About this hotel
General information
Mashpi Lodge sits on a plateau 950 m above sea level at the heart of the private Mashpi reserve, some 3,200 hectares of Chocó cloud forest on the western flank of the Andes. Built of steel, stone and glass, much of it prefabricated in Quito to spare the terrain, the building is wrapped in floor-to-ceiling windows, so mist, canopy and birdlife are never out of view. It takes no more than 47 guests.
A stay is run like a small expedition: meals and guided outings with naturalists are included, and the days revolve around trails, waterfalls and birding — around 400 species recorded, 36 of them endemic. A resident science team works from the lodge and has described 26 species new to science. There are no day visits; the minimum is one night, and two or more are recommended to see the reserve properly.
Location
The lodge lies in the parish of Pacto, within the Metropolitan District of Quito (Pichincha province), about 87 km and a three-hour drive northwest of the Mitad del Mundo equator monument. Its own transport collects guests from Quito's main hotels for a journey of 3.5–4.5 hours; flight times usually make a night in Quito necessary beforehand.
Spa
The spa occupies the lodge's second floor, with two intimate massage rooms for single guests or couples and a menu that includes hot stone massage. A short path through the foliage leads to the Samay Wellness Center (samay means "soul" in Kichwa), with a covered open-air hot tub facing the canopy and an outdoor yoga deck with mats provided.
Sports & leisure
Every outing is led by naturalist guides, and the lodge supplies rubber boots and rain ponchos.
- Dragonfly — a 2 km open-air cable-car circuit over the canopy in gondolas for four guests plus a guide, about 40 minutes round trip, with stops for trails to the Magnolia waterfall and a jungle swing
- Sky Bike — a tandem bicycle pedalled along a cable between two stations about 200 m apart, 10–20 minutes there and back
- Observation Tower — a 26 m steel tower with 162 steps rising above the treetops
- Life Center — a viewing deck with telescopes, a garden of orchids and bromeliads and a butterfly farm, a 30-minute walk or a short drive from the lodge
- Birdwatching, including a hummingbird garden visited by around 15 species
- Waterfall hikes and night walks in the forest
- Laboratory and Expedition Room — the reserve's research lab and a library where guides and scientists hold briefings and talks
For children
Wayra Rooms take two adults and two children under 12 and can be interconnected for families. The lodge's laboratory has a dedicated corner with activities for children, and the Sky Bike is open to adults and children alike.
Restaurants & bars
All meals are included. The double-height Dining Room cooks its way across Ecuador's regions, from the coast to the Andes, using forest ingredients such as wild garlic and chillangua: a generous breakfast, a deliberately light lunch and a more formal dinner. The Bar mixes cocktails inspired by the Mashpi forest and pours from an extensive wine list; the kitchen handles most dietary needs, and room service is available on request.
Swimming
There is no pool. Bathing happens in the waterfalls instead: four of the reserve's almost 30 falls are open to guests, with water at 18–20 °C, and the Magnolia waterfall ends in a natural plunge pool. The covered open-air hot tub at the Samay Wellness Center completes the picture.
Rooms
Rooms and suites are spread over the lodge's three levels, the lower ones looking onto the forest floor and the upper ones into the canopy. Categories carry Kichwa names: three Yaku ("water") suites, Wayra ("wind") rooms and a single, smaller Wawa ("baby") room.
Floor-to-ceiling windows, automatic blinds, soundproofing, air conditioning with humidity control, a safe, telephone, Wi-Fi, hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers, luxury bath amenities, a fruit plate on arrival, filtered water and a reusable flask.
Yaku Suite
A suite for two, aimed at couples, with a state-of-the-art soaking tub and floor-to-ceiling windows onto the forest.
Wayra Room
A room for two adults and two children under 12, found on all three levels of the lodge; neighbouring rooms can be interconnected.
Wawa Room
The lodge's smallest room, designed for one adult travelling alone.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.