Mashpi Lodge

This luxury jungle lodge, part of the ‘National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World’, offers one of the most unique nature experiences in South America. Located at the meeting point of the Andean Cloud Forest and Chocó rainforest, Mashpi Lodge is within a biodiversity hotspot.

Mashpi Lodge was constructed using sustainable building techniques on the only level part of the reserve, ensuring minimum impact on the surrounding environment. Not one tree was removed during the construction of the hotel. Stays are all inclusive, and excellent guides accompany guests on a range of activities such as nature walks – our favourite hike ends with a swim in a magical nearby waterfall. This is also a birdwatching paradise with over 400 species in the surrounding reserve. Enjoy native forest ingredients in creative dishes that draw inspiration from both Ecuadorian and international cuisine.

Hotel Facilities

Bar
Dragonfly Gondola
Hummingbird Garden
Kid's Nature Lab
Laundry
Life Center
Observation Tower
Restaurant
Sky Bike
Spa
WiFi
Yoga Deck

Hotel Pros

A unique combination of urban style luxury, remote rainforest location and impressive sustainability credentials
The architecture ensures that you feel immersed in nature but cocooned at the same time – soundproof windows guarantee a restful night’s sleep and the clever design ensures no insects or other wildlife make their way inside the lodge.
Fascinating science and conservation projects led by an international team of researchers that are happy to share their work with visitors
A great location for curious children who can engage with conservation in a tangible way in the specially designed kid’s lab.
The same biodiversity as the Amazon basin, but just 3.5 hours’ drive from Quito
The combination of a tropical latitude with an elevation of around 1000m above sea level means that you can guarantee year-round pleasant temperatures of around 23C/77F. It also helps with acclimatization if you are heading to higher Andean regions afterwards.

Hotel Cons

This is a region that receives a large amount of rainfall year-round (it is rainforest after all!). The rain is usually short showers and you also have sunshine most days. For this reason, we usually recommend stays of at least three nights to ensure you have a chance to enjoy all the activities. Night walks for example are one of our favourite excursions and these are cancelled if it is raining heavily.
There is no swimming pool, but plenty else to keep you busy, including waterfalls you can swim in.
The 3.5-hour transfer from Quito is on winding and bumpy roads for some of the way. But it is also incredibly scenic and a great way to see some of the Ecuadorean countryside.