Quito to Mindo Ecuador by Bus, Car, or Tour

Traveling to Mindo from Quito is fairly straightforward. But with several options available, you’re probably trying to decide which one makes the most sense for your trip. 

Should you take the bus from Quito to Mindo Ecuador? Or is it worth booking a Mindo tour instead? The answer is, it depends.

Since I planned to stay for a week, I chose to take the bus to Mindo and was pleasantly surprised by how smooth and scenic the ride was, especially once we dipped into the lush cloud forest. 

It’s not a complicated journey, but there are a few things that can make it more enjoyable if you know what to expect. Plus, I took an alternative bus to Mindo since the times of the main bus didn’t align with my travel day.

I’ll walk you through all the options, including tips from my personal experience, what to expect on the ride, and when it’s worth booking a tour to Mindo. By the end you’ll feel confident planning your route and can focus on enjoying your time in nature.

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How do I get from Quito to Mindo?

The best way to get from Quito to Mindo is by bus or guided tour. Buses leave from Terminal La Ofelia and take just over two hours. If you only have time for a day trip to Mindo, booking a tour to Mindo from Quito is the easiest option, since it includes round-trip transportation and visits the top attractions.

The bus times are limited. If you need more flexibility, there’s also a second bus option that drops you at the turnoff to Mindo where you can catch a quick taxi into town. This is the option I chose (details below).

Bus From Quito to Mindo Ecuador

The most common way to get from Quito to Mindo is to take a direct Flor de Valle bus from Terminal La Ofelia in the north of the city. The journey takes about two hours and costs about $4. These buses are safe, affordable, and the most straightforward option for travelers spending a few days in Mindo.

But the departure times are limited. If the bus schedule below doesn’t work for you, I’ve detailed an alternative bus to Mindo next.

Wondering about the bus from Mindo to Quito? I’ve detailed the departure times and location at the end of this article.

Another Quito to Mindo Bus Option

If the Quito-Mindo bus schedule doesn’t line up with your plans or tickets are sold out, there’s another way to get to Mindo by bus that offers more flexibility. Buses heading toward Los Bancos leave roughly every hour from the same terminal and can drop you at the turnoff to Mindo. From there, it’s a quick taxi ride into town.

This is the route I ended up taking after realizing I wouldn’t make it in time for the direct to Mindo bus. At first I was unsure about getting off along the route, but it turned out to be simple and safe.

The bus assistant announced the stop for Mindo and I got off with another passenger. We waited at a covered bench (just as it started to rain) before sharing a taxi to Mindo.

Where Do You Catch the Quito to Mindo Bus?

Both the direct Flor de Valle bus and the more frequent buses toward Los Bancos depart from Terminal La Ofelia (map), located in northern Quito.

Tip – Be careful not to confuse its location with the larger Carcelén bus station as I did. Luckily, my Uber driver caught my mistake when I mentioned I was going to visit Mindo.

Depending on traffic and your location in Quito, you’ll need to allow at least 30 minutes to arrive at the station. And it’s a good idea to arrive at least 30 minutes early to check departure times and make sure you get a seat, especially on weekends and holidays.

You’ll either buy a ticket at the terminal or directly from the assistant on board, depending on the bus company.

Wondering what to do once you’re there? Read my complete guide to the Mindo cloud forest, including things to do, where to stay, and where to eat.

Tours to Mindo From Quito

If you’d rather skip the planning and focus on enjoying your day, taking a tour to Mindo from Quito is the best option.

All of these Mindo tours include a curated mix of nature and adventure activities based on the interests of your group: from hiking to the waterfalls to learning about local chocolate and spotting colorful birds. 

Each tour includes round-trip transportation and an English speaking guide. I’ve also highlighted one that stays overnight if you’d like to spend a bit more time exploring Mindo.

1. Private Day Trip to Mindo from Quito

This fully customizable tour is ideal if you want to explore Mindo at your own pace. The activities are tailored to your interests whether that’s waterfalls, zipline, hummingbirds, chocolate, or all of the above. Book this private day trip to Mindo for a flexible and personalized experience.

2. Small Group Mindo Tour from Quito

This affordable small group tour hits the top highlights but with some flexibility to adapt based on the group’s preferences. It’s a fun way to meet other travelers while exploring the cloud forest. Book this small group Mindo tour for a shared yet customizable day out of the city.

3. 2-Day, 1-Night in Mindo from Quito

Want more time in nature without worrying about logistics? This overnight tour includes transportation, lodging, meals, and a guided itinerary that balances nature with adventure.

It’s a great way to relax and soak up the cloud forest vibes. If you just want to arrive and relax without planning a thing, book this 2-day Mindo tour.

Rent a Car and Drive From Quito to Mindo

While it’s possible to rent a car and drive from Quito to Mindo, it’s not the option I’d recommend unless you’re already comfortable driving in Latin America. The road is paved and in decent condition, but it winds through the mountains and can be foggy or wet—especially as you get closer to the cloud forest.

If you do choose to drive, look for a car rental on the north side of Quito or at the airport to avoid navigating the busy city. Leaving from the airport will add about 20 minutes to the drive but may give you the widest selection of vehicles.

I recommend you search for a car rental in Quito from this site, which allows you to compare options and search rentals by location on the map.

Bus From Mindo to Quito Ecuador

I found the bus from Mindo to Quito to be efficient and prompt, which was important since I was catching a flight to Peru that afternoon. The Mindo bus leaves from the edge of town (map). It travels along Calle Sucre and curves towards the exit of the town, picking up passengers along the way. The timetables are below.

Final Thoughts on How to Travel from Quito to Mindo Ecuador

Getting from Quito to Mindo is simple once you know your options. You can take the Quito to Mindo bus or book a Mindo tour if you want an easy, guided experience. 

Each option has its perks, so it really comes down to how you prefer to travel. With the right route, you’ll be surrounded by the lush beauty of Mindo in just a couple of hours.