Mashpi Lodge - 2-4 days
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Three hours and a world away from the bustle of Quito, Mashpi Lodge offers nature lovers an oasis of calm and luxury, enveloped within the swirling mists of the Ecuadorian Chocho Bioregion.
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Sustainable and eco-friendly, the lodge was conceived as a wilderness retreat offering refined elegance while also adhering to strict environmental standards; not a single tree was felled during construction. The surrounding region is a haven of biodiversity boasting more than 500 species of birds and lush forest that is 80% primary growth. Guests discover the flora and fauna through naturalist led hikes, excursions to hummingbird feeding stations and observation towers, talks detailing ongoing research projects and by pedaling through the canopy on the tandem Sky Bike. Environmental immersion continues within the eco-lodge; all 22 guest rooms boast floor to ceiling glass windows which open to allow in the chorus of birdsong, best enjoyed while soaking in the Philippe Stark-designed bathtubs. Spa treatments highlight products from the surrounding forest the the restaurant features exquisite and innovative Ecuadorian cuisine with a focus on native ingredients.
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The highlight of any trip to Mashpi is the optional Dragonfly – an exciting, open-air cable car system that carries you over, across and sometimes even directly through the forest canopy, offering guests a relaxing way to enjoy the reserve from overhead. The entire setup consists of two main stations, six towers (with an midway station that guests can get off at if they wish), and four gondolas. The gondolas are equidistant and separated by a distance of 500 meters/1,640 feet. Each gondola moves along the 2 km/1.24 mi length of cable at a low speed of 50 meters/160 feet per minute. The guides can stop the gondola at any point to allow for an extended observation of anything that catches your eye. An entire circuit (roundtrip) takes about 40-minutes to complete. Gondolas can carry up to 4 guests (plus 1 guide).
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4 Day ProgramDay 1 : Quito - Mashpi Lodge
The adventure begins at around 08:30 am at one of the main hotels in Quito, when you will be collected by Mashpi transportation for your journey to the northwest corner of the Metropolitan District of Quito. The road passes along the western flank of the Andes next to the “Middle of the World” (“La Mitad del Mundo”) which marks the equatorial line. We then continue westwards, downhill, following the course of the Rio Blanco, watching as the vegetation changes with every significant drop in altitude. After passing the town of Nanegalito, we head northwest, along winding country roads, passing the archaeological site of Tulipe and various farming communities. We arrive at the Lodge at noon. Your time with us at Mashpi is your own to experience. With the help of our expedition staff, you can choose from any of the activities on offer, always accompanied by a University-graduate naturalist guide and an experienced local guide – all at your own pace. On your arrival day, you will plan your activities with the team and receive a talk about Mashpi and all its wonders. After enjoying lunch you will be shown to your room for a rest, before heading out in the afternoon for your activity, which could include a hike through the forest followed by gliding above and through the forest canopy aboard our amazing and unique Dragonfly aerial cable car… When darkness falls, a new troupe of creatures emerges: your guides will accompany you in search out tiny (and some transparent!) frogs, snakes, insects and even tarantulas during a Night Walk. Included: shared transportation, English speaking guide, lunch, accommodation, dinner Day 2 : Chocó Reserve At 6:30 in the hotel lobby after a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and cookies, we will go to the Life Center. On the path surely we will see flocks of birds, hoping to spot the beautiful tanagers, characterized by its colorful plumage birds. The best way to reach the center of life is through the forest following what we call the "Howler Monkey Trail". This trail runs through primary forest dominated by ancient trees, the copal (Dacryodes cupularis) being the most emblematic of them. Early in the morning, it is very popular with all kinds of animals. We can hear the rarest birds in the reserve (and hopefully see them too), as Quail Carirrufa (Odontophorus erythrops) or Antpittas Coronirrufa (Rufous-Crowned Antpitta). Our guides, always attentive to sounds and rustling leaves, birds or disclose seek elusive monkeys while explaining the ecology of the environment; They also shared with us his extensive knowledge about plants and their use medicinal.El Life Center offers a wonderful view of the forest from the comfort of a large wooden deck. We identify different species of birds and mammals that visit feeders fruit. Around 8 am, we enjoy breakfast outdoors. The center is designed as a place of learning, but also a place where guests can be disconnected. Butterflies, discover the many species found in the area Mashpi and its metamorphosis from larva to caterpillar and chrysalis and butterfly. Also we discover different species of plants on which the butterflies lay their eggs, such as passion flower, bird of paradise and other tropical species in the garden. Not far from the center, it has also created a "tropical garden" where many varieties of fruit trees such as banana, cassava, cocoa, pepper, coffee and raspberries are grown wild. At approximately 10:30, we head back to the hotel to rest, enjoy the jacuzzi or enjoy a relaxing massage at the spa, followed by a well deserved lunch. At 15:30, we met in the lobby again for a walk down the path Cucharillos, named after an Ecuadorian endemic tree (Magnolia striatifoliai), a threatened species throughout the country, but common within the reserve Mashpi. This hike will allow us to understand the functioning of the cloud forest depends on the smallest creatures. The hike requires some physical condition because of its steep sections, but thanks to the use of recycled plastic crates arranged by way of steps greatly facilitate walking and trail safety. Upon reaching the rocky river bed of the lagoon we will find pools and lakes where you can swim back and you can always stop at the waterfall for a revitalizing bath Cucharillos. The tour lasts about two hours. At 18:15 before leaving the night walk we will have a little talk about the secret life of Mashpi, where we will see photos taken with camera traps. The night walk will start at 18:45 as the forest is transformed at sunset: the sounds and smells awaken intensify and make new meanings. You can enjoy a walk at night to night croaking frogs. Turning off the headlights, observe fireflies and feel the fleeting passage of bats. On the ground, we can see the glow of the bioluminescent fungi and light the torches again, we see the reflection of hundreds of small insects. Owls and other nocturnal birds often issue their calls at night (perhaps have the opportunity to see some), while the creaking of the branches above us could announce the arrival of a cusumbo (Potos flavus), an arboreal mammal like the raccoon It makes its way through the trees in search of ripe fruit. The tour takes about 45 minutes to an hour and then return to the lodge for dinner right. Included: breakfast, English speaking guide, lunch, accommodation, dinner Day 3 : Chocó Reserve The forest rewards early birds since the dawn light attracts a wide variety of fascinating species in their search for food. A good place for bird watching, with a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate in hand, is the terrace, where you can enjoy not only the beauty of the jungle, but also of the many species that come to feed on insects and fruit trees nearby. Our guides will help to show everything that can be found nearby, offering a look into a telescope to see the animals up close and experience the wealth of wildlife that has Mashpi. This activity starts at 6:30 and lasts about an hour. Then we will enjoy a delicious breakfast in the hotel restaurant. Around 8:30 am we went to the air Bike and the Observation Tower (15 minute walk from the hotel). To witness the jungle from above is a real treat thanks to the observation tower Mashpi. At 30 meters above the ground, this is an ideal place for nature lovers site. Allows not only appreciate the book in all its splendor, but also the many species that enliven the treetops (70% of the biodiversity of the forest is here!). We climb 162 steps to reach the top. Air bicycle is a different and exciting way with which we can explore the forest. Designed for two people at once: one pedal along a cable that extends between two points with a distance of about 200 meters, crossing a ravine and a river. Quiet, easy to use and fun, it is an activity that offers a new perspective of exuberant nature of Mashpi. To ride the bike air one must measure no less than one meter high (over eight years old children can participate but must be accompanied by an adult). The bike ride takes only 20 minutes. Also returning to the hotel you would be done by taking one of our many trails, for example the Path Oxibelis, which also leads to a small waterfall. Alternatively take from the arrival station the path that leads to the waterfall of San Vicente, a steep 45-minute walk quite demanding, it recommended only for people with good physical condition. The combination of activities (biking, observation tower and hike) lasts between 2 and 4 hours depending on the route taken. In the hotel, a natural fruit juice waiting for us, before enjoying a delicious and varied lunch. At 15h30, we go to the Hummingbird station. Mashpi has a total of 32 species of hummingbirds identified to date, many of whom live in different elevations, with around 19 species considered common in our station drinkers. Not only will we see all kinds of hummingbirds, but also toucans, tanagers, squirrels and more. The site is located in a natural viewpoint, which on clear days offers stunning views of the wooded hills of the reservation. This is a paradise for photographers, regardless of experience level. Included: breakfast, English speaking guide, lunch, accommodation, dinner Day 4 : Mashpi Lodge - Quito On your last day, there’s more time to explore the forest trails, head to a different waterfall or find a nook to let the whole experience sink in. We return to the hotel for check out at 11:00 a.m. Our transfer leaves Mashpi Lodge at 11:30 a.m. We will be given a complimentary box lunch to enjoy during our drive back to Quito. Included: breakfast, box lunch, shared transportation Travelers to Mashpi Lodge must comply with the following requirements:
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3 Day ProgramDay 1 : Quito - Mashpi Lodge
The adventure begins at around 08:30 am at one of the main hotels in Quito, when you will be collected by Mashpi transportation for your journey to the northwest corner of the Metropolitan District of Quito. After settling into our respective rooms, we meet naturalist guides who will tell us through a presentation, a bit about cloud forests, their characteristics and importance for conservation activities during the stay and some useful tips for taking into account during excursions. It lasts about 30 minutes and talk will be held in the library before lunch. At 15:30 we will start the discovery of the forest along the Napa Path, the same crossing a variety of habitats, including forest regeneration and large patches of primary forest. The walk is, therefore, a great opportunity to learn about the ecological realities of Mashpi and the importance of forest conservation. On the way also we observe how small organisms that inhabit the forest floor are the key to understanding how this ecosystem. It is a path of great scenic beauty and an excellent opportunity for bird watching. Towards the end, we find one of the most unique attractions of Mashpi: the pambil (Iriartea deltoid), a palm 40 m high by the hardness of their wood is comparable with steel. The walk, moderate in their level of difficulty, will last about two hours. Every night from 19:30 we will have a scientific lecture given by our resident biologist or one of our naturalist guides. They will help us to understand the enormous biodiversity in Mashpi, exploring issues such as the lifting of the Andes and the formation of Choco. In addition to lectures on the various specific research projects or fauna in the reserve Included: shared transportation, excursion, English speaking guide, lunch, accommodation, dinner Day 2 : Chocó Reserve The forest rewards early birds since the dawn light attracts a wide variety of fascinating species in their search for food. A good place for bird watching, with a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate in hand, is the terrace, where you can enjoy not only the beauty of the jungle, but also of the many species that come to feed on insects and fruit trees nearby. Our guides will help to show everything that can be found nearby, offering a look into a telescope to see the animals up close and experience the wealth of wildlife that has Mashpi. This activity starts at 6:30 and lasts about an hour. Then we will enjoy a delicious breakfast in the hotel restaurant. At 8:30 we go to the air Bike and the Observation Tower (15 minute walk from the hotel) .To witness the jungle from above is a real treat thanks to the observation tower Mashpi. At 30 meters above the ground, this is an ideal place for nature lovers site. Allows not only appreciate the view in all its splendor, but also the many species that enliven the treetops (70% of the biodiversity of the forest is here!). We climb 162 steps to reach the top. Air bicycle is a different and exciting way with which we can explore the forest. Designed for two people at once: one pedal along a cable that extends between two points with a distance of about 200 meters, crossing a ravine and a river. Quiet, easy to use and fun, it is an activity that offers a new perspective of exuberant nature of Mashpi. To ride the bike air one must measure no less than one meter high (over eight years old children can participate but must be accompanied by an adult). The bike ride takes only 20 minutes. Also returning to the hotel you would be done by taking one of our many trails, for example the Path Oxibelis, which also leads to a small waterfall. Alternatively take from the arrival station the path that leads to the waterfall of San Vicente, a steep 45-minute walk quite demanding, it recommended only for people with good physical condition. The combination of activities (biking, observation tower and hike) lasts between 2 and 4 hours depending on the route taken. In the hotel, a natural fruit juice waiting for us, before enjoying a delicious and varied lunch. At 15:30, the best way to reach the Life Center is through the forest by the " Howler Monkey Trail ". This trail runs through primary forest dominated by ancient trees, with the copal (Dacryodes cupularis) the flagship of them. Early in the morning, it is very popular with all kinds of animals. Our guides, always attentive to sounds and rustling leaves, birds or disclose seek elusive monkeys while explaining the ecology of the environment; They also shared with us his extensive knowledge about plants and their medicinal use. Life Center offers a wonderful view of the forest from the comfort of a large wooden deck. We identify different species of birds and mammals that visit feeders fruit. The center is designed as a place of learning, but also a place where guests can be disconnected. In the butterfly, we can watch the butterflies. We discover the many species found in the area Mashpi and everything about his metamorphosis from larva and caterpillar to chrysalis and butterfly. Also we discover different species of plants on which the butterflies lay their eggs, such as passion flower, bird of paradise and other tropical species in the garden. Not far from the center, it has also created a "tropical garden" where many varieties of fruit trees such as banana, cassava, cocoa, pepper, coffee and raspberries are grown wild. For those interested in learning more about the cloud forest of Ecuador, we will offer a talk summarizing the various scientific research projects carried out in Mashpi. Lasting 30 minutes, this will include a video presentation on camera traps, a project developed by our resident biologist who displays the amazing diversity of the forest. Included: breakfast, excursion, English speaking guide, lunch, accommodation, dinner Day 3 :Mashpi Lodge - Quito On your last day, there’s more time to explore the forest trails, head to a different waterfall or find a nook to let the whole experience sink in. We return to the hotel for check out at 11:00 a.m. Our transfer leaves Mashpi Lodge at 11:30 a.m. We will be given a complimentary box lunch to enjoy during our drive back to Quito. Included: breakfast, English speaking guide, box lunch, shared transportation 2 Day ProgramDay 1 : Quito - Mashpi Lodge
The adventure begins at around 08:30 am at one of the main hotels in Quito, when you will be collected by Mashpi transportation for your journey to the northwest corner of the Metropolitan District of Quito. Your time with us at Mashpi is your own to experience. With the help of our expedition staff, you can choose from any of the activities on offer, always accompanied by a University-graduate naturalist guide and an experienced local guide – all at your own pace. On your arrival day, you will plan your activities with the team and receive a talk about Mashpi and all its wonders. After enjoying lunch you will be shown to your room for a rest, before heading out in the afternoon for your activity, which could include a hike through the forest followed by gliding above and through the forest canopy aboard our amazing and unique Dragonfly aerial cable car… When darkness falls, a new troupe of creatures emerges: your guides will accompany you in search out tiny (and some transparent!) frogs, snakes, insects and even tarantulas during a Night Walk. Included: shared transportation, English speaking guide, lunch, accommodation, dinner, Day 2 : Mashpi Lodge - Quito There’s more time to explore the forest trails, head to a different waterfall or find a nook to let the whole experience sink in. We return to the hotel for check out at 11:00 a.m. Our transfer leaves Mashpi Lodge at 11:30 a.m. We will be given a complimentary box lunch to enjoy during our drive back to Quito. Included: breakfast, shared transportation, English speaking guide, box lunch 2023 price per person in US$
Add Municipal Tax : $ 2.75 per night and per room Add Dragon fly Entance fee USD 51 per person The 20 Wayra rooms (Wayra is a Kichwa word which means “wind”) all cover a generous 34 square meters (366 square feet). 13 Wayra Twin Rooms have two full-size beds, with three rooms located at the end of the northwestern wing (next to the outside terraces) and the rest along the southeastern wing. 7 Wayra King Rooms (of the 20 Wayras) feature king-size beds. For families or groups of friends, three pairs of Wayra Rooms inter-connect, two pairs on the second floor and one pair on the ground floor, each one with a king-size bed connected to a room with two full-size beds.
The lodge’s three Yaku Suites (Yaku is a Kichwa word meaning “water”) are located on the first floor, at the lodge’s northwestern end. Each of the 46 square meter (495 square feet) suites features a large bathroom with twin washbasins and Philippe Starck-designed bathtubs that have a view into the forest. All of the Yaku Suites have king-size beds.
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