Mindo Cloud Forest — Quito to the Chocó via the Nono-TandayapaEcoruta.
Distance
120 km
Duration
1 day
Climb
1,400 m
Mindo Cloud Forest — Quito to the Chocó via the Nono-Tandayapa Ecoruta.
One of the world's great birding roads turned into a half-day ride. The old Nono-Mindo road — the Ecoruta Paseo del Quinde — drops off the western rim of the Quito basin through the Tandayapa cloud forest into the Chocó bioregion. Part cobbled, part dirt, part fresh tarmac, it descends nearly 1,500m through dripping green canyons alive with hummingbirds and toucans to the eco-village of Mindo.
Quick facts
SurfaceMixed
Distance120 km
Days1
Total climb1,400 m
DifficultyModerate
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The route.
QuitoStart · Leave Quito early — the cloud forest clears in the morning and clouds in by afternoon. Head for the old Nono road off the northwest edge of the city.
NonoScenic Point · A quiet farming village where the Ecoruta Paseo del Quinde begins. Surface turns to cobbles and packed dirt from here — set an easy pace.
Tandayapa ValleyScenic Point · The heart of the cloud forest and one of the densest hummingbird zones on the planet. Ride slow, stop often; the road hugs steep green canyon walls.
NanegalitoRestaurant · Junction town on the paved Calacalí-Los Bancos road. Fuel and a hot lunch before the final leg — last reliable services.
Mindo WaterfallsPhoto Spot · The Santuario de Cascadas — reached by a hand-hauled tarabita cable car across the canyon. A cooling stop before rolling into town.
MindoEnd · End in the eco-village of Mindo (1,250m), warm and humid after the highland cold. Chocolate tastings, tubing and birding if you overnight.
More routes in Ecuador
Otavalo & Cuicocha — Quito to the Northern Volcanoes LoopEC I · 230 kmVilcabamba & Podocarpus — Loja Valley of Longevity LoopEC L · 90 kmCuenca to Guayaquil — Cajas National Park CrossingEC A · 180 kmPapallacta Pass — Quito to BaezaEC N · 100 kmRuta de las Cascadas — Baños to PuyoEC T · 61 kmQuilotoa Loop — Latacunga CircuitEC X · 200 km
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