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- Duration
- 8 Days
- Activity Level
- Moderate
- Group Size
- 40
Mashpi Lodge
Immerse yourself in the unparalleled natural beauty and exclusivity of Mashpi Lodge, nestled within the lush Mashpi Rainforest. Each day, delve into the ecological wonders of the rainforest through interactive workshops, enriching nature activities, and expert-led discussions that provide valuable insights into the region's unique flora and fauna.
Itinerary
Day +1: Arrive in Quito, Ecuador
Upon arrival in Quito transfer to your five-star hotel to refresh for tomorrow's full day of activities.
Overnight: Casa Gangotena
Day +2: Mashpi Lodge | Mashpi Reserve
After an early breakfast depart via group transfer, journeying 3.5 hours through the northwest corner of Quito's Metropolitan District. The sweeping landscape along the western flank of the Andes marks the equatorial line. Along the way stop to stretch before continuing the final descent into the Mashpi Reserve. Observe changes in the vegetation as you lower in altitude following the course of the Rio Blanco.
Arrive at the magnificent Mashpi Lodge where the staff and naturalist guides welcome you and conduct a brief orientation.
As you settle into your elegantly appointed room notice the seamless blend between modern design featuring locally-inspired décor and the charm of the rainforest—it's the perfect balance between luxury and nature. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer breathtaking views of the surrounding greenery, creating an enchanting ambiance amidst the tranquility of your room.
Enjoy lunch then choose from several optional activities. Take a guided hike to one of several waterfalls or follow the Howler Monkey Trail to the Life Centre, which provides extensive information about the rainforest's incredible biodiversity. Take time to relax in lounge chairs or spot for wildlife on the expansive observation deck, and later, visit the adjacent butterfly house.
After an exciting day of exploration return to the lodge for restful time to rejuvenate among the property's five-star amenities. Take a leisurely dip in the open-air rooftop hot tub or visit the spa for a luxurious treatment (additional fee applies) complemented by the soothing sounds of the rainforest.
At meals, prepare for gastronomic excellence, which is a top priority at the lodge. Talented chefs are dedicated to preparing Michelin-star quality, three-course cuisine using locally sourced ingredients.
As the evening sets in join an optional guided night walk along the Luminous Trail in search of various nocturnal creatures, including frogs, snakes, insects and even tarantulas.
Overnight: Mashpi Lodge (B,L,D)
Day +3: Mashpi Lodge | Mashpi Forest Canopy Exploration
Wake this morning to lively sounds from the variety of birds fluttering in the trees outside your windows. A staggering 400 species of birds—including approximately 36 of which are endemic—are estimated to inhabit this forest.
For early risers pre-breakfast activities are available to take advantage of the quietude of dawn beneath the canopy. Admire the plethora of plant species, from ferns and bromeliads to a vast assortment of orchid species—many newly discovered, which biologists come from around the world to observe.
After lunch get a birds-eye view of the Mashpi Forest canopy during a guided ride aboard the Dragonfly—an aerial cable car that offers a spectacularly unique way to see an expanse of the reserve. Go for the entire two-hour ride, or combine the Dragonfly experience with a guided nature or waterfall hike.
Located close to the lodge the Sky Bike makes for another thrilling way to explore the forest canopy. Designed to seat two people, pedal between two points of the forest approximately 655 feet apart. Next climb the Observation Tower to take in the reserve in its entirety and watch the sun set behind the clouds.
This evening join fellow travel companions to hear a collection of lectures by a resident biologist or naturalist, perhaps including Secret Wildlife of Mashpi: The Camera Trap Project or The Chocó: a Biological Hotspot about the formation and diversity of the Chocó.
Overnight: Mashpi Lodge (B,L,D)
Day +4: Mashpi | Quito | Main Program Begins
After breakfast and final activities at the lodge take a group transfer to Quito for lunch before joining the group for the main program. (B,L)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Pre-tour space is limited. We recommend reserving early for best availability.
This pre-tour is not escorted by an Orbridge Expedition Leader, however, staff naturalists at the Mashpi Lodge are available for assistance with activity planning.
Activity Level
Moderate
Guests should be able to physically tolerate vehicle motion of a long (3.5 hours) drive on bumpy roads, as well as be sure-footed on stairs and able to walk at least one mile on rocky, uneven ground. Some optional nature hikes will be on irregular, steep, and/or muddy/slippery terrain (depending on the weather).
Accommodations
Casa Gangotena – Quito
The elegant, five-star Casa Gangotena is located across from Plaza San Francisco in the heart of Quito's Spanish Colonial Old Town. The hotel offers easy access to the rich culture, tradition, and charm of the city's historic center—a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1978.
Embrace the property's well-adorned interior, featuring Art Nouveau and Art Deco elements dating back to the mid-1920s. Antique furniture pieces, restored painted tin ceilings, and endless hallways lined with Egyptian marble are among the unique qualities of this sophisticated and divinely comfortable hotel. See why readers of Condé Nast Traveler have voted Casa Gangotena among South America's top 25 hotels and resorts.
During leisure time, stroll the gardens, enjoy tea on the patio, or relax on the rooftop terrace while admiring the spectacular sweeping views of Quito's historic district.
Luxury Room Amenities: Individual climate control, flat-screen cable TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, bathrobes and slippers, safe, and en suite bathroom with separate shower and bathtub plus L’Occitane sundries and hair dryer.
Portable oxygen tanks—to assist in preventing ill effects of altitude sickness—are available and may require an additional fee. Per the hotel's policy, oxygen will be provided after a consultation with the house physician or a release is signed. As the supply of oxygen tanks is numbered, these should be requested in advance through Orbridge's Guest Services department or at the time of check-in for best availability.
Mashpi Lodge
Mashpi Lodge was created by Roque Sevilla, a passionate environmentalist and former mayor of the city of Quito. The thoughtfully designed lodge is perched more than 3,000 feet above sea level within a private reserve between the rainforest and cloud forest. The area teems with rich biodiversity that provides endless opportunities for visitors.
This property has been recognized with nearly 20 prestigious awards since 2012, including Condé Nast Traveler – Reader’s Choice Awards – Top 20 Resorts in South America and World Travel Awards' Ecuador’s Leading Green Hotel. The spa at Mashpi Lodge has also been noted as Latin America’s Best Resort Spa and as Ecuador’s Best Resort Spa through votes cast by leading spa and wellness tourism professionals, as well as hundreds of thousands of spa consumers from across the globe.
Guests can relax in the serene atmosphere of this blissful hideaway, amidst the breathtaking views from the lodge's floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows. The lodge was designed with sustainable materials and features décor that combines warm earth tones, steel, stone, and glass.
Visit the open-air terraces for seemingly endless treetop views, see biologists conducting studies and experiments in the resident research lab open to guests, take advantage of the full-service spa (additional fees apply), relax at the outdoor hot tub and yoga deck, or enjoy the Expedition Room where you can view a selection of nature DVDs or peruse materials in its extensive library.
The property also features a boutique that offers souvenirs, gifts and travel essentials, such as rain hats, other rain gear, socks, and more.
Room Amenities: One king or two full beds, complimentary Wi-Fi, phone, safe, reusable water flask, fresh filtered water, bathrobes and slippers, en suite bathroom with premium sundries and hair dryer, and a dehumidifier.
Pre-Tour Rate**
Double: $2,099
Single: $2,899
Pre-tour rate is per person based on double occupancy except where noted as Single, in U.S. dollars. Single availability limited. Airfare not included.
What's Included
- 1 night accommodations at Casa Gangotena in Quito
- 2 nights accommodations at award-winning Mashpi Lodge
- 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners (soft drinks available at all meals)
- Entrance to Mashpi Reserve
- Dragonfly aerial tram experience
- Full guiding services, including interpretation on all activities and experiences within the reserve
- Specialized lectures and field presentations on research conducted in the reserve by local experts
- Use of rain gear (waterproof poncho, rubber boots), walking sticks, spotting scopes, and binoculars
- All transportation for excursions using vehicle transport in the reserve
- All gratuities and porterage
- Airport transfers for guests arriving during the suggested times
- Round-trip group transportation between Quito and Mashpi Lodge