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Mindo is one of the most visited places in Ecuador by tourists, up to 200,000 people every year, and for a good reason. Mindo is a beautiful town that feels like a different world. On the journey to the town you will notice landscapes drastically change as you get nearer and ride on into the mist covered mountains. The landscape consists of deep canyons that are covered in lush green trees spreading everywhere the eye can see. Mindo is often buried in clouds, but when they pass you get hit in the face with awe inspiring views.

Mindo is a very popular place for birdwatching. The area is home to a staggering 470+ different species of bird. Some of the birds here include; Cock-of-the-Rock, Toucans, and the Torrent Duck. There is also an extreme diverseness of butterflies in the region too. Mindo is a paradise for anyone who enjoys green, nature time! There are so many different things to do in Mindo.

Canyoning – Here in Mindo, there are canyoning courses and day trips available for all skill levels including beginners. The trip will start with a gorgeous hike to the canyoning zones, and will then repel down 3 different large waterfalls throughout the day. Sounds exciting? That’s because it is!

Mindo Ziplines – With 10 cables and over 8,450ft of lines you are sure to get your fill of flying through the air. The added security of a double cable system and experienced professional staff ensures safety is the top priority.

Chocolate Tours – Delicious chocolate is farmed in these parts of Ecuador, and you can go on a tour and see exactly how chocolate is farmed, cultivated and produced, oh, and you get to eat some of the tastiest chocolate in the world!

Birdwatching Activities – Because Mindo is a bird haven, there is an abundance of bird watching guides available, in several languages. Tours can be arranged from any of the guesthouses in the town. A birdwatchers breakfast special is also available, a lovely outside dining area where you can eat a full English breakfast while watching local toucans, hummingbirds and a bunch of other beautiful bird species.

El Descanso Hummingbird Garden – A mesmerizing garden, where you can find dozens of different varieties of hummingbird, all vying for the sugary delight on offer. The hummingbirds fly surprising close to the viewing balcony and even overhead!

Butterfly farm – There is an astounding variety and quantity of butterflies in this reserve – the largest in Ecuador. The memory of hundreds of butterflies, of 25 different varieties flying around you is not forgotten anytime soon.

Hiking – You would be mad to come to a place like this, and not go off exploring the amazing nature here. There are many marked and unmarked walking and bike trails in the area that bring you to places like the Cascada Rio Bravo. Where there are 6 stunning waterfalls and a cable car station that takes you on a breathtaking ride across the top of the valley.

Mindo provides not only a beautiful environment, but a comforting atmosphere to stay in too. There are several hotels and hostels in the area with a host of activities to take on. The best part is there are different options for different travelers – from a relaxing stay to an experience full of nightlife activity and daytime fun.

Las Terrazas de Dana Lodge – An exclusive, luxury ecolodge with spectacular views over the surrounding valley of Mindo. The private bungalows with a hot tub and terrace offer a relaxing and secluded stay.

In addition well-known celebrations such as Christmas and New Years, Ecuador is home to many indigenous communities with their own special holidays. These holidays consist of great festivals full of community gatherings and Ecuadorian traditions. These times of year are great for visiting certain places in Ecuador, as local culture, history, and tradition personify themselves in public for everyone to see and enjoy. Some holidays are nationwide, where businesses are shut down and every Ecuadorian takes part in celebrations. These include Carnaval, Easter Week, and All Saint’s Day.

Carnaval. Prior to Lent, people like to indulge in all their desires in preparation for the fasting and restrictions of Lent. People typically engage in tricks and tom-foolery, in ways such as throwing water balloons at random people around the city. Other forms of celebration include dancing, music, parades, sporting events, and of course, eating and drinking to the heart’s content.

Easter Week. Also known as Holy Week, or Semana Santa, the days leading up to Easter Sunday are full of religious celebration. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the traditions when people carry palm fronds down the street on their way to mass. Plaza De San Francisco in Quito even has a ceremonial blessing of the palms. Religious parades continue for the entire week in locations all over the country, and most stores and businesses are closed so everyone can participate. At noon on Good Friday, Quito is home to a massive procession where people dress up in costumes with religious significance in commemoration of Jesus’ death. A traditional dish eaten during this week is Fanesca, which is soup made from salt cod and other ingredients. On Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday, huge masses are held all day.

All Saint’s Day. Also known as Day of the Dead, or Día de los Difuntos, people all over Ecuador pay their respects to their loved ones who have died. Taking place on November 1st and 2nd, locals visit cemeteries to offer baked goods and flowers to the deceased, hoping that these gifts will accompany the souls in the afterlife. This time of year, locals also drink Colada Morada with Guagua de Pan. Colada Morada is a thick purple beverage made from fruits and other natural ingredients, and Guagua de Pan is sweet bread in the shape of a baby doll.
Ecuador also has other indigenous festivals that are more specific to certain locations. Otavalo and Latacunga are two areas with large indigenous communities, so they are known for their lively festivals.

Yamor Festival. The first two weeks of September in Otavalo mark this charismatic festival which celebrates successful corn harvests. This holiday combines pre-colonial traditions with Catholic religion in commemoration of the harvest, and the town always elects a “Yamor Queen”. A special liquor known as Chicha, made from corn, is made and drank while people pray to the indigenous mother of earth, known as Allpa Mama.

Festival of the Sun. Taking place around June 21st, this festival represents a deeply historical celebration of ancestry. Mainly occurring in Otavalo, Ibarra, and Cayambe regions, celebrations usually include important ancient sacred sites such as Cochasquí. The rituals involve locals cleansing themselves in nearby rivers and waterfalls, thus allowing their souls to become one with the forces of nature. People also eat many grains and perform spiritual dances.

Mama Negra. This famous fiesta on the first Friday or Saturday of November takes place in Latacunga, and celebrates the Mama Negra, or a man dressed in women’s clothing. Integrating cultural practices from Spain, Africa, the Incas, and the Mayas, the reason for this celebration is believed to have some connection to the interactions between ancient cultures and slaves. The festival includes magnificent parades, colorful, elaborate costumes and the recognition of Indigenous spirits and icons. Parades fill the town and people throw candy and wine to the crowds. The special dish of this holiday is Chugchucaras, a dish including deep fried pork, popcorn, potatoes, corn, and plantain.

Festival of the Virgin of El Cisne. From August 15th to September 8th, this festival celebrates religion and involves a lengthy pilgrimage. Beginning in the small town of El Cisne, people carry the iconic statue of Virgin Mary on foot for 70 km. The pilgrimage stops in various locations to change the outfit of the statue and to perform short ceremonies, and the ending point is the Loja Cathedral where a massive celebration occurs.
These are some of the most popular, widely celebrated, and significant indigenous festivals in Ecuador. Other holidays commemorate historical events, such as Columbus Day on October 12th, the Birthday of Simon Bolivar on July 24th, and Independence Day on August 10th. Certain regions of Ecuador also have their own historical holidays, such as the Independence of Guayaquil on October 9th and the Independence of Cuenca on November 3rd. But no matter what the holiday, celebrations in Ecuador are incredible. Communities come together in high spirits and share food, drink, music, dance, and traditions, so there really is no better way to marvel at the rich history and culture of Ecuador than to experience an indigenous festival or national holiday.

Galapagos tours is the best way to visit the Galapagos Islands in a cruise.

Let me provide you with a few of the many reasons why you should cruise with a Galapagos tour. The Galapagos Islands has an almost legendary status as a platform for biodiversity. By the time you return home you will understand what I want to explain. It is almost impossible to over emphasize the sheer majesty of this unique place.

Since you set foot in Galapagos Islands you will be closer to curious and oddly fearless animals than ever before.

In Galapagos tours you will check endless wildlife which is practically overflowing.

Into the water you will experience a world-class diving destination due to the abundance of aquatic animals in crystal-clear waters. You can expect to see a huge range of animals from gigantic whale sharks to reef fish. Also humpback whales, playful sea lions, green sea turtles, giant tortoises and iguanas!. You will see iguanas in all the Galapagos tours and while you are snorkeling.

Back on land you´ll watch waved albatross perform their elaborate courtship rituals and staggeringly bright blue footed boobies nest. Before you know it you will be wandering through ancient lava tunnels and sitting among time honored gigantic tortoises. Not to mention the cactus forests, exquisite green highlands, tropical beaches and true turquoise bays you will relish.

One day you will be remarking upon the huge red throated male frigate birds as they entice their female counterparts. Next day sunbathing on the beach entertained by the penguins as they dive into the water and hunt for fish. Do you know any other place in the World where you can do that?. With Galapagos tours of course you can!

This is where the famous Charles Darwin found his spark of inspiration to write his book the Origin of Species. But you don’t have to be an evolutionary biologist, oceanographer or an ornithologist to relate and appreciate the Galapagos Islands. In Galapagos tours you will appreciate the wonderful work of nature in the biodiversity of the flora and fauna.

So where are Darwin’s “Enchanted Isles” exactly?. They are located about 1,000 kilometers from Ecuador’s coastline in the Pacific Ocean and placed precisely on the equator. That means you’re going to celebrate great weather no matter what time of year you can go. The 19 islands and more than 100 islets are under the protection of the Ecuadorian government. The country is making a profound effort to preserve the exquisite wildlife while you visit in Galapagos tours. Each island has its own unique landscape and atmospheric quality. You won´t want to leave without vowing to protect the wonderful and rare creatures here.

Galapagos tours

will make you feel Galapagos Islands while you are with a guide in the cruise. The Galapagos Islands cannot be fully appreciated with pictures and descriptive words. You just have to experience it for yourself!. You have now enough convincing reasons to make a trip of a lifetime to one of the most sought after destinations. So what`s holding you back for organizing and join in Galapagos tours?