 2 blocks from the main street on 1st perpendicular street past the bridge, T02-217 0159. Friendly family-run hostel, includes good breakfast, private bath, hot water, small pool, parking, large covered terrace, good value. Recommended.

$ Cabañas Bambú, follow the road towards Mindo Garden, after the bridge over the Río Saguambi turn left, T09-969 1213, T02-222 6738 (Quito), http://www.hotelbambuecuador.com. Nice cabins and grounds, breakfast and snacks available, cheaper with shared bath.

$ Rubby, by the stadium, T09-340 6321, rubbyhostal@yahoo.com. Well maintained hostal with homey feel, includes breakfast, meals on request, cheaper with shared bath, electric shower, nice balcony with hammocks, good value. English spoken, owner Marcelo Arias is a birding guide.

$ Sandy, 1 block from the main street on 1st perpendicular street past the bridge, T02-217 0212, vinicioperez@andinanet.net. Friendly family-run hostel in a wooden house, includes breakfast, private bath, hot water, good value.

$ Flor del Valle, on lane beside church, T02-217 0169. Very basic, shared bath, hot water, small sitting area....read more