Best Places To do Shopping in Mindo

Best Shopping in Mindo, Ecuador

Tucked into the lush cloud forests of northern Ecuador, Mindo is known for its biodiversity, waterfalls, and birdwatching. While it’s primarily a destination for nature lovers, Mindo also offers a small but vibrant local shopping scene, filled with handmade crafts, organic products, and one-of-a-kind souvenirs. Here’s where to go and what to buy when you want to bring home a piece of Mindo.

1. Artesanías Mindo

Best For: Local crafts, handmade souvenirs
This charming artisan shop in the center of town is a must-visit. You’ll find handwoven textiles, locally made jewelry, wood carvings, and painted ceramics, all made by Ecuadorian artists.

Top Picks:

• Beaded necklaces made by Indigenous women

• Hand-painted bird figurines (inspired by Mindo’s famous toucans and hummingbirds)

• Colorful hammocks and ponchos

2. El Quetzal de Mindo – Chocolate Shop & Factory

Best For: Gourmet chocolate and food gifts
More than just a chocolate factory, El Quetzal offers visitors a chance to tour their cacao production site and then shop for locally made organic chocolate. The shop includes chocolate bars, cacao nibs, brownie mix, and even cacao skin tea.

Don’t Miss: Their award-winning dark chocolate with chili or coffee.

Location: Calle 9 de Octubre y Eloy Alfaro

3. Natural Products & Essential Oils

Best For: Eco-conscious travelers
Mindo’s lush forests provide the base for several eco-product businesses. Look for local herbal shops that sell:

• Essential oils (eucalyptus, tea tree, lemongrass)

• Beeswax candles

• Natural soaps and creams made with jungle plants and flowers

4. Bird-Themed Art & Photography

Best For: Nature lovers and birdwatchers
Birding is big in Mindo, and many local artists are inspired by the region’s feathered residents. Around the main square and at bird lodges, you’ll find:

• Wildlife photography prints

• Hand-drawn bird posters

• Wooden bird carvings and mobiles

Perfect For: Decor pieces and gifts for birdwatching enthusiasts.

5. Mindo Market (Feria Artesanal) – Weekend Pop-Up

Best For: Casual browsing and meeting locals
Every weekend (especially on Sundays), local artisans set up market stalls in the town center. The market is a great place to find fresh produce, handmade jewelry, dreamcatchers, woven hats, and small-batch preserves.

Vibe: Laid-back, colorful, and community-driven

Shopping for Mindo:

• Bring cash – Most small shops and market vendors do not accept credit cards.

• Support local – Buying directly from artisans helps preserve traditional crafts.

• Pack light but smart – Lightweight items like textiles and chocolate are great for travel.

• Ask questions – Vendors are often happy to share the story behind each item.

Shopping in Mindo, Ecuador, may not be about luxury brands or big malls, but it offers something far more meaningful—locally made goods, rich in culture, and rooted in nature. Whether you’re a foodie, birdwatcher, or art lover, you’ll find beautiful pieces that celebrate Mindo’s spirit and sustainability.