Mashpi Lodge

Part of the adventure is getting here from Quito - its about 3 hour drive (we had our guide drive us to and from Mashpi) and the last hour of the trip is rough - no sealed road here - dodging large potholes etc We were warmly welcomed with cool wet towels and drinks by the lodge management and ushered into a briefing to run through the lodge facilities and activities available. We stayed 4 nights here - would recommend no less than 3 nights. The lodge is located in the middle of a tropical rainforest - no other built infrastructure in sight anywhere. Our room (Wayra Room) was amazing - floor to ceiling window onto the forest - very spacious and the biggest bed I've ever seen (2 Queens pushed together I think). No need to upgrade room here - if you are here to experience the outdoors, you won't be in your room for much beyond sleeping and bathing! The food was exceptional for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the hospitality staff were excellent, particularly Edison who encouraged us to try the different and delicious fruits of Ecuador and helped with our Spanish. We were assigned a guide to our group of 6 guests. Rubber boots (definitely needed), walking sticks, insect repellant provided etc. We did hikes - Copal Waterfall, Magnolia Waterfall, a night hike, went to the Hummingbird Garden (including a 2nd visit for breakfast because we stayed 1 more night than the others in our group), rode the sky bike and the Dragonfly cable car, visited the Life Centre for the butterflies and birds and the Science laboratory for a fantastic talk. We also visited nearby Amagusa Reserve (a private bird viewing property) which was fantastic. It rains/drizzles a lot here so be prepared with your gear - they do provide ponchos but can be very hot. But don't let this stop you from getting out and participating in all activities - the weather in a cloud forest is supposed to be wet. They provide a very helpful clothes drying service free of charge. In terms a wildlife sightings - apart from the locations (hummingbird garden and life centre) where they put out sugar water and fruit to attract birds etc, don't expect to see much else on walks in terms of wildlife - the forest is vast and dense - you'll see a few snails, frogs, butterflies and at night - spiders, more frogs and insects, moths etc. We did not see monkeys etc. They will show you camera trap footage from very remote areas of the reserve which shows other animals but don't expect to see these near the lodge. We loved the hummingbirds - our first experience with these so we were absolutely mesmerised. Stunning birds at the feeders. We enjoyed our experience here and would recommend.

For me this lodge is the perfect balance between luxury and feeling at home. This hotel is not cheap but worth every penny. From the moment you enter the building everything is taken care of. The food is amazing, the staff lovely and rooms and common areas are spotless. The only suggestion I have is to install window wipers on the room’s windows to wipe away the condensation (this is a joke of course ;)). We stayed together with my parents. My father cannot walk very well and they went out of their way in order to accommodate for him.

Mashpi Nature Reserve is a wonderful place to visit and become truly immersed with nature The staff are truly knowledgeable about their surroundings and no question is to difficult for them to answer The accommodation is comfortable and the choice of food available in the restaurant would rival any London cuisine Every day you are invited to take part in walks which could include a cable car ride, Sky Bike ride, swimming in a pool fed by a waterfall, watching hummingbirds feeding using your hands to perch on, butterflies and a night walk to see the insects that come out at night There are even lectures on various aspects of the natural world that you can find in Mashpi I would wholeheartedly recommend a holiday in Mashpi

This is a magical place where you learn about nature and conservancy. Such a beautiful place with wonderful service. They have the best people that make you feel special. We had excellent service in the restaurant as Fabricio took care of us. He was so attentive to us! He made us feel very special. At the front desk we were welcomed by Sharon; she had such a wonderful smile! She was warm and welcoming. Our nature guide, Brian, was super knowledgeable snd great on the trail with us!

A truly hidden gem. It is a long drive from Quito so if you get car sick I recommend taking a dramamine or something to sleep. Other than that you are entering a whole new world when you arrive at Mashpi. The service was absolutely incredible and everything is so well organized. We ate so well and learned about Ecuadorian cuisine. Our room was incredible and the views did not disappoint (we saw a Tayra eating from our room window). Edison took care of us as our waiter and he went above and beyond even with special requests from us. Now to the best part... the adventure. If you forget anything they will lend you binoculars, flashlights, and of course the rubber hiking boots. There's birdwatching every morning (optional but we did it) and you are assigned a guide for your group. We got so lucky to be with Anderson who was so patient and who took the time to answer all of our questions on the trails. He helped us spot birds, spiders, snakes, bats, frogs, butterflies, all kinds of rainforest animals and honestly was so knowledgeable about the rainforest it made everything worth it. We hiked to waterfalls and were able to jump in (pack your swimsuit!). Our last day we were paired with Santiago who took us on an unforgettable night walk!!! There are night talks about the different animal species which helped us a lot as we looked for and identified animals on the trail. The guides take turns giving them and are all EXPERTS in the field. We did an outdoor waterfall massage while it rained (There was a canopy over the massage) and you cannot make up the rain and waterfall noises in real life are what other spas play as ambient music UNREAL! Thank you so much for having us we will never forget our 3 nights at Mashpi. Every single person that works there was part of an unforgettable stay. We were so emotional leaving and saying goodbye to everyone and hope one day we will be back!

Location accessed by very rugged, tortuous 3 hour drive from Quito. Grand but rather corporate hotel, which didn't blend well into its tree-top setting and lacked atmosphere. Lovely large bedroom & bathroom but filthy floor to ceiling window rather spoilt the view into the forest. Rather disinterested reception staff and aloof general manager Arun. Food very mediocre, though lovely staff, particularly smily Pamela. Very disappointing wildlife experience; the only animals/birds we saw was where they are attracted by food put out for them. Dragonfly experience was novel but no wildlife spotted and no explanations because of non-English speaking guide.

A wonderful experience and fascinating introduction to the biodiversity of the Ecuadorean cloud forest and Mashpi’s part in preserving it.

Fabulous in every way. The lodge itself is beautiful and the services and restaurant are truly excellent. Many activities on-site and off-site available. Spendy, but well worth it!

The most amazing experience in my life. Beautiful hotel, fantastic staff and service and a fantastic guide who took us around the rain forest. So glad I experienced it.