Las Terrazas de Dana Boutique Lodge & Spa

My wife and I just returned from a stellar week in Mindo. The folks at Las Terrazas de Dana made this a wonderful and flawless experience. The birding with Marcelo was phenomenal (we saw well over 130 species), and we even saw red-headed barbets and choco toucans from our balcony. Food at the lodge was excellent, but what made this place truly special was the staff. Everyone was friendly, helpful, and kind. We have stayed in a number of different places over the years in Latin America, from more rustic accommodations to luxury resorts, but this place is the most special. I also want to call out David's incredibly prompt and detailed responses to all the questions I sent him in advance of our trip. It was our first time in Ecuador and we felt completely comfortable knowing that everything was being taken care of from the pick up at the airport, to the private guides. Las Terrazas has my highest recommendation. One note: for folks with mobility issues the combination of elevation in Mindo and steps leading to some of the rooms may prove challenging, so I would suggest discussing with them up front to find the best room for you. We were in the highest room on the property and were very grateful to have assistance with our luggage.

The staff Las Terrazas de Dana were what made this experience exceptional rather than just great. Friendly, welcoming, funny and always there to help, the people at this hotel are top notch. The rooms are large, clean and comfortable and the view from my room was breathtaking. The food was fresh and delicious with lots of local and international choices.

Wonderful in its simplicity. The location is very green and lush, and we felt part of nature. The sights and sounds of the birds were beautiful. The hotel had a small, homely feel. Room was clean, and spacious balcony was perfect to soak in the morning forest atmosphere. Food was filling and tasty, and catered well enough for us as vegetarians and with a child. The staff were so welcoming, and big shout out to Marco and Angel for whom nothing was too much trouble. The resident dogs were adorable.

Las Terrazas is exactly what you want for an adventure in the Mindo Cloud Forest. We arrived in Quito in the evening and went directly to Mindo. They can arrange a driver. In a dark drizzling night we were met at Las Terrazas and led to #10 which was a good walk up paths and stairs. The large suite has huge floor to ceiling windows and sliding doors. In the morning, we awoke in the tree tops with a cloud perfectly positions against the nearby mountain. Breakfast was included (delishes and robust) and the coffee was excellent. The dining area is open and overlooking the beautiful pool with nature and the song of birds surrounding you. We had our own guide but they can arrange it for you as well. From there we were driven to hike to the gondola over the ravine, waterfalls, bird-watching (and caught sightings of a couple of elusive Toucans), butterfly preserve and stopped at a lodge for hummingbird viewing (and confirmed we were glad we stayed where we did). This is an excellent place to be for a couple of nights before or after heading into Quito and the Galapagos. The rooms have a very comfortable bed, walk-in shower, two person jacuzzi tub that looks out the window. Seating and a table both in the room and on the balcony for viewing. Butterflies are abundant in the gardens and of course, the magical bird of Mindo are everywhere.

As part of our private tour day tour from Quito to Mindo, we had lunch on the terrace of the restaurant, which overlooks the cloud forest. This is a relatively new property. We hope this review encourages people to stay or enjoy lunch or dinner here. The staff were warmly welcoming and did everything they could for our experience to be a good one. The menu had an ample many enticing choices; we all had something different and it was absolutely excellent in every way, like what you'd expect in a fine restaurant in NYC

Fantastic place, very friendly staff. Marco made us feel very welcome. We had the best room with a great view, lots of birds, agouti, squirrel. And there are two fantastic dogs that like your love a lot. Also enjoyed the bubble bath a lot. Food is very good as well. Birding tours were well arranged, we had a good guide two times and saw many different species.