Wildlife You Can Spot in Just 2 Days in Mindo

Even with just a short visit, Mindo was bursting with life, especially if you love birds and bugs. We stayed for two full days and managed to spot some real highlights without needing to trek deep into the cloud forest.

You want to read more about our budget trip to Mindo? Click here.

Where to Spot Them?

• Hummingbirds: Literally everywhere. You’ll see them darting around lodges, cafes, and even in town. We saw most species during our visit at the Mindo Hermit Trail ($5 entrance).
• Night critters: Take a guided night walk on the Mindo Hermit Trail ($15). It’s totally worth it, our guide was great at spotting camouflaged species.
• Other bird species: At the Mindo Hermit Trail and the 5-waterfall hike.
• Mammals: Agoutis can be seen all around Mindo. When it comes to spectacled bears (also called Andean bears) in Ecuador, you do have to venture deeper into remote cloud forests or higher elevation regions to increase your chances of spotting them. They’re shy, elusive, and tend to avoid areas with heavy human traffic.

Best Tips for Short-Stay Wildlife Watching

• Choose accommodation in nature, not in town. Wildlife will come to you.
• Book a night tour, it’s one of the best ways to see amphibians and insects.
• Bring binoculars (or borrow them) for birdwatching.
• Don’t rush, just sitting quietly for a while brings out so much more.
• Mornings are the best time to spot many bird species.

1. Hummingbirds

Green-crowned brilliant

2. Mammals

Agouti

3. Birds

4. Amphibians

5. Insects