Hotel in Mindo, Ecuador
Posada del Maple Mindo
Budget eco-lodge in Mindo cloud forest offers simple rooms, shared bathrooms, and balconies overlooking jungle. Birdwatching from property, short walk to town. Friendly owners provide local knowledge and tour recommendations.
Posada del Maple is a budget eco-lodge tucked into the cloud forest village of Mindo in northwestern Ecuador, roughly 80 kilometres from Quito. The lodge sits on Calle Los Colibries — a quiet lane named after hummingbirds — within easy walking distance of Mindo's central plaza, butterfly farms, and the network of suspension bridges that cross the Nambillo River canyon. The surrounding cloud forest is one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth, a fact that draws serious birdwatchers from around the globe.
The lodge reflects the spirit of the town: simple, unpretentious, and genuinely welcoming. Rooms are basic but clean, with natural wood furnishings and balconies that overlook the garden and jungle edge. Several rooms share bathrooms, keeping costs low for solo travellers and budget-conscious couples. Hammocks are strung throughout the garden, providing prime perches for watching tanagers, toucans, and antpittas in the treetops. A shared kitchen allows guests to prepare their own meals, and the nearest restaurants and cafés are only a short walk away in Mindo's compact centre.
The lodge's standout asset is the personal service provided by its knowledgeable owners, who maintain deep familiarity with the local trail network, birdwatching spots, and seasonal wildlife activity. Tour information and recommendations are freely shared, and the owners can connect guests with trusted local guides for tubing on the Mindo River, zip-lining through the canopy, or night-birding expeditions along forest edges. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.
Mindo sits at approximately 1,250 metres elevation, giving it a mild and humid climate distinct from Quito's drier highland air. The town is compact and most of its main attractions — the butterfly garden, the cacao processing cooperative, and the trailheads into the Mindo-Nambillo Protected Forest — lie within a few kilometres. Posada del Maple is an excellent base for multi-day birdwatching itineraries, particularly for visitors targeting the Chocó Endemic Bird Area, one of the world's most important avifaunal regions. Rates range from approximately $20 to $50 per night depending on season and room type, placing the lodge among the most affordable options in Mindo without sacrificing genuine cloud-forest atmosphere.
Amenities
- garden
- birdwatching
- tour information
- free WiFi
- hammocks
- shared kitchen
Visit / Book / Contact
- Phone: +593 2-217-0126
Location
Calle Los Colibries, Mindo, Ecuador
-0.0514, -78.7755 — View on map
Highlights
- Cloud forest setting on Calle Los Colibries, steps from Mindo's butterfly farms and river suspension bridges
- Garden hammocks overlooking jungle edge — productive birdwatching without leaving the property
- Budget rates of $20–$50 per night with free Wi-Fi and a shared kitchen for self-catering
- Knowledgeable owners who provide trail maps and referrals to trusted local guides for tubing, zip-lining, and birding
- Walking distance to Mindo's cafés, cacao cooperative, and trailheads into the Mindo-Nambillo Protected Forest
Tips
- Book early for June–August and December–January peak seasons, when occupancy runs high across Mindo.
- Bring birdwatching binoculars — dawn hours on the lodge balconies regularly yield tanagers, toucans, and hummingbirds without leaving the property.
- Pack rain gear; Mindo receives substantial precipitation year-round, with heaviest rains typically from March through May.
- The shared kitchen has basic utensils; bring supplies from Quito's markets or stock up at the small shops in Mindo's centre.
- Ask the owners about current trail conditions before heading into the Mindo-Nambillo Protected Forest, as paths become slippery after heavy rains.
FAQ
Does Posada del Maple Mindo offer private rooms?
The lodge offers both private rooms and rooms with shared bathrooms. The mix of room types keeps rates accessible for solo travellers and small groups. Confirm availability for the preferred room configuration when booking.
How do visitors get to Posada del Maple from Quito?
The lodge is reachable by direct bus from Quito's La Ofelia terminal. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours. Local taxis are available in Mindo for the short transfer from the bus drop-off point.
Is the lodge suitable for serious birdwatchers?
Yes. The lodge garden and immediate surroundings are productive birdwatching spots within the Chocó Endemic Bird Area. The owners can arrange connections with local guides for deeper forest expeditions targeting rare endemics.
Are meals served at the lodge?
Meals are not provided on-site, but a shared kitchen is available for guest use. Mindo's town centre, a short walk away, has several cafés and restaurants offering local Ecuadorian cuisine at modest prices.
Accessibility
Posada del Maple Mindo is a simple eco-lodge with garden-level spaces and basic infrastructure. Specific wheelchair-accessible facilities are not documented for this property; travellers with mobility requirements should confirm room configuration, bathroom access, and pathway conditions directly with the lodge before booking.
When to visit
Birdwatching is productive year-round in Mindo's cloud forest, but the drier months of June through September and December through February offer more comfortable hiking conditions and stable wildlife activity.