Be immersed in the deep green forest of one of the world's richest bio-diversity hotspots. Mashpi Lodge brings together first-class service with the natural and cultural wonders of the Ecuador. Only guests of the lodge can access this cocoon of luxury among the rooftops of the Ecuador's rainforest. Hike the nature trails, explore by the lodge's sky bike, get a different perspective from the observation tower, and observe the wildlife around Mashpi Lodge.
Highlights
Discover the magical unseen world of the Mashpi forest on a night walk
Stay in the heart of one of the world's richest bio-diversity hotspots
Explore the rainforest by trail, sky bike, observation tower, and gondola
The adventure begins around 8:00AM when you will be picked up from one of the designated Quito hotels (Swissotel, JW Marriott, Hilton, or Casa Gangotena). Start the journey along the western flank of the Andes next to the "Middle of the World" which marks the equatorial line. Contine west, following the course of the Rio Blanco passing the archaeological site of Tulipe and farming communities along the way.
Arrive Mashpi Lodge mid-morning to settle in and enjoy lunch. With the help of the expedition staff, choose from the offered activities and plan them at your own pace. The afternoon could behold a hike through the forest or gliding above the canopy on the Dragonfly cable car! When darkness falls, your guides will take you into the night to search for frogs, snakes, and even tarantulas.
The dawn light brings with it an opportunity to view the "early birds" of the rainforest. Observe a variety of fascinating bird species as they search for food while you enjoy a cup of morning coffee. Later this morning, you will take the 15-minute walk to the Observation Tower. Looming above the treetops, it allows guests a unique perspective of the surroundings. From the tower, guests can opt to take a tandem Sky Bike ride above lush forest, then across a river and gorge. Other activities, such as nature walks, hikes to waterfalls, or just more wildlife observation, can be enjoyed before lunch.
This afternoon at the Life Centre, explore the life of butterflies, flower species, birds, and mammals of the area. The fruit feeders at the Centre draw a wide variety of animals, so this is the perfect place to see many different species in one place. Guests can also choose to sit in on educational lectures or visit the nearby orchard of banana trees, cacao, coffee, wild raspberries, and more!
Day 3: Mashpi Reserve | Quito
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Take advantage, yet again, of the morning hours to seek out mixed-species feeding flocks of birds on a guided walk. In a single flock, you may see over 20 different species! Return to the lodge for breakfast invigorated by this unique encounter.
Around 8:30AM, guests will head out on a beautiful 2-hour hike to Copal Waterfall. Pass orchids, bromelias, and moss-covered trees before reaching the spectacular 165 foot waterfall.
Return to the lodge by noon for one last meal at your temporary home in the rainforest. Leave for Quito at approximately 1:30PM and be dropped off at one of the same designated Quito hotels.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is $600, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
