Mindo SabinaTour

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Menu
BOOK YOUR TOUR

+59398-659-4965
info@mindosabinatour.com 

Menu
mindo sabina tour png
BOOK YOUR TOUR

+59398-659-4965
info@mindosabinatour.com 

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F.A.Q.s

Basic Questions

About Mindo Sabina Tour

Tours range in length from 1-18 days and include lodging, meals, and a range of activities led by a private, bilingual naturalist guide. When we say private, we mean it. You’ll have a guide all to yourself— so you don’t have to worry about navigating dynamics with anyone outside of your own group. We personalize your tour to meet your interests and mobility needs; you’ll always be able to set the pace that suits your group and prioritize your specific interests. All transportation and taxes are included, which means you’ll never be surprised with additional charges.

Every customized tour includes all lodging, meals, activities, transportation, and guiding services for the duration of your tour. Sales tax does not apply to travelers with a foreign passport. The only additional charges to consider would be extra activities not included in the tour itinerary, alcoholic drinks, and transportation transfer fees to destinations outside of Quito.

Each tour is priced according to the number of guests and the specific interests of the tour. Because all of our tours are customized, prices vary. The best way to get more information about our pricing is to submit an inquiry with details about your group and interests. We’re always happy to answer questions by phone or email as well. Give us a shout: info@mindosabinatour.com

Visit our reservations page to submit an inquiry with details about your group and interests. This is the information we will use to create your customized tour. Detailed instructions and payment options are sent once your booking is complete.

Although tipping in Ecuador, in general, is not expected, it is very much appreciated. If you feel that your guide or driver has done a great job, we suggest giving them a tip at the end of the tour. It’s also a good idea to carry small bills so you can tip at other reserves, or while enjoying the services provided by partnering businesses. Our suggestions on how to calculate tips are included in the pre-trip information you’ll receive when you book your tour. 

Most of our guests book tours at least 6 months ahead of time, if not more. Please note that our schedule often fills depending upon the season. However, if you are planning a trip on shorter notice, we can occasionally accommodate last-minute requests. Contact us ASAP about availability and we’ll do our best to accommodate you. Planning ahead is the best way to ensure a personalized experience with attention to every detail! 



Yes. We always customize tours to meet the needs of our guests. Be sure to indicate the physical abilities of those in your party when you book a tour. Level of activity, pace, timing, and walking distances can all be modified to meet the needs of your group. If you or someone in your party requires wheelchair access or has severely limited mobility, please contact us before you book your tour so we have all the information we need to accommodate your group. 



Yes! Our guides are experienced in accommodating the interests and needs of guests of all ages. Be sure to let us know if you will be traveling with young children, seniors, or those who may need special attention. Check out our Family Tours.

All of our guides carry spotting scopes to assist in viewing wildlife from a distance. We highly recommend that guests bring their own binoculars, but we always have a few extra pairs to lend if needed. Please let us know in advance if you would like to borrow binoculars.

Yes. We are very aware of the specific needs of photographers on our tours and look forward to providing excellent opportunities for capturing the very best shots. Check out our exclusive Photography Tours.

The best part about offering tours on the equator is that the birdwatching is superb all year round. Opportunities to observe unique tropical bird species are fantastic at any time of year. Our birdwatching tours are the best way to optimize your experience.

Mindo is known as the “Land of Eternal Spring” due to the temperate climate all year long. The temperature ranges from 16-27 Celsius (61-81 Fahrenheit). Expect rain in the afternoons. Mornings tend to be dry and clear. Historically, the rainy season has run from Dec. to June and the dry season from July to Nov. Keep in mind that rain is common, even during the dry season. It’s best to be prepared for rain in the afternoons year-round.

In order to be prepared, we recommend that all guests bring the following:

 

  • A warm layer for cool evenings such as a fleece, or puffy jacket
  • A light, waterproof raincoat
  • A warm top layer for night time when temps can cool
  • A light, long-sleeved shirt for protection from insects and sun exposure
  • Lightweight, long pants for sun and insect protection
  • Thick socks or soft-soled slippers for indoor use (we ask that outdoor shoes be removed inside the cabins and main lodge)
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Small day pack suitable for hiking and touring
  • Sunscreen and natural, non-toxic insect repellent
  • Hat for sun protection
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Comfortable walking or hiking shoes with good tread, waterproof if possible
  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Bathing suit 

Some activities begin at the front door of Casa Divina Lodge and others require transportation of up to 2.5 hours by car.

 

Should I bring my own bird book?

 

Regional and local bird lists are provided to all tour guests. The best birding experiences are when you have access to a proper field guide. Ecuador field guides are available for purchase at Casa Divina Lodge.

Meals are included in all tour packages. We also recommend that you carry your own snacks. Please indicate dietary restrictions or food allergies when booking.

Always plan to fill your water bottle at Casa Divina Lodge upon departure for your tours. In the case of all-day tours, your guide will provide water for refilling your own bottle throughout the day. We do not supply disposable plastic water bottles. You may purchase a reusable water bottle in our shop at the lodge.

Always plan to fill your water bottle at Casa Divina Lodge upon departure for your tours. In the case of all-day tours, your guide will provide water for refilling your own bottle throughout the day. We do not supply disposable plastic water bottles. You may purchase a reusable water bottle in our shop at the lodge.

Although Mindo is internationally known for its premier birdwatching, SabinaTour Operator offers tours to appeal to the interests of travelers of all kinds. The options for outdoor exploration in our region are numerous. We offer hiking tours, family tours, adventure tours, photography tours, and naturalist tours to allow you to experience the abundant natural beauty that surrounds us at an activity level customized to meet your needs and interests.  

Not a problem! All of our administrative staff and guides speak English and Spanish. You will find that Ecuadorians, in general, are quite friendly and patient with non-Spanish speakers.

Ecuador has a long history of being a peaceful and safe country in which to live and travel. That being said, pickpocketing in large cities can be an issue. It’s always a good idea as a foreigner traveling anywhere in the world to be aware of your surroundings. We recommend you use common sense so you can be sure to have a marvelous time in Ecuador.

The national currency in Ecuador is the American dollar (USD).

It is expected that at some time in the near future the  Ecuadorian government will impose an obligatory travel/medical insurance clause that will apply to all foreign visitors. In the meantime, it’s always a good idea to have an up-to-date insurance policy that can cover travel and health care needs for the duration of your trip. Please inquire if you would like to purchase travel insurance through us. 

The vaccine issue is very personal. There are some people that want to be completely covered and get all vaccines recommended by their doctor. There are others who travel often and find that vaccine recommendations can be very conservative, and sometimes unnecessary. It is important that you make a decision regarding vaccines that feels right to you. From a local perspective we are not aware of anyone who has contracted diseases that can be prevented by vaccines while living or visiting this part of Ecuador. In Mindo there are no tropical diseases, as the vector cannot live at this altitude. Malaria and Dengue are tropical diseases that can be contracted in Ecuador on the coast and in the Amazon. If you do choose to take malaria medicine, we suggest purchasing it when you arrive in Ecuador, as the medicine is made to combat the strains that are present in South America. If you purchase malaria medicine in the United States, it covers many more strains that are not present in South America and therefore can be very strong and have some side effects.

A 50% deposit is required to book your tour. The balance is due at least 8 days prior to your arrival. We offer several easy international payment options.

No problem! We know life can be complicated. See our cancellation policy here.

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