Getting to Mashpi, three hours northwest of Quito is a cinch. Guests are picked up by a comfortable shuttle from their hotels in the capital, and taken through the scenic byways to the north through rolling hills before descending into the cloudforest. Pick ups are normally done in the morning after breakfast, allowing time to stop at scenic points along the way and arriving at Mashpi Lodge in time to check-in and have lunch before launching into the activities of the day.
Mashpi Sky Bike
The Sky Bike at Mashpi Lodge offers an exciting way to discover the Mashpi Reserve. Stretching 200 meters (almost 700 ft.) across a gorge with rushing rivers below, one guest pedals along the suspended cable while the other enjoys the front seat. This thrilling experience takes you above the treetops and into the heart of the cloud forest. Guests may pause at any time to admire the scenery and watch for birds and wildlife among the canopy. It is one of the innovative experiences that sets Mashpi Lodge apart.
Hummingbird Garden
More than 30 hummingbird species have been recorded within the Mashpi Reserve, with 19 regularly seen at the Hummingbird Garden. Located 15 minutes by car from the lodge, or reached by a scenic 4-kilometer (2.4-mile) trail, the garden is a paradise for bird lovers. Here, dazzling hummingbirds dart between feeders, hovering effortlessly before returning to the forest. Violet-Tailed Sylphs, Purple-Crowned Fairies, and Green-Crowned Wood Nymphs are among the species frequently spotted. The natural surroundings and brilliant colors make this a dream location for photography.
Dragonfly Cable Car
The Dragonfly Cable Car is another signature Mashpi Lodge experience. Its network of six towers, each spanning 500 meters (1,640 ft.), glides high above the reserve’s canopy, rivers, and waterfalls. Two main stations connect trails and swimming areas, allowing guests to combine scenic rides with hikes and wildlife exploration. Along the way, expert guides may stop the gondola to point out toucans, cock-of-the-rocks, and the long-wattled umbrella bird. Howler monkeys are also often seen moving through the treetops. The panoramic views of the Mashpi Reserve are truly unforgettable.
Life Center at Mashpi
Located near the lodge, the Life Center serves as both a research facility and an observation point. From its inviting deck, guests can enjoy refreshments while watching birds in the surrounding forest. The center focuses on Mashpi’s remarkable butterfly diversity, where dozens of species have been successfully bred, representing only a small portion of the more than 300 species found in the reserve. Interactive activities for children allow them to step into the role of young scientists, learning how butterflies and moths are identified and studied. It is a memorable and educational highlight of any visit to Mashpi Lodge.
En route from Quito to Mashpi Lodge, stop at the ruins of Tulipe to learn about the ancient Yumbo tribe that once resided here in the cloudforest. Then you’ll head to Mashpi, where a friendly staff will welcome you and help you get situated in your spectacular room with a gorgeous view of the surrounding Ecuadorian cloudforest. A brief orientation is followed by lunch and a guided afternoon hike. Another evening hike will acquaint you with the nocturnal species around the Mashpi lodge, after this you will enjoy an amazing dinner and enjoy the lodge facilities.
An early morning makes for an ideal bird-watching tour, as your guide will help identify the many species you’ll spot. Then you’ll enjoy a hearty breakfast before visiting the 30-meter observation tower, putting you in the heart of the canopy. The aerial bike is the next activity – unique to Mashpi Lodge! Then a different trail will take you back to the lodge. In the afternoon, you’ll head to the Wildlife Center to learn about the various endemic species around Mashpi Lodge and see butterflies in all stages of metamorphosis.
In the morning, pack your suitcases and prepare for one final birding adventure to spot the birds feeding on the nocturnal insects and see the majestic Copal Waterfall surrounded by orchids. If you’d like to purchase a souvenir, the gift shop has a collection of fun memorabilia. Then it’s time to say farewell to this amazing and luxurious Ecuador lodge and head back to Quito, passing the City at the Center of the World along the way.
After arriving, an introduction to the cloud forest lodge and having lunch – dive into the day´s adventure by taking a spin on the Skybike. The two-person ride, one person pedals and the other sits in front, spans a 200 meter (655 feet) gorge high above rushing rivers below. Next head to the Observation Tower at Mashpi Lodge. The structure stands eight story high, and overlooks the tree tops of the reserve where spectacular views of the rolling tundra that spans as far as the eye can see. Options before dinner include a night hike and a visit to the Life Center – a research farm of the luxury lodge dedicated to the 300 species of butterflies found in the reserve.
After waking up early and having breakfast, head out with your guide to the Copal Waterfall. The medium difficulty trail takes you under the thick canopy of the forest before descending the waterfall, where you are welcome to swim underneath the cool, refreshing waters. After this you will get ready to say good bye, a private transfer will take you from Mashpi Lodge to your hotel in Quito or directly to the airport as you would prefer.
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Antonio Sánchez y Francisco Ecija, Quito
Celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity, the Cloud Forest is one of Ecuador’s most treasured natural highlights and ecological wonders. Home to an impressive variety of species, many of them endemic to this unique environment, the Cloud Forest provides an unforgettable experience filled with adventure amid lush landscapes, stunning waterfalls, and vibrant wildlife encounters.
Mashpi Lodge sits in the heart of a 2,500-hectare (6,177-acre) Reserve that features breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle and mountains. The most convenient part? It’s a hideaway located on a high, verdant plateau northwest of Quito!
In terms of getting here, daily and regular flights connect Quito with major cities in South and Central America, North America (via Miami, New York, Houston, and Atlanta), and Europe (direct from Madrid and Amsterdam). The Lodge itself is around a three-hour drive from Quito’s Mariscal Sucre International Airport, and we can happily arrange a transfer for you!
Mashpi Lodge is a luxury cocoon in the clouds with the natural world right outside, making it an ideal place for contemplation and relaxation. As an all-inclusive expedition, it combines high levels of modern comfort, service, guided excursions, immersive activities, and cuisine unheard of in a tropical forest anywhere else.
Mashpi Lodge is designed to completely immerse you in the world of the surrounding forest while serving as a luxurious, comfortable retreat. With a wide range of private excursions and unique activities, we highly recommend you stay at least two nights at Mashpi Lodge. Doing so will allow you to see and do as much as possible! (Please note: To visit Mashpi Lodge, you must book a one-night stay. Day visits, or day tours, are not offered).
We have an assortment of rooms and suites spread out across three floors that are able to accommodate solo travelers, couples, groups of friends, and/or families. All rooms are designed with floor-to-ceiling windows that help foster a connection to the outside world. You can take your pick between ground-level rooms that offer a look into the incredible forest floor, while the mid- and higher-level floors offer access to the gorgeous canopy.
Yes! We have special offers for this year and the next, plus two tour packages that combine the Mashpi Lodge experience with two unforgettable hotels in Ecuador: Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel (Quito) and the Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel (Santa Cruz Island, Galapagos).
MASHPI LODGE ECUADOR
ACCOMMODATION
Wayra Rooms: 20 Luxurious and spacious rooms with 34 square meters (366 square feet) they offer double and triple accommodation
Yaku Suites: 3 Luxurious suites with jacuzzi offering a view, they extend over an expansive 46 square meters (495 square feet)
LODGE
Observation Deck: Observation Deck with amazing views of the surrounding forest and telescopes to spot birds
Open space Hot Tub: Ideal to relax and enjoy the sounds of the forest while recovering from the day to day stress of life
Outdoor Yoga Deck: Enjoy a remarkable space for yoga and meditation while enjoying views of the forest
Other Activities: Besides the wonderful comfort at the lodge, you can visit the Sky-bike, humming bird garden, waterfalls, forest trails and much more
SERVICES
Satellite WIFI
Laundry Service
Souvenir Shop
Bar and Lounge
Library
Local and International Food
Safety Deposit box in each room
Hot tub in bathrooms
Panoramic views from most rooms
Ceiling Fans in all rooms
Electric curtains in rooms
