Mashpi Lodge

Closer to Quito than the Amazon rainforest, yet offering the same adventure experience, Mashpi Lodge is every nature lover’s dream. Following all health and safety protocols, Mashpi Lodge is the place to encounter 400 species of birds, trees, frogs, endemic species found nowhere else in the world, complete with crashing waterfalls and incredible flora.

Get ready to trek down hidden paths, splash through rivers, rise at dawn to spot rare birds, or fly high above it all aboard our Dragonfly Canopy Gondola. At Mashpi Lodge, the world around us is alive and breathing, waiting for us to begin our descent into its magical embrace.

Located on a scenic plateau, the lodge features breathtaking views of the surrounding forested mountains and their unique ecosystems. The design and style enable total immersion through its floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass windows. Like a cathedral to the natural world, Mashpi is a perfect blend of luxurious comfort and engagement with one of the world’s most stunning environs.

LOCATION
It seems incredible that such a wild and remote site could even be associated with a city, yet Mashpi actually lies within the Metropolitan District of Quito – the capital of Ecuador.

The lodge, which is only about 100 km (60 miles) northwest of Quito, was built at 950 meters (3,117 feet) above sea level. The surrounding reserve ranges in altitude from 500 meters to 1200 meters (1,640 to 4,000 ft) above sea level.

This transitional state combines with the tropical and subtropical climates to create a spectacular site, teeming with a variety of flora and fauna that is seldom found in such startling variety.

ARCHITECTURE
Located at a former lumber mill, Mashpi Lodge was built using the latest techniques in sustainable construction in order to prevent damage to the forest, with much of the structure having been preassembled in Quito and designed around the topography of the site to prevent further damage to the trees.

It is designed to blend in perfectly with its natural environment, respecting the natural space it occupies. Stunningly contemporary and featuring modernist design and décor that mixes warm earth tones, steel, stone, and glass in striking perspectives, Mashpi Lodge makes for a true cocoon of luxury in the middle of the forest.

OPEN AIR PANORAMIC TERRACE 
With its pergola-style roof and outdoor seats and tables, the lodge’s open-air terrace provides a space for guests to enjoy splendid views and relax to the sounds of the forest and its inhabitants that flutter within touching distance.

The terrace is one of our favorite places for early-morning birdwatching. Grab your binoculars and scroll down to spot some birds from the terrace. Mashpi is designed to completely immerse you in the world of the surrounding forest, serving as a luxurious retreat in the middle of stunning views.

The lodge’s rooms are spread out across three different floors, all of them designed with floor-to-ceiling windows guaranteeing immersion, no matter the height. Ground-level rooms offer a look into the incredible forest floor, while the mid and high floors offer access to the gorgeous canopy.

The room types can be mixed and matched to accommodate different group sizes. No matter what floor, room, or mixed accommodation you chose, rooms offer a soothing experience that will guarantee your rest after a day of incredible activities.

ROOMS & SUITES
Awash with greens and browns, the trunks, branches, vines, leaves, birds and swirling clouds all around, it’s a bit like being in a crystal capsule, observing the forest life from the comfort of your bed. The cutting edge of the Lodge’s hermetic design keeps you safe from the forest, without limiting the immersive experience.

The rooms’ subdued lights are never jarring, and automatic blinds can be lowered or raised to adjust natural lighting levels. Sound-proofing technology, as well as humidity and temperature control systems, enables the perfect rest, guaranteed.

YAKU SUITES
The lodge’s three Yaku Suites (Yaku is a Kichwa word meaning “Water”) are perfect for couples looking for a more intimate, luxury experience. The state-of-the-art tubs offer the perfect opportunity to soak and relax after a day chock-full of forest activities.

WAYRA ROOMS
Our Wayra rooms (Wayra is a Kichwa word which means “wind”) are ideal for large groups or families. Rooms can be interconnected for a more shared experience. They are spread out over the three levels of the Lodge, so you can choose the view: forest floor or canopy and above.

WAWA ROOM
Our Wawa Room (Wawa is the Kichwa word for “baby”) is ideal for a more intimate, solo experience and comes with special rate offers. Smaller than our other rooms, the Wawa Room is ideal for the traveler looking to experience the forest on their own.

DINING
An exclusive privilege of our guests, dining at Mashpi offers another form of exploration and delight: a discovery of the diverse regions of Ecuador through the fresh and local ingredients that are found in our exclusive gourmet dishes, all of them accompanied by exquisite wines and cocktails.

THE RESTAURANT
The Lodge’s towering Dining Room is two-stories high and serves as a spectacular space for a lively gourmet experience. Mashpi’s chefs draw inspiration from the diversity of Ecuador’s cuisine and ingredients, making the most of the Lodge’s location between the coast and the Andes and providing guests with the best of both worlds.

THE BAR
It’s the perfect spot to meet new friends before dinner or share a drink with your guide. The cocktail menu at our Bar has specifically been designed with Mashpi and its surrounding forest in mind.

So come have a seat by the Bar and let your palate explore the wide and exotic array of cocktails that we offer, all of them prepared by our expert mixologists. After that, feel free to pair your dinner with any of the fine wines from our extensive wine list.

ECUADORIAN CUISINE
Mashpi’s gastronomic identity is inspired by the native ingredients and exuberant flavors of the forest, such as wild garlic, chillangua and several other organic products. Our cuisine combines modern techniques and ongoing culinary research, all while paying homage to Ecuador’s rich culinary heritage.

For breakfast, our guests enjoy a wide variety of fresh fruits from the region, different types of bread, cheeses, hams, your style of eggs, cereals, home-made jams, organic honey and granola, plus energizing fruit juices to fuel yourself up for the day’s activities.

Lunch is deliberately light, mixing a wide variety of fresh vegetables, soups, sandwiches and a fusion of Ecuadorian and international dishes. Ceviche, an Ecuadorian classic, might be also be featured. Pair your meal with a refreshing fruit juice and then indulge in a delicious dessert.

Dinner is a more formal affair. The theatrical setting of the two-story dining room, which is accentuated by its subdued floor lamps, creates an intimate and romantic space that is perfect for savoring our chefs’ exciting and innovative cuisine. Prepare for a culinary journey across Ecuador’s diverse regions, all of it prepared with imagination and flair.

SPA & WELLNESS
Two massage rooms await on the 2nd floor of the lodge for a wide variety of beauty and body treatments, including single or couples massages. All of these treatments are expertly executed by the hands of our talented spa staff.

The very name says it all. Our SAMAY (“soul” in native Kichwa) Wellness Center is a space where care is highly personalized and life itself is celebrated. We have designed our two wellness areas to blend perfectly with the lodge’s natural environment, offering experiences to help enrich your stay with us.

The adjacent wellness area, which is accessible via a short path that winds through the lush foliage, offers great opportunities for viewing numerous species of birds, relaxing in the covered open-air hot tub or practicing your favourite asana on the welcoming yoga deck. Join us for a relaxing getaway and reconnect with the essence of life itself.

OPEN-AIR HOT TUB
The perfect space to lie back and let your worries wash away as you gaze out from our hot tub to the greens of the rainforest canopy and the blue of the sky beyond.

OUTDOOR YOGA DECK
Complement your journey with your practice. Our outdoor yoga deck provides a remarkable space for meditation and yoga that will leave you feeling restored, revived and inspired. Mats are available at the lodge.

BOUTIQUE
Our small boutique sells a variety of books, guides, expedition attire, and souvenirs as well as toiletries and other essentials for guests. Treat yourself, friends and/or family to fragrant essential oils, award-winning Ecuadorian chocolate or a one-of-a-kind shirt.

VIEWING PLATFORM 
Like a ship’s prow, our viewing platform juts out over the forest and provides the ideal space to immerse yourself in the world of Mashpi. You’ll be left in awe with the view and mesmerized by the calls of the birds and the dance of nearby butterflies.

EXPEDITION ROOM
An extensive library of books awaits in the Expedition Room on the first floor. The space is also used by our Naturalist Guides for activity briefings and by our science team for presentations, the latter of which involve sharing discoveries about the forest and our conservation efforts.

THE LABORATORY
Our laboratory is the home of investigation projects that are carried out within the Mashpi Reserve, manned by our resident Wildlife Project Coordinator.

Here, both young and old can learn more about past and ongoing scientific projects that are carried out by our team and guest researchers. We even have a special area here that’s designed for children, with several activities to engage young minds.

LIFE CENTER
Located an easy 20-minute walk from the Lodge, the Life Center is one of the most magical places in the Reserve. Watch tayras and tropical birds come to feed as you relax or breakfast on the wooden deck, feeling at one with nature. You can also learn about the metamorphosis of the different species of butterflies that inhabit the reserve.

THE FOREST EXPERIENCE
The Mashpi Reserve – a steaming, breathing and living place – perfectly showcases the lungs of our planet and the organisms that live therein. To descend and step inside of the reserve is to discover the hidden wonders of life.

It is a universe in and of itself where, from the micro to the macro, flora and fauna surround and dance around you like never before. The magic here is palpable and its raw, untouched essence is so thick you can almost taste it. It’s what brought us here in the first place, and it’s what inspired us to share this unique forest experience with the world.

MEET THE MIND BEHIND MASHPI
“We want to awaken your curiosity, spark your imagination and immerse you in this biodiverse world. We want you to discover the forest with its plethora of trees, plants, animals and insects. We want you to feel the energy of rushing rivers and cleansing waterfalls. We want you to be mesmerized by the enigmatic movement of the clouds and fog…”

Roque Sevilla is the main shareholder and visionary creator of Mashpi Lodge. He is a passionate environmentalist, orchid buff, successful businessman, former mayor of the city of Quito and Chairman of the Board at Metropolitan Touring – one of Ecuador’s largest and leading Tour Operators.

EXPERIENCE NATURE
Mashpi Lodge sits at 950 meters (3,117 feet) above sea level. Nestled between lower montane rainforest and cloud forests in the heart of a 2,500-acre private reserve, the Lodge is a luxurious outpost in the middle of a lush, green world, 70 percent of which is primary forest.

Species thrive here, not only those within the realms of our understanding but also those yet to be discovered. The Mashpi Frog and Magnolia are both endemic to this very forest and were only identified in the last few years – imagine what other creatures remain undiscovered!

Mashpi, located in the northwest corner of the Metropolitan District of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, provides guests with an unprecedented opportunity to explore both cloud forest and rainforest – two types of ecosystems that are highly rich in species and biodiversity.

From the roots of the trees all the way up and over the canopy, guests will always be accompanied by experienced and insightful guides, most of which grew up playing around inside these same forests.

THE FOREST OF THE CHOCO
The Chocó biogeographical region spans the length of Panama, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. It encompasses the biodiversity hotspot known as the Tumbes-Chocó-Darién, which extends along the western edge of the Andes mountain range.

It is considered to be of “high interest for the global conservation of biodiversity” and is also the first forest to be considered a “Model Forest” in Ecuador. Worldwide, there are only 28 of these hotspots that manage to cover a total of 164 countries.

The Chocó-Andean forest, which is located along the western flanks of the Ecuadorian Andes, consists of about 125,000 hectares (309,000 acres). Only about two percent of its original forest remains intact. It is home to approximately 18,000 people, most of whom are farmers.

By visiting Mashpi Lodge, you are directly contributing to the conservation and deeper understanding of this unique and precious ecosystem and biogeographical region.

THE FLORA
The Chocó forest is one of the most diverse forests in the Neotropical realm. It is estimated that tropical forests, which comprise just 6% of the world’s surface area, contain somewhere between one-half to three-quarters of the earth’s plant and animal species.

Mashpi is home to a wide array of flora, from ferns and bromeliads to a plethora of orchids, many of which have just been recently discovered. Biologists from around the world have collaborated with our team of scientists to observe, study and understand these species.

The Mashpi Reserve’s staggering level of biodiversity is due to the combination of its tropical climate, the equatorial sun, high quantity of rainfall and different elevations. This unique blend of elements creates a world where species thrive in a million different ecological niches.

THE FAUNA
A staggering 400 species of birds – of which 36 are endemic (meaning they are found nowhere else in the world) – are estimated to inhabit the forests of Mashpi. Monkeys, peccaries and even pumas make their homes inside the Reserve’s dramatic, verdant hills which are dotted by majestic waterfalls.

A myriad of invertebrates and amphibians inhabit this world. While you’d be lucky to catch a glimpse of many of these shy creatures, a network of camera traps allows to us to sneakily observe their movements in breathtaking proximity and clarity.

THE COMMUNITY
Mashpi would not be what it is without the collaboration of the local community. From the outset, we have sought to work hand-in-hand with those living in the areas surrounding the reserve, implementing an innovative program in which they, as well as Lodge employees, become shareholders in the enterprise.

Mashpi offers numerous job opportunities for members of the neighbouring communities including professional training and English classes. These same people will go on to share their unparalleled knowledge of the surrounding lands and wildlife.

Guides, lodge staff and the team of para-biologists, for example, might tell you of how they used to work as hunters, loggers or miners on the same land during the days before the project. Their relationship with Mashpi, in this sense, is truly transformative.

And Mashpi takes it one step further: the communities are also the primary providers of agricultural and other food products and supplies that are used at the lodge.

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AT MASHPI
Mashpi Lodge is far more than just a five-star hotel in an exquisite location: you are accessing a research station that is at the forefront of rainforest protection, the Mashpi Reserve.

Before the construction of the lodge was even completed, the Mashpi project hired a biologist to carry out an ambitious research project. Said biologist was tasked with finding out as much as possible about the diverse and unique ecosystems that thrive within the Mashpi Reserve.

The information this biologist gathered became part of the lodge’s conservation and resource management strategy, strengthening the Lodge’s concept of sustainable tourism and forest preservation.

Our science and investigation projects are now quite ample and varied in scope and have even yielded the discovery of new species, previously unknown to science, including totally new frog and orchid species that exist nowhere else on earth!

The final goal of this whole project is to bolster both the importance of research and enrich our knowledge of the lodge’s surrounding ecosystem. This knowledge is then shared with local communities, our guests and the world at large, all with the aim of underlining the importance of conserving this fragile and fascinating bio-region.

Our research efforts have grown over the years. We have signed collaborative agreements with national and international conservation organizations.

We have worked with several universities, participating and designing different research projects that involve butterflies, mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles and macroinvertebrates. We have even discovered entirely new species and shared them with the international science community!

All of these initiatives have allowed us to see how our efforts should go beyond merely protecting our reserve and its hotel. Science at Mashpi Lodge must be a combination of research, education, ecotourism and community support in order to truly have the impact that we desire.

ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES
The wonders that await at Mashpi Lodge will delight even the hardiest of urbanites. The world of Mashpi is yours to discover, to experience, to cherish, and our expedition leader and highly-trained naturalist guides – many of them native to the region – are here to share the journey with you.

Below, we have outlined the main activities and experiences that we offer our guests. You are free to combine them as you see fit. Upon arrival and every evening, you and your guide will meet to discuss how you wish to spend your time with us.  If you have any specific requests, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be more than happy to help!

FAMILY TRAVEL
They are the special moments we get to share with our loved ones: a hike through pristine wilderness, a delicious meal served with style, an adventure that leads to learning and family unity. Mashpi Lodge offers all of this and so much more.

Fill your children’s eyes with the staggering beauty of nature, swing on a vine, and fly through the air on the Dragonfly. Watch as they become explorers and risk-takers, jumping out of their comfort zone with complete ease and security. Just a few days at Mashpi Lodge transforms the way we see the world and provides a welcome natural escape from everyday life for grownups and kids alike.

DAY HIKES
Put your boots on and get ready to splash around in puddles, swing across the forest while roaring like Tarzan, and experience the raw power of the Mashpi waterfalls as you bask in the placid swimming holes at their base.

Soak in the sounds of the forest and awaken your senses through the knowledgeable eyes of our naturalist guides as they pinpoint each and every component of this natural environment to the sheer delight of the whole family.

NIGHT WALKS
Give the kids the true definition of surround sound and hold hands in wonder under the pitch-black cover of night. Stand still and tune-in to the animals that lay awake at night as red beams of light dart to and fro, scanning for the source of each sound that emanates from a plethora of crannies.

Step closer to these organic instruments and marvel at the magnificence of their design, maybe even spotting the wholly surreal Mashpi Torrenteer glass frog, only recently discovered by researchers at the Lodge. Surprises await around every corner!

THE BUTTERFLY FARM
A whirlwind of colors and shapes will surround you as you walk into our butterfly farm at the Life Center. See the different stages of butterfly metamorphosis from our breeding programme experts. And then, marvel at the beauty and intricate patterns of these delicate creatures as they land on the tips of your fingers! The kids will feel enchanted, the parents delighted.

SKY BIKE
Spin your legs through what feels like a dream, as the wheels lift off and you and your child pedal up high, crossing the lush canopy of the magical Mashpi jungle and enjoying amazing views of the immense forest below. With clouds and birds beneath your very feet, who’s to say flying was only possible in our dreams?

KID’S CORNER IN THE LAB
From the beginning, Mashpi Lodge has combined a focus on top hospitality with scientific research that aims to further knowledge of this biodiversity hotspot and promote environmental awareness.

The laboratory, located adjacent to the main lodge, is home to a number of significant on-going experiments which have already led to the identification of several species new to science.

Now the young have their own space for their personal voyage of discovery in Mashpi Reserve, with kid-friendly tools that allow them to dig deeper and get inspired, accompanied by an expert that will awaken their love for science and nature.

Closer to Quito than the Amazon rainforest, yet offering the same adventure experience, Mashpi Lodge is every nature lover’s dream. Following all health and safety protocols, Mashpi Lodge is the place to encounter 400 species of birds, trees, frogs, endemic species found nowhere else in the world, complete with crashing waterfalls and incredible flora.

Get ready to trek down hidden paths, splash through rivers, rise at dawn to spot rare birds, or fly high above it all aboard our Dragonfly Canopy Gondola. At Mashpi Lodge, the world around us is alive and breathing, waiting for us to begin our descent into its magical embrace.

Located on a scenic plateau, the lodge features breathtaking views of the surrounding forested mountains and their unique ecosystems. The design and style enable total immersion through its floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass windows. Like a cathedral to the natural world, Mashpi is a perfect blend of luxurious comfort and engagement with one of the world’s most stunning environs.

LOCATION
It seems incredible that such a wild and remote site could even be associated with a city, yet Mashpi actually lies within the Metropolitan District of Quito – the capital of Ecuador.

The lodge, which is only about 100 km (60 miles) northwest of Quito, was built at 950 meters (3,117 feet) above sea level. The surrounding reserve ranges in altitude from 500 meters to 1200 meters (1,640 to 4,000 ft) above sea level.

This transitional state combines with the tropical and subtropical climates to create a spectacular site, teeming with a variety of flora and fauna that is seldom found in such startling variety.

ARCHITECTURE
Located at a former lumber mill, Mashpi Lodge was built using the latest techniques in sustainable construction in order to prevent damage to the forest, with much of the structure having been preassembled in Quito and designed around the topography of the site to prevent further damage to the trees.

It is designed to blend in perfectly with its natural environment, respecting the natural space it occupies. Stunningly contemporary and featuring modernist design and décor that mixes warm earth tones, steel, stone, and glass in striking perspectives, Mashpi Lodge makes for a true cocoon of luxury in the middle of the forest.

OPEN AIR PANORAMIC TERRACE 
With its pergola-style roof and outdoor seats and tables, the lodge’s open-air terrace provides a space for guests to enjoy splendid views and relax to the sounds of the forest and its inhabitants that flutter within touching distance.

The terrace is one of our favorite places for early-morning birdwatching. Grab your binoculars and scroll down to spot some birds from the terrace. Mashpi is designed to completely immerse you in the world of the surrounding forest, serving as a luxurious retreat in the middle of stunning views.

The lodge’s rooms are spread out across three different floors, all of them designed with floor-to-ceiling windows guaranteeing immersion, no matter the height. Ground-level rooms offer a look into the incredible forest floor, while the mid and high floors offer access to the gorgeous canopy.

The room types can be mixed and matched to accommodate different group sizes. No matter what floor, room, or mixed accommodation you chose, rooms offer a soothing experience that will guarantee your rest after a day of incredible activities.

ROOMS & SUITES
Awash with greens and browns, the trunks, branches, vines, leaves, birds and swirling clouds all around, it’s a bit like being in a crystal capsule, observing the forest life from the comfort of your bed. The cutting edge of the Lodge’s hermetic design keeps you safe from the forest, without limiting the immersive experience.

The rooms’ subdued lights are never jarring, and automatic blinds can be lowered or raised to adjust natural lighting levels. Sound-proofing technology, as well as humidity and temperature control systems, enables the perfect rest, guaranteed.

YAKU SUITES
The lodge’s three Yaku Suites (Yaku is a Kichwa word meaning “Water”) are perfect for couples looking for a more intimate, luxury experience. The state-of-the-art tubs offer the perfect opportunity to soak and relax after a day chock-full of forest activities.

WAYRA ROOMS
Our Wayra rooms (Wayra is a Kichwa word which means “wind”) are ideal for large groups or families. Rooms can be interconnected for a more shared experience. They are spread out over the three levels of the Lodge, so you can choose the view: forest floor or canopy and above.

WAWA ROOM
Our Wawa Room (Wawa is the Kichwa word for “baby”) is ideal for a more intimate, solo experience and comes with special rate offers. Smaller than our other rooms, the Wawa Room is ideal for the traveler looking to experience the forest on their own.

DINING
An exclusive privilege of our guests, dining at Mashpi offers another form of exploration and delight: a discovery of the diverse regions of Ecuador through the fresh and local ingredients that are found in our exclusive gourmet dishes, all of them accompanied by exquisite wines and cocktails.

THE RESTAURANT
The Lodge’s towering Dining Room is two-stories high and serves as a spectacular space for a lively gourmet experience. Mashpi’s chefs draw inspiration from the diversity of Ecuador’s cuisine and ingredients, making the most of the Lodge’s location between the coast and the Andes and providing guests with the best of both worlds.

THE BAR
It’s the perfect spot to meet new friends before dinner or share a drink with your guide. The cocktail menu at our Bar has specifically been designed with Mashpi and its surrounding forest in mind.

So come have a seat by the Bar and let your palate explore the wide and exotic array of cocktails that we offer, all of them prepared by our expert mixologists. After that, feel free to pair your dinner with any of the fine wines from our extensive wine list.

ECUADORIAN CUISINE
Mashpi’s gastronomic identity is inspired by the native ingredients and exuberant flavors of the forest, such as wild garlic, chillangua and several other organic products. Our cuisine combines modern techniques and ongoing culinary research, all while paying homage to Ecuador’s rich culinary heritage.

For breakfast, our guests enjoy a wide variety of fresh fruits from the region, different types of bread, cheeses, hams, your style of eggs, cereals, home-made jams, organic honey and granola, plus energizing fruit juices to fuel yourself up for the day’s activities.

Lunch is deliberately light, mixing a wide variety of fresh vegetables, soups, sandwiches and a fusion of Ecuadorian and international dishes. Ceviche, an Ecuadorian classic, might be also be featured. Pair your meal with a refreshing fruit juice and then indulge in a delicious dessert.

Dinner is a more formal affair. The theatrical setting of the two-story dining room, which is accentuated by its subdued floor lamps, creates an intimate and romantic space that is perfect for savoring our chefs’ exciting and innovative cuisine. Prepare for a culinary journey across Ecuador’s diverse regions, all of it prepared with imagination and flair.

SPA & WELLNESS
Two massage rooms await on the 2nd floor of the lodge for a wide variety of beauty and body treatments, including single or couples massages. All of these treatments are expertly executed by the hands of our talented spa staff.

The very name says it all. Our SAMAY (“soul” in native Kichwa) Wellness Center is a space where care is highly personalized and life itself is celebrated. We have designed our two wellness areas to blend perfectly with the lodge’s natural environment, offering experiences to help enrich your stay with us.

The adjacent wellness area, which is accessible via a short path that winds through the lush foliage, offers great opportunities for viewing numerous species of birds, relaxing in the covered open-air hot tub or practicing your favourite asana on the welcoming yoga deck. Join us for a relaxing getaway and reconnect with the essence of life itself.

OPEN-AIR HOT TUB
The perfect space to lie back and let your worries wash away as you gaze out from our hot tub to the greens of the rainforest canopy and the blue of the sky beyond.

OUTDOOR YOGA DECK
Complement your journey with your practice. Our outdoor yoga deck provides a remarkable space for meditation and yoga that will leave you feeling restored, revived and inspired. Mats are available at the lodge.

BOUTIQUE
Our small boutique sells a variety of books, guides, expedition attire, and souvenirs as well as toiletries and other essentials for guests. Treat yourself, friends and/or family to fragrant essential oils, award-winning Ecuadorian chocolate or a one-of-a-kind shirt.

VIEWING PLATFORM 
Like a ship’s prow, our viewing platform juts out over the forest and provides the ideal space to immerse yourself in the world of Mashpi. You’ll be left in awe with the view and mesmerized by the calls of the birds and the dance of nearby butterflies.

EXPEDITION ROOM
An extensive library of books awaits in the Expedition Room on the first floor. The space is also used by our Naturalist Guides for activity briefings and by our science team for presentations, the latter of which involve sharing discoveries about the forest and our conservation efforts.

THE LABORATORY
Our laboratory is the home of investigation projects that are carried out within the Mashpi Reserve, manned by our resident Wildlife Project Coordinator.

Here, both young and old can learn more about past and ongoing scientific projects that are carried out by our team and guest researchers. We even have a special area here that’s designed for children, with several activities to engage young minds.

LIFE CENTER
Located an easy 20-minute walk from the Lodge, the Life Center is one of the most magical places in the Reserve. Watch tayras and tropical birds come to feed as you relax or breakfast on the wooden deck, feeling at one with nature. You can also learn about the metamorphosis of the different species of butterflies that inhabit the reserve.

THE FOREST EXPERIENCE
The Mashpi Reserve – a steaming, breathing and living place – perfectly showcases the lungs of our planet and the organisms that live therein. To descend and step inside of the reserve is to discover the hidden wonders of life.

It is a universe in and of itself where, from the micro to the macro, flora and fauna surround and dance around you like never before. The magic here is palpable and its raw, untouched essence is so thick you can almost taste it. It’s what brought us here in the first place, and it’s what inspired us to share this unique forest experience with the world.

MEET THE MIND BEHIND MASHPI
“We want to awaken your curiosity, spark your imagination and immerse you in this biodiverse world. We want you to discover the forest with its plethora of trees, plants, animals and insects. We want you to feel the energy of rushing rivers and cleansing waterfalls. We want you to be mesmerized by the enigmatic movement of the clouds and fog…”

Roque Sevilla is the main shareholder and visionary creator of Mashpi Lodge. He is a passionate environmentalist, orchid buff, successful businessman, former mayor of the city of Quito and Chairman of the Board at Metropolitan Touring – one of Ecuador’s largest and leading Tour Operators.

EXPERIENCE NATURE
Mashpi Lodge sits at 950 meters (3,117 feet) above sea level. Nestled between lower montane rainforest and cloud forests in the heart of a 2,500-acre private reserve, the Lodge is a luxurious outpost in the middle of a lush, green world, 70 percent of which is primary forest.

Species thrive here, not only those within the realms of our understanding but also those yet to be discovered. The Mashpi Frog and Magnolia are both endemic to this very forest and were only identified in the last few years – imagine what other creatures remain undiscovered!

Mashpi, located in the northwest corner of the Metropolitan District of Quito, the capital of Ecuador, provides guests with an unprecedented opportunity to explore both cloud forest and rainforest – two types of ecosystems that are highly rich in species and biodiversity.

From the roots of the trees all the way up and over the canopy, guests will always be accompanied by experienced and insightful guides, most of which grew up playing around inside these same forests.

THE FOREST OF THE CHOCO
The Chocó biogeographical region spans the length of Panama, Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. It encompasses the biodiversity hotspot known as the Tumbes-Chocó-Darién, which extends along the western edge of the Andes mountain range.

It is considered to be of “high interest for the global conservation of biodiversity” and is also the first forest to be considered a “Model Forest” in Ecuador. Worldwide, there are only 28 of these hotspots that manage to cover a total of 164 countries.

The Chocó-Andean forest, which is located along the western flanks of the Ecuadorian Andes, consists of about 125,000 hectares (309,000 acres). Only about two percent of its original forest remains intact. It is home to approximately 18,000 people, most of whom are farmers.

By visiting Mashpi Lodge, you are directly contributing to the conservation and deeper understanding of this unique and precious ecosystem and biogeographical region.

THE FLORA
The Chocó forest is one of the most diverse forests in the Neotropical realm. It is estimated that tropical forests, which comprise just 6% of the world’s surface area, contain somewhere between one-half to three-quarters of the earth’s plant and animal species.

Mashpi is home to a wide array of flora, from ferns and bromeliads to a plethora of orchids, many of which have just been recently discovered. Biologists from around the world have collaborated with our team of scientists to observe, study and understand these species.

The Mashpi Reserve’s staggering level of biodiversity is due to the combination of its tropical climate, the equatorial sun, high quantity of rainfall and different elevations. This unique blend of elements creates a world where species thrive in a million different ecological niches.

THE FAUNA
A staggering 400 species of birds – of which 36 are endemic (meaning they are found nowhere else in the world) – are estimated to inhabit the forests of Mashpi. Monkeys, peccaries and even pumas make their homes inside the Reserve’s dramatic, verdant hills which are dotted by majestic waterfalls.

A myriad of invertebrates and amphibians inhabit this world. While you’d be lucky to catch a glimpse of many of these shy creatures, a network of camera traps allows to us to sneakily observe their movements in breathtaking proximity and clarity.

THE COMMUNITY
Mashpi would not be what it is without the collaboration of the local community. From the outset, we have sought to work hand-in-hand with those living in the areas surrounding the reserve, implementing an innovative program in which they, as well as Lodge employees, become shareholders in the enterprise.

Mashpi offers numerous job opportunities for members of the neighbouring communities including professional training and English classes. These same people will go on to share their unparalleled knowledge of the surrounding lands and wildlife.

Guides, lodge staff and the team of para-biologists, for example, might tell you of how they used to work as hunters, loggers or miners on the same land during the days before the project. Their relationship with Mashpi, in this sense, is truly transformative.

And Mashpi takes it one step further: the communities are also the primary providers of agricultural and other food products and supplies that are used at the lodge.

SUSTAINABLE TOURISM AT MASHPI
Mashpi Lodge is far more than just a five-star hotel in an exquisite location: you are accessing a research station that is at the forefront of rainforest protection, the Mashpi Reserve.

Before the construction of the lodge was even completed, the Mashpi project hired a biologist to carry out an ambitious research project. Said biologist was tasked with finding out as much as possible about the diverse and unique ecosystems that thrive within the Mashpi Reserve.

The information this biologist gathered became part of the lodge’s conservation and resource management strategy, strengthening the Lodge’s concept of sustainable tourism and forest preservation.

Our science and investigation projects are now quite ample and varied in scope and have even yielded the discovery of new species, previously unknown to science, including totally new frog and orchid species that exist nowhere else on earth!

The final goal of this whole project is to bolster both the importance of research and enrich our knowledge of the lodge’s surrounding ecosystem. This knowledge is then shared with local communities, our guests and the world at large, all with the aim of underlining the importance of conserving this fragile and fascinating bio-region.

Our research efforts have grown over the years. We have signed collaborative agreements with national and international conservation organizations.

We have worked with several universities, participating and designing different research projects that involve butterflies, mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, reptiles and macroinvertebrates. We have even discovered entirely new species and shared them with the international science community!

All of these initiatives have allowed us to see how our efforts should go beyond merely protecting our reserve and its hotel. Science at Mashpi Lodge must be a combination of research, education, ecotourism and community support in order to truly have the impact that we desire.

ACTIVITIES & EXPERIENCES
The wonders that await at Mashpi Lodge will delight even the hardiest of urbanites. The world of Mashpi is yours to discover, to experience, to cherish, and our expedition leader and highly-trained naturalist guides – many of them native to the region – are here to share the journey with you.

Below, we have outlined the main activities and experiences that we offer our guests. You are free to combine them as you see fit. Upon arrival and every evening, you and your guide will meet to discuss how you wish to spend your time with us.  If you have any specific requests, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be more than happy to help!

FAMILY TRAVEL
They are the special moments we get to share with our loved ones: a hike through pristine wilderness, a delicious meal served with style, an adventure that leads to learning and family unity. Mashpi Lodge offers all of this and so much more.

Fill your children’s eyes with the staggering beauty of nature, swing on a vine, and fly through the air on the Dragonfly. Watch as they become explorers and risk-takers, jumping out of their comfort zone with complete ease and security. Just a few days at Mashpi Lodge transforms the way we see the world and provides a welcome natural escape from everyday life for grownups and kids alike.

DAY HIKES
Put your boots on and get ready to splash around in puddles, swing across the forest while roaring like Tarzan, and experience the raw power of the Mashpi waterfalls as you bask in the placid swimming holes at their base.

Soak in the sounds of the forest and awaken your senses through the knowledgeable eyes of our naturalist guides as they pinpoint each and every component of this natural environment to the sheer delight of the whole family.

NIGHT WALKS
Give the kids the true definition of surround sound and hold hands in wonder under the pitch-black cover of night. Stand still and tune-in to the animals that lay awake at night as red beams of light dart to and fro, scanning for the source of each sound that emanates from a plethora of crannies.

Step closer to these organic instruments and marvel at the magnificence of their design, maybe even spotting the wholly surreal Mashpi Torrenteer glass frog, only recently discovered by researchers at the Lodge. Surprises await around every corner!

THE BUTTERFLY FARM
A whirlwind of colors and shapes will surround you as you walk into our butterfly farm at the Life Center. See the different stages of butterfly metamorphosis from our breeding programme experts. And then, marvel at the beauty and intricate patterns of these delicate creatures as they land on the tips of your fingers! The kids will feel enchanted, the parents delighted.

SKY BIKE
Spin your legs through what feels like a dream, as the wheels lift off and you and your child pedal up high, crossing the lush canopy of the magical Mashpi jungle and enjoying amazing views of the immense forest below. With clouds and birds beneath your very feet, who’s to say flying was only possible in our dreams?

KID’S CORNER IN THE LAB
From the beginning, Mashpi Lodge has combined a focus on top hospitality with scientific research that aims to further knowledge of this biodiversity hotspot and promote environmental awareness.

The laboratory, located adjacent to the main lodge, is home to a number of significant on-going experiments which have already led to the identification of several species new to science.

Now the young have their own space for their personal voyage of discovery in Mashpi Reserve, with kid-friendly tools that allow them to dig deeper and get inspired, accompanied by an expert that will awaken their love for science and nature.

Website: www.mashpilodge.com

Rooms: 18

Price: from 1.184 EUR per night

Source: www.mashpilodge.com