Mashpi Lodge

Stays of Distinction

SUMMARY

3 Days

Ecuador

Nestled in Ecuador’s cloud forest, Mashpi Lodge is a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World and one of our top Stays of Distinction. So, what makes this lodge so unique?
Firstly, Mashpi’s striking design puts the cloud forest firmly in focus. Its glass walls make it virtually invisible and allow guests to connect with the rainforest, even from inside the lodge. And with ample outdoor spaces, including an enormous terrace, the captivating sights and scents of the forest are always nearby. You can sip your coffee from the lodge’s terrace while spotting the area’s famous bird species.

And secondly, Mashpi Lodge’s location is in the exceptionally biodiverse Choco region. This internationally recognised region supports a staggering diversity of plant and animal life. With over 400 bird species and a stunning array of orchids, ferns, and bromeliads, the natural wonders are simply breathtaking.

Finally (and most importantly in our view), unveil the cloud forest’s magic with various fabulous activities at Mashpi Lodge. Trek along forest trails, bathe under waterfalls or peddle through the canopy on the unique Sky Bike! However, no matter which activity you choose, Mashpi’s expert guides will enhance your understanding of the flora and fauna of the region.

*Our Travel Specialists suggest a minimum stay of two nights to explore this area which can be combined with Quito and the Andes region for a complete immersion in Ecuador.

HIGHLIGHTS

Visit the Chocó region, one of the most diverse in the Neotropics.
Excursions include the Dragon Fly gondola, Trails, Night Walks, Observation Tower, Waterfalls, and Sky Bike.
Mashpi Lodge was recently added to National Geographic’s “Unique Lodges of the World” collection.
A staggering 400 species of birds, including some 36 endemics, are estimated to inhabit the forest.
Monkeys, peccaries, and even puma make their homes inside the Reserve.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Quito/Cloud Forest

8:30 am – you will be picked up and transferred to Mashpi Reserve. A 1,200-hectare (3,000-acre) conservation property in the Metropolitan District of Quito, a part of the Ecuadorian Choco rain forest, is one of the world’s most significant biodiversity hotspots. The sudden drop in altitude from 2,800m.a.s.l. to 1,000m.a.s.l will allow you to discover the spectacular natural diversity of the Andean landscape as you travel through the dry valley of Pomasqui towards the cordillera’s western flank, into the lush, misty cloud forest, and enter the magical world of Mashpi.

After lunch and a briefing, you will be comfortably settled in your room, where you can rest before starting the afternoon activities. During the briefing, you’ll be introduced to the cloud forest and its conservation, the activities you can choose during your stay, and helpful tips about what to wear and bring to the excursions.

After a short rest, gather at the lobby to head out on your first adventure exploring one of the trails of the Reserve, chosen by the guides depending on daily conditions. This walk will introduce the ecological succession processes and the importance of forest conservation for the Chocó region. All trails offer great scenic beauty, including a unique attraction, such as a forest of “iron palm,” unique bird-watching opportunities, or other surprises.

For all guests interested in knowing more about the cloud forest’s ecology, every evening, we give a series of different lectures like the “Secret Wildlife of Mashpi, the trap camera project,” or the “Chocó, a biological hotspot,” which talk about the formation and diversity of the Chocó, and our scientific research projects. The lectures will be given by one of our naturalists or our resident biologist at 7:30 pm.

Day 2 Mashpi Lodge/Cloud Forest

The forest always rewards the “early birds” as the dawn light lures a variety of fascinating species in their search for food. An excellent place to find birds is right at the hotel’s terrace, with a cup of fresh coffee, tea, or hot chocolate in hand, from where you can enjoy not only the beauty of the forest but also the many species that come to feed on insects and fruits at nearby trees. The guides will help you spot what’s around, offering a peek inside their telescope for a close-and-personal view of the incredible bird richness Mashpi possesses. This activity begins at 6:30 am and lasts about an hour. Then, enjoy breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant.

Guests have the opportunity to live between 6 and 8 rainforest experiences. Your guides will recommend the best daily program for you and your group depending on your interests, your level of physical fitness, and daily weather and trail conditions. Choose from the many trails and activities, including rain forest trail to refreshing waterfalls, visiting the observation tower and the hummingbird viewpoint, and thrill yourself with sky bikes, night walks, and night briefings.

Day 3 Mashpi Lodge/Quito

Once again, our day begins early at 6:30 am in the hotel lobby and takes advantage of the fact that many bird species come to the hotel to feed. After a cup of coffee, we walk down the road seeking out mixed-species feeding flocks: these usually feature different insectivorous bird species that move together while foraging. We may see over 20 species in a single flock, making these more-or-less common encounters an undeniable treat for bird enthusiasts. The activity takes one hour; we return to the lodge for breakfast.

There is time for a short hike today or one of our other activities. Check with your guide for the best option. Return to the hotel in time for check out at 11:00 am. The transfer leaves Mashpi Lodge at 11:30 am, and you will receive a complimentary box lunch during the drive back to Quito.