After five days it was time to leave the coast and head back inland towards Quito. Once again, I was shaken up for a bribe at another police check. This time I did not waste any time arguing my case and asked straight forward, how much..It solved the problem and I was on my way under 5 minutes.
My last adventure in Ecuador was Mindo. It is a small village in the western Andes Mountains. It's known best known for the many bird species, butterflies and orchids found in the surrounding cloud forest, part of the Mindo-Nambillo Reserve.
Mindo was a breath of fresh air, both from surrounding cloud forest and really attractive main street full of houses, restaurants and coffee shops. I spent the next couple of days exploring surrounding valleys of the cloud forest and endless waterfalls. The whole area teams with rich vegetation and many species of wildlife.
Mindo is famous for its chocolate production and I was able to visit one of its production facilities. What was interesting that learned is that coco seed has to ferment for about 6 days covered in banana leaves in order to lose its bitterness. And of course, I got some locally made chocolate to bring home. Probably the best I ever had!
