3-Day Luxury Rainforest at 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 reserve. 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.

Meals included: Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Mashpi Lodge

The next day might begin at first light on the panoramic terrace, watching – and hearing – a menagerie of birds stirring around the Lodge. After breakfast, you could hike towards a waterfall, bathing in the tremendous crash of water, head to the Hummingbird Garden, or discover the winged wonders of the Life Centre’s butterflies.

After lunch, how about pedalling between two points of the forest around 200 m (655 ft) apart on the aerial Sky Bike, followed by a climb up the Observation Tower to take in the Reserve in its entirety and watch the sun go down behind the clouds…

For the evening, we have prepared a series of different lectures such as the “Secret Wildlife of Mashpi: the Camera Trap Project,” “The Choco: a Biological Hotspot” about the formation and diversity of the Choco, or about our scientific research projects. The lectures will be given by one of our naturalists or our resident biologist at 7:30 p.m.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Mid-Range Accommodations: Mashpi Lodge

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.

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch