Escape To Ecuador's Premier Nature Resort: Mashpi Lodge

Location and How to Get There

Mashpi is located in the Andean Chocó forest of Ecuador, just on the outskirts of the Metropolitan District of Quito. Although it is technically still within city limits, the lodge is far removed from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Mashpi Lodge provides complimentary pickup and transportation from Quito directly to its jungle location. It's about a 4-hour drive through scenic countryside to reach the secluded nature resort. Just sit back and enjoy the views on the ride.

Hotel Grounds

The Mashpi Lodge design is contemporary, while the architecture aims to fully immerse guests within the cloud forest environment. The main lodge's suspended construction makes you feel part of the jungle canopy.

Enormous floor-to-ceiling windows maximize natural light while an open-air panoramic terrace and suspended walkways bring guests closer to the forest, making them feel one with nature. From the panoramic terrace, guests can enjoy birdwatching and breathtaking views.

Focus on Sustainability

Mashpi Lodge incorporates sustainability practices into every aspect of its design and operations. The nature resort’s facilities employ solar power, natural water filtration and other eco-friendly systems to minimize environmental impact.

To eliminate disruption to the surrounding rainforest during construction, sections of Mashpi Lodge were prefabricated in Quito and then carefully transported to the forest site for assembly.

Rooms and Suites

Rooms and Suites at Mashpi Lodge are scattered throughout the main building’s three floors and feature floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing guests to be completely immersed in the lush forest scenery.

Room amenities include luxury bathroom amenities, wi-fi connection, bathrobes and slippers, fruit plate on arrival and reusable water flasks.

The 3 main room categories are:

• YAKU SUITES - Perfect for couples looking for relaxation, featuring a spacious bathtub and a king-size bed. There are only three of these suites in the entire lodge.

• WAYRA ROOMS – Ideal for families, these rooms can accommodate up to two adults and two children under the age of 12. A choice of interconnecting rooms is available in this category.

• WAWA ROOMS – As the name suggests (Wawa meaning baby in the native Kichwa language), this is a smaller room category perfect for those traveling alone.

Nature Activities

Mashpi being a nature resort, naturally provides guests with a myriad of outdoor activities to suit all tastes. To go along with these activities, the lodge also provides all the gear needed for jungle exploration, such as binoculars, boots, ponchos, mosquito repellent and many other items.

Expert naturalist guides will lead guests on everything from leisurely walks to intense hikes up waterfalls and steep terrain. The guides ensure guests see wildlife and endemic birds and plants. All tours are carefully curated to each guest’s preferences.

Night walks led by the knowledgeable team at Mashpi allow guests to spot fascinating creatures that only come out after dark.

The Lodge’s main attraction is without a doubt the Dragonfly Canopy Gondola, a sort of cable-car system hanging up high at the forest canopy level, thus allowing guests to zip through the beautiful cloud forest.

Guests are also able to bike through the cloud forest canopy, an activity that is sure to bring some excitement to adrenaline junkies.

Restaurant

Gourmet meals at the nature resort restaurant feature fresh, local ingredients served in a chic yet casual environment. This is where guests will eat breakfast, lunch and dinner during their stay. All meals served here are included.

Other Activities

Guests can relax in the yoga studio, spa, and natural swimming pools tucked into the rainforest. With just 47 guests at a time, the lodge feels like a private 5-star retreat. The luxuries let you recharge comfortably between adventures.

Mashpi Lodge is surrounded by a cloud forest, and therefore warm weather and some humidity are to be expected. Rain is almost always certain, but the staff will be ready to provide guests with all the proper gear. Getting wet is a common theme during nature outings, but fear not: a free clothes-drying service is available to all guests.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Ecuador. In need of further inspiration? Check out Sarah Mills‘ guide, Beyond Quito in 2 Hours or Less.