Mindo, Ecuador facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Mindo
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Rural area
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Cloud forest and grassland near Mindo
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 Mindo
Location in Ecuador
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| Country | Ecuador |
| Province | Pichincha |
| Cantons | San Miguel de Los Bancos |
| Government | |
| • Type | Paroquial Junta |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (ECT) |
| Postal Code |
EC170751
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Mindo is a special place in Ecuador, also known as the Mindo Valley. It's a mountainous area located on the western side of the Andes mountains. Here, two of the world's most diverse natural areas meet: the Chocoan lowlands and the Tropical Andes. This makes Mindo a hotspot for different kinds of plants and animals.
This amazing area covers about 268 square kilometers (103 square miles). It ranges in height from 960 to 3,440 meters (3,150 to 11,290 feet) above sea level. Many rivers and streams flow through Mindo, creating a mix of beautiful cloud forests, younger forests, farms, and small towns.
Mindo is part of Pichincha Province in northern Ecuador. It includes several rural areas like Gualea and Nanegal. These areas are managed by local groups and are part of the larger Quito Canton and San Miguel de Los Bancos Canton.
Discovering Mindo's Tourism
The Mindo Valley is one of the most popular places to visit in Ecuador. About 200,000 tourists come here every year. The Ecuadorian Ministry of Tourism recently named Mindo the "Ruta de Cacao," which means "Cocoa Route." This highlights the area's connection to chocolate making.
Fun Activities in Mindo
There are many exciting things to do in Mindo. You can go rafting or tubing down the rivers. If you love adventure, try trekking, mountain biking, or canyoning (climbing down waterfalls). Horseback riding is also a popular way to explore the area.
For nature lovers, Mindo is a paradise. It's famous for birdwatching, as many unique bird species live here. You can also learn about chocolate making, from the cocoa bean to the finished bar. Herping is another activity, which means looking for reptiles and amphibians.
Mindo's Natural Beauty
Mindo has great places for tourists to stay and enjoy nature. There are many private reserves and lodges. These places are known for their mountain forests, beautiful waterfalls, and the special plants and animals found in the cloud forest. A large part of the land is protected by private owners. An additional 86 square kilometers (33 square miles) is part of the Mindo-Nambillo Ecological Reserve. This reserve is called Bosque Protector Mindo Nambillo in Spanish.
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Landscape in Mindo
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Tubing in Mindo
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Zip lining
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A bamboo and palm thatch house in Mindo
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Waterfall in the Mindo-Nambillo
See also
In Spanish: Mindo para niños
