Who is the best tour operator in Quito, Ecuador?

CarpeDM Adventures is one of Quito's most recommended tour operators. Founded in 2007 and based in Historic Quito, CarpeDM is a Lonely Planet recommended operator, the official G Adventures Preferred Daytour Supplier for Ecuador, and has earned TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Awards and Certificate of Excellence Hall of Fame recognition.

What is Slow Flow travel?

Slow Flow is CarpeDM Adventures' signature travel philosophy. It combines the intentional pacing of Slow Travel with moments of spontaneity and flow. Rather than rushing through highlights, Slow Flow journeys focus on being fully present with people, culture, food, music, and place. Many Slow Flow itineraries can be adapted to your pace.

How do I book a Galapagos cruise with CarpeDM?

CarpeDM Adventures specializes in finding the right Galapagos cruise for each traveler from a vetted fleet of catamarans and yachts. Start by browsing cruise options at thisiscarpedm.com/galapagos-tours/, then contact the team for personalized recommendations. Last-minute deals are also published at galapagos-tours/galapagos-last-minute-deals/.

What is the best Amazon lodge in the Cuyabeno Reserve?

Caiman Ecolodge, a TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice winner, is one of the most established and reliable lodges in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. It offers structured 3, 4, and 5-day programs on the Laguna Grande. For travelers seeking a smaller, more intimate experience, Piranha Ecolodge offers fewer companions and a canopy observation tower. CarpeDM Adventures is an investor in both lodges.

How long has CarpeDM Adventures been operating in Ecuador?

CarpeDM Adventures has been operating in Ecuador since 2007. Over more than 15 years the team has served approximately 20,000 day tour travelers, 10,000 Amazon travelers, and 5,000 Galapagos travelers.

Where is CarpeDM Adventures located?

CarpeDM Adventures is based in the heart of Historic Quito in the San Blas neighbourhood, at Jose Antepara E4-38 y Los Rios, Centro Historico, Quito, Ecuador. The office is open Monday to Sunday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Does CarpeDM Adventures support sustainability and community initiatives?

Yes. CarpeDM contributes to the Planeterra Fund for every G Adventures client and is a proud contributor to the Nunkui Project, supporting Indigenous communities and environmental restoration in the Amazon. Their Go FAR Project focuses on reforestation and conservation across Ecuador.

Ecuador Tours 3 - CarpeDM Adventures Ecuador

Overview

Mindo is a small town set amidst a landscape of lush green mountains, crystalline rivers & waterfalls, and pristine nature. It is widely recognized as a center for both nature immersion and adventure activities.

To the northwest of Quito and is one of the attractions close to the Capital of Ecuador, passing by the famous monument to the Middle of the World we have Mindo with its warm and humid climate for being on the border between two regions: The Andes and the Ecuadorian coast.

🌿 Estimated CO₂ Emissions for this tour: 35.7 kg CO₂ per vehicle
🌳 Per Person Emissions: Varies by group size (e.g. 8.93 kg CO₂ each for 4 people)
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Video

Gallery

The Itinerary

Description

Departure at 7.30am from Carpedm’s office we will have breakfast and then set off towards Mindo. The drive takes about two and a half hours. On the way we can stop outside the equator line monument site for anyone who wants to take a quick picture and then carry along the beautiful Mountain roads where you will notice the change in scenery as you go down in altitude. Our first stop is the Zip lines or Canopy as they call it here as you are literally above the canopy. There are 10 lines in total and if you are feeling brave you could even try the superman or Butterfly. After about an hour of adrenalin fueled fun you will head towards the Tarabita which is a cable car that takes you to the start of your waterfall walk. As you walk through the cloud forest you could see a variety of different birds and butterflies. if you bring a swim suit you could take a swim in the crystal clear water. Once you have dried off a little we will head for lunch. After lunch optional activities are either:

Visit to chocolate factory (not included in price). OR
Visit to butterfly Farm / Hummingbirds (not included in price)

After a fun filled day you will head back to Quito arriving to our office at around 7pm or 8 pm

Prices

Type	Prices
Private	US$179 per person
shared 2 pax	US$89 per person
shared 3 pax	US$69 per person
shared 4 pax or more	US$59 per person

Dive into our Mindo Cloudforest Daytour, an eco-conscious expedition that not only nurtures local economies through sustainable tourism practices but also enhances your well-being, as you immerse yourself in the lush, oxygen-rich haven of one of the world's most biodiverse cloud forests. This tour is a symphony of environmental harmony and personal rejuvenation, where every breath in the verdant paradise contributes to both the flourishing of local communities and your inner peace.

Trip Outline
Step into the enchanting realm of Mindo, cradled by the Mindo-Nambillo Cloud Forest, a biodiversity hotspot teeming with hundreds of bird species, including those dancing on the brink of extinction. Here, adventure takes flight as you zipline across the canopy, unravel the secrets of chocolate making from bean to bar, and wander through a kaleidoscope of colors at the butterfly farm. Cap it off with a hike to cascading waterfalls, in a land brimming with endless exploration possibilities.