How to get here

To get to the reserve from other locations, you first need to reach Mindo in the Pichincha Province of Ecuador.

Mindo is a small town at the confluence of the Mindo and Nambillo rivers, 2 hours away from Quito, on the way to Los Bancos/Puerto Quito. Different bus companies leave from Carcelén or Ofelia (for direct buses) terminals. Check out Mindo Net (http://mindonet.ec/) for a good guide to Mindo and for how to get to Mindo (http://mindonet.ec/about-mindo/getting-there) – it has bus times and locations.

Once in Mindo, the entrance trail to Reserva Las Tangaras is on the road to Las Cascadas/Tarabita, past the Canopy zip line sites. To get to the trailhead from Mindo, there are two options :

1. Take a taxi from Mindo and ask the driver to take you to Reserva Las Tangaras. The driver will drop you off at the trailhead (the lodge is another 30 to 45 minute hike from the trailhead). It generally costs $5 for a taxi to the trailhead, and taxis can be caught at the taxi stand in town or sometimes along the road. On weekends, lots of trucks and vans to the Tarabita/Cascadas pass on the road, and it’s possible to get a ride for $1. You can also arrange to be driven the whole way to the reserve entrance via the driveway located behind the large yellow gate uphill of the hiking trail ($10).
2. Walk from Mindo. It takes about 45 minutes to an hour to walk to the reserve trailhead from Mindo.  The road provides good birdwatching spots of open-land species you will not find in the Reserve, so will take much longer as you stop to look at amazing birds! (Best done on week days, not weekends) The trailhead is well-marked on the right-hand side of the road (coming from Mindo) and it is located between the canopy tours and the Tarabita, immediately after Las Tongas restaurant (an excellent place to eat). Please keep in mind that it is another 45 minutes of hiking from the road, along the entrance trail, to the reserve lodge.

From the trailhead, follow the signs and arrows for Reserva Las Tangaras.* The trail is fairly level for about 3/4 of the way and then it dips down to the river where you will come to the reserve cable bridge. Cross the bridge and follow the signs up the hill a short way to arrive at the lodge. Then you will find yourself at the hidden gem and lovely paradise that is Reserva Las Tangaras!

*Please be aware that the trail can be very muddy, especially during the rainy season. Rubber boots or sturdy hiking shoes are strongly recommended! (There is also a driveway to the reserve through the yellow gate just 30 m beyond the reserve entrance sign, but call ahead for access.)

Buses from Quito to Mindo: There are two bus stations in Quito that have buses directly to Mindo. Buses from the Ofelia station go directly to Mindo and cost $3.60.
From the Ofelia bus station:
Monday-Friday: 8am, 9am, 11am and 4pm
Saturday: 7:40am, 8:20am, 9:20am and 4pm.
Sunday: 7:40am, 8:20am, 9:20am, 10:20am, 2pm and 5pm

Buses from the Carcelen station leave more frequently and drop you off at the “Y,” the intersection where the main highway meets the road to Mindo. From there you can get a taxi to Mindo.

Buses from Mindo to Quito:
The bus station in Mindo is located on the main street in town a block from the central plaza. The bus costs $3.60 and stops at the Ofelia Station in Quito.
Bus times:
Monday-Friday: 6:30am, 11:00am, 1:45pm and 3pm
Saturday: 6:30am, 2pm, 3:30pm and 5pm
Sunday: 6:30am, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm.