Visit the garden
Hummingbirds land on your hand to drink from a small feeder you hold. Stay as long as you like.
On visitors’ hands, photographed here.
Birds you can see here
41 birds photographed here, 15 of them hummingbirds.
Tick the birds you want to see and send us your list on WhatsApp.
Guided tours
Every tour includes a bilingual guide, binoculars and a scope for phone photos, transport within Mindo and breakfast.
Night walk
Silvio leads it: two hours or so in the forest with a torch, looking for glass frogs, rain frogs and the insects you never see by day.
“His absolute love of this environment shined thru.” Lynn L., Google review
Book the night walkWhat people say
“10/10 for a relaxed, calm and happy morning with colibris on your hand!”
“Feeling the little colibri feet on your hands is overkill cute. Best experience ever!”
“You can’t leave Mindo without visiting this place! Without doubt our favourite.”
The family
Byron Lara runs the garden with his family. Visitors name Byron, Anderson and Anthony in their reviews, and Silvio, who leads the night walk.to confirm
The White-whiskered Hermit, photographed here, is a long-billed hummingbird that feeds by flying the same circuit of flowers along the forest trails, day after day.
Questions
What is Mindo Hermit Trails?
A family-run hummingbird garden uphill from the centre of Mindo, Ecuador: short forest trails, waterfalls, a covered viewing platform and hand feeders where hummingbirds land on your hand. The family also runs birding tours and a night walk.to confirm
How much does it cost?
Entry is $5 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. The Toucan half day is $90 for two people and the night walk $18 per person. For the other tours, ask us on WhatsApp.to confirm
How does hand-feeding work?
You hold a small feeder and the hummingbirds come to it, perching on your fingers to drink. They come all day; visitors find the most of them between 2 and 5 pm.
When is the best time to come?
Around 8:30 for the toucans and aracaris, when the fruit goes out. Between 2 and 5 pm for the most hummingbirds on your hand.
Can children come?
Yes. One mother wrote that the birds ate out of both her children’s hands. The trails have no rails, so keep small children close.
What should I bring?
Boots or shoes that can get muddy and insect repellent. Tea, coffee and water are free; there is no food for sale, so bring a snack if you plan to stay.
How do I book a tour or the night walk?
Message us on WhatsApp with the tour and the date. We pick you up at your hotel in Mindo; most birding tours leave before 6 am.
Can I pay by card?
Ask us on WhatsApp before you come.to confirm
Getting here
X628+VV Mindo
- Walk uphill from the centre of Mindo, about 700 m.to confirm
- The last stretch is steep: take your time.
- The Google pin is close to the entrance but not on it. Message us and we send the exact spot.