Travel Guide to Mindo

Getting There

• Car

  If you're traveling by car from Quito, take the E28 highway west towards Mindo. The drive is approximately 2 hours and covers about 80 km. Once you reach the town of Mindo, follow the main road into the town. Look for signs for parking areas as they are limited. Expect to pay around $1 to $2 per hour for parking.

• Bus

  For public transportation, head to the 'Carcelén' bus terminal in Quito. There, you can catch a bus to Mindo. The bus companies that operate this route include 'Transportes Quito-Mindo' and 'Flota Imbabura'. Buses leave frequently, approximately every 30 minutes, and the journey takes about 2 to 2.5 hours. The cost is around $3 to $5. Once you arrive in Mindo, simply walk into town; it’s a short distance from the bus terminal.

• Taxi

  If you prefer a more direct option, you can take a taxi from Quito to Mindo. This is a more expensive option, with fares typically ranging from $60 to $100 depending on your negotiation skills and the time of day. The taxi will take you directly to your desired location in Mindo, making it a convenient choice if you are traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage.

• Shuttle Service

  Some hotels and tour operators in Quito offer shuttle services to Mindo. You can check with your accommodation to see if they provide this service. The cost is usually around $25 to $40 per person, and the shuttle will pick you up from your hotel and drop you off in Mindo.

• Local Transport in Mindo

  Once you arrive in Mindo, local transport options include taxis and motorcycle taxis (moto-taxis). These are readily available and can take you to various attractions within the Mindo Cloud Forest area. Fares will vary, but expect to pay around $1 to $3 for short trips in town.