El Descanso Hummingbird Garden
Experience a rainforest paradise at El Descanso, where dozens of hummingbirds flock to feeders daily. Relax in nature and spot exotic birds and mammal...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak hummingbird activity
El Descanso Hummingbird Garden
Best Time
Peak hummingbird activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience a rainforest paradise at El Descanso, where dozens of hummingbirds flock to feeders daily. Relax in nature and spot exotic birds and mammals.
"A reasonably priced gem for relaxing and enjoying amazing bird life, with dozens of species to see!"
🎯 Wake Up for Breakfast
Enjoy the included breakfast with hummingbirds! It's the best time for sightings. :coffee:
🚶 Easy Town Access
The town center is a short, pleasant walk away for more dining and shopping options. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hummingbird Feeding Frenzy
Garden feeding stations
Witness dozens of hummingbirds flock to feeders, a dazzling display of color and speed. A true natural spectacle!
Rainforest Ambiance
Property grounds
Immerse yourself in a lush, natural setting with tranquil spots to relax and observe wildlife.
Exotic Bird & Mammal Sightings
Garden and surrounding trees
Beyond hummingbirds, spot agoutis, squirrels, tanagers, woodpeckers, and motmots up close.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Early Bird
Budget-Friendly Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Wake Up for Breakfast
Enjoy the included breakfast with hummingbirds! It's the best time for sightings. :coffee:
🚶 Easy Town Access
The town center is a short, pleasant walk away for more dining and shopping options. :walking:
💰 Great Value Stay
Rooms are basic but comfortable with good Wi-Fi and private facilities. Excellent price! :moneywithwings:
🚗 Convenient Transfers
Private transfers to Quito are available and reasonably priced. :car:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Wake Up for Breakfast
Enjoy the included breakfast with hummingbirds! It's the best time for sightings. :coffee:
🚶 Easy Town Access
The town center is a short, pleasant walk away for more dining and shopping options. :walking:
💰 Great Value Stay
Rooms are basic but comfortable with good Wi-Fi and private facilities. Excellent price! :moneywithwings:
🚗 Convenient Transfers
Private transfers to Quito are available and reasonably priced. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about El Descanso Hummingbird Garden for its incredible wildlife encounters, particularly the abundant hummingbirds and other animals like agoutis. The owner's dedication to feeding the birds creates a magical rainforest-like atmosphere. It's also highly praised for its excellent value, comfortable accommodations, and peaceful natural setting, making it a highly recommended stop in Mindo.
"Wonderful experience here! Rodney, the owner, is such a neat guy. He has a little patch of trees on the property where he daily feeds tons of exotic birds and small mammals to make you feel like you are in a rainforest paradise. Great food, rooms are well kept, and lots of beautiful places to sit in nature, read, relax, and more. Hope to come again!"
Amanda Taylor
"El Descanso is a very reasonably priced gem if you want to relax in Mindo and enjoy the amazing bird life. Yes the birds are fed, but how else will you see 20+ species of bird without leaving the building! Agouti and squirrels were also seen. Our room was basic but comfortable with private facilities and excellent free wifi. Breakfast is included. It is a short walk to the town centre for other meals and shopping. Also did a very comfortable private transfer to Quito for $60."
Howard Baker
"Great place! Mornings with the breakfast is amazing. You get to share with hummingbirds. The place is well worth for its price and location. You can access the town of Mindo super easy from here. Totally recommended"
Andres Naranjo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take a bus from Quito to Mindo, which is a common route for travelers. From Mindo town, El Descanso is a short walk away. Alternatively, private transfers can be arranged directly to the garden, offering a more convenient but pricier option.
Yes, it's located a short walk from the town center, making it easily accessible. Follow signs for accommodation or ask locals for directions to Hostal El Descanso.
Many visitors opt for comfortable private transfers, which are reasonably priced and can be arranged directly from El Descanso. Buses are also a budget-friendly option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
El Descanso is a hostal, and the garden is part of its property. While you can visit the garden, staying at the hostal or enjoying breakfast offers the best experience. There isn't a separate entry fee for the garden itself if you are a guest.
The garden is accessible to guests throughout their stay. For non-guests, the best time to experience the hummingbird feeding is during breakfast hours in the morning.
The garden is integrated with the hostal. While there isn't a specific 'ticket' for the garden, guests staying at the hostal or enjoying breakfast have full access.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll see a multitude of hummingbirds, but also tanagers, woodpeckers, motmots, and other exotic species attracted by the feeders.
Yes, visitors often spot agoutis and squirrels feeding alongside the birds, adding to the rainforest paradise feel. +1
The main draw is observing the abundant birdlife and wildlife. The property also offers beautiful natural spaces for relaxation, reading, and enjoying nature.
Yes, guests report excellent free Wi-Fi, making it a comfortable place to stay connected while surrounded by nature.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Breakfast is included with your stay and is a highlight, especially with the hummingbird activity. For other meals, the town of Mindo is a short walk away with various restaurants. +1
Yes, breakfast is included and is a highly recommended experience, particularly for the chance to dine with hummingbirds. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings offer the best light and the most active hummingbird feeding sessions, providing excellent opportunities for stunning photos.
A telephoto lens is ideal for capturing hummingbirds and other birds in detail. A fast shutter speed is also crucial for freezing their rapid movements.
The feeding stations are prime spots, but the lush garden itself offers many picturesque scenes with diverse flora and fauna.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Plan your visit for the morning feeding to maximize excitement. The short walk to town is manageable for most families, offering additional dining options. The comfortable rooms and included breakfast add to the convenience for traveling with children.
💰 Budget Travelers
Budget tips: Take advantage of the included breakfast to save on morning meals. Explore Mindo town on foot for affordable dining options. The hostal's location makes it easy to access local attractions without needing expensive transport.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Hummingbird Feeding
Beyond the hummingbirds, the garden attracts other fascinating wildlife. Visitors frequently report sightings of agoutis and squirrels, which also partake in the offerings, adding a delightful mammalian element to the experience. This integrated approach to wildlife observation makes El Descanso feel like a true rainforest paradise, even for those not staying long.
While the feeding is a managed aspect, it provides an unparalleled chance to see species that might otherwise be elusive. It's a testament to the owner's dedication and understanding of local fauna, offering an accessible and intimate wildlife encounter for all visitors.
Accommodation and Value
The inclusion of breakfast with the stay is a significant perk, especially given the opportunity to enjoy it amidst the morning hummingbird activity. This combination of affordable accommodation and a unique natural experience sets El Descanso apart. It's a place where you can relax, connect with nature, and enjoy the tranquility of Mindo.
For those needing to travel to other destinations, such as Quito, the hostal also facilitates comfortable private transfers at a reasonable cost, further enhancing the convenience for guests.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit