Nestled at 3,000 feet between rainforest and cloud forest, Mashpi is a luxury outpost in the heart of pristine wilderness. A member of the prestigious National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World, it’s the perfect base for discovering remarkable flora and fauna – including hundreds of species of birds, trees and frogs found nowhere else in the world.
On arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and chauffeured to Casa Gangotena, our luxury boutique hotel in the historic heart of the World Heritage capital.
Day 2
Day 2 – Transfer to Mashpi Lodge
After breakfast, you’ll embark on a scenic overland journey that takes you north of the capital into the heart of Ecuador’s picturesque mountain landscapes. Continue along the western slopes of the Andes and cross the Equator. By midday, you’ll be well within the Mashpi Reserve, 3,000 private acres of pristine wilderness uniquely situated between lower montane rainforest and the cool cloud forest. Enjoy lunch with a welcome glass of wine and then settle in to your spacious, stylishly appointed guestroom here at Mashpi Lodge.
Day 3
Day 3 – Another Day of Discovery
During your stay at Mashpi, you’ll enjoy a full program of included excursions. Led by our expert naturalist guide, you’ll join other Lodge guests this afternoon for your first activity – an introduction to the Reserve’s remarkable flora and fauna. Later tonight, you might embark on a guided 45-minute walk along the Luminous Trail: Learn about the nocturnal denizens of the cloud forest as you walk with flashlights and listen to the calls, croaks and hums of the night birds, frogs and insects. Turning off your flashlight, you might observe the glowing eyes of forest insects and the soft glow of the bio-luminescent fox fire fungus. Meals B+L+D
Day 4
Day 4 – Back to Quito
After breakfast, you’ll have time this morning to join other Lodge guests for one of the shorter excursions that are offered and included with your stay. Lasting about 3 hours, the hike and visit to the Life Centre is a good choice. Here you can learn about the 300 species of moths and butterflies that have been discovered in the Reserve, observing the whole remarkable process of metamorphosis from eggs to beautiful winged creatures. There are also comfortable chaise lounges where you can simply relax and take in the beauty of the forest, spotting birds and listening for the call of the mantled howler monkey.
Travel with a boxed lunch and other lodge guests back to the capital arriving around 3-330pm. Meals B+L
