This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Mindo.
Pretty little Mindo, Ecuador, is situated about a two-and-a-half-hour bus ride northwest of Quito. It is where the foothills of the Andes Mountain Range meet the Chocoan Lowlands. Mindo is eco-biologically diverse, boasting rare species of birds and frogs and multitudes of waterfalls; its natural wonders increasingly draw in nature lovers. Mindo is a breeze to travel to and from, it is well connected to Quito with regular buses running daily throughout the week from Quito's northern bus terminal.
The teeny tiny town of Mindo is surprisingly well set up for tourists, with an abundance of restaurants, fresh-food grocers, and trendy cafes selling organic produce. The local tourist information centre is able to assist holiday makers in planning their Mindo vacation and suggest anything from hiking trails to more adventurous activities. There are a number of tourist agencies that operate in Mindo that offer rafting, zip lining over forest canopies, and -- of course -- bird watching (which is famous in Mindo, due to the plethora of rare birds that inhabit the lush forests surrounding the town.
The magic of Mindo is that despite having been set up for tourists, it doesn't lose its small-town feel. In fact Mindo is so small, you can walk from one end to the other in a matter of minutes, and what's more, the friendly locals will be glad to help you out if you happen to need anything.
Mindo has a number of accommodation options, including some budget hotels and a number of hostels in Mindo, Ecuador. Hostels in Mindo, Ecuador, are mostly located in the streets that run off the main road or slightly out of town. Hostels in Mindo, Ecuador, tend to be located in beautiful, large, old wooden houses, many of which have onsite cafes or restaurants. Many hostels in Mindo, Ecuador, have great facilities such as hot showers, Wi-Fi, shared kitchen facilities, and spacious accommodation.
Written by local enthusiast for Mindo hostels
Chloe
