Mindo, Ecuador

Mindo, Ecuador

     We went to Mindo for 2 days and it was really fun! Mindo is a little town in the middle of the rainforest 2 hours away from Quito, with lots to do. We stayed in a cute little hostel with hammocks and a view of the forest. The first day we went zip ling over the treetops. There was an amazing view of mountains and lots of trees. Then we went tubing, which is where you sit on a big floaty with 2 other people and you go down the river, over rocks, and down mini 1-3 ft waterfalls! We got totally wet with ice cold water but it was worth it.

     After, we had lunch and then did a chocolate tour. We learned about the history of chocolate, and the steps of making chocolate and we got to try a lot of different flavors. Then we headed to Descending down a Waterfall (that's what I call it). My sister and I hiked up to the top of  a waterfall with a guide. We got a harness and were connected to 2 ropes. Then facing the waterfall you slowly walk/go down. It was pretty scary considering it was very steep and 40 meters tall (135ft). But we made it to the bottom, wet and shivering but we enjoyed it both. A while later we had dinner, and then me and mom went to do a nocturnal hike. We hiked with a guide through his big yard which seemed like a jungle itself. He pointed out many spiders. butterflies, and insects with his flashlight. We also saw bats flying overhead, and an owl sitting by the street on an electricity cable.  

     In the middle of the night, I had to throw up. It was probably food poisoning. I also had a fever. 

Also it was the morning of Maura's 14th birthday! We celebrated her birthday with cards, cake, and a nice breakfast. I stayed home because I was sick while my parents did a hike that included swimming, waterfalls, and going with a cable car over the trees. When they got back we had lunch and started the drive back to Quito.

~Julie

Click here for: Ecuador Gallery