Los Bancos
Nestled in the lush landscapes of Pichincha province, Ecuador, San Miguel de los Bancos is a picturesque town surrounded by verdant forests and rolling hills. A tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life is offered by this charming town. Additionally, opportunities for outdoor adventure, including hiking trails through the surrounding forests, birdwatching, and exploring nearby waterfalls, are offered by the town, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic Ecuadorian experience.
Renowned for its exquisite artisanal cheese, San Miguel de los Bancos boasts a thriving dairy industry that produces some of the finest cheeses in the country. A variety of delectable cheeses, ranging from creamy soft cheeses to aged, sharp varieties, is expertly crafted from locally sourced milk from the region’s dairy farms. This route is about 45 minutes longer get to the beach town of Bahia de Caraquez from Quito, but making a stop just to pickup some smoked provolone cheese is completely worthy. The rich flavors and superior quality of San Miguel de los Bancos’ cheese can be savored by visitors, which has earned it a well-deserved reputation as some of the best in Ecuador.
Mindo
Mindo, Ecuador, known as one of the best places to watch birds, is found in a deep valley behind the Pichincha volcanoes. It has many birds, bugs, and plants. Mindo is in a cloud forest. Clouds often sit in the valley. It’s about 4,000 feet (1300 meters) high. This is much lower than Quito, which is about 9,350 feet (2800 meters) high. Mindo is just 1 hour away from Puerto Quito. It’s a small town with only one main street, a park, and a few other streets.
Adventures in Mindo are exciting. The waterfalls are famous and draw people to explore. The Mindo-Nambillo nature reserve has paths to the waterfalls. You can get to the falls by riding a cable car 500 meters above the valley floor. You’ll see Cascada Nambillo, a beautiful waterfall, and you can rest by the river there. The reserve is full of life, with pretty butterflies and lots of plants. Many different birds live there too. Mindo offers many fun things to do, like zip-lining and tubing on the river. It’s a great place to experience nature’s beauty.
Santo Domingo
The best thing to see near Santo Domingo is the Jardín Botánico La Carolina. It’s just a few kilometers outside the city center. The botanical gardens have marked trails you can follow yourself, and you can also ask for a guide if you book ahead. You can see plants, including orchids, and watch birds here.
If you like watching birds or nature, Tinalandia is a great place to visit. Tour agencies in town can take you there for about $30 per person. Or you can go there yourself for $20 per person. You can have lunch there and walk on the trails.
The main reason to visit Santo Domingo is the Tsáchilas Villages. They’re full of culture, nature, and history. If you get the chance to visit this beautiful city, you should go!
If you are interested in moving to the Puerto Quito Area, this beautiful Nature Reserve with River Access might be the dream option for you!
Last modified: April 6, 2024
