Mashpi Lodge

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: Quito | 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.

Tour days tend to be long, flow at a consistent pace and may include long periods of travel. Guests should be prepared to walk longer distances, climb stairs and tolerate periods of standing, for example on city walks, sightseeing stops or excursions, on sometimes uneven surfaces including cobblestones or unpaved pathways and trails. Some destinations may have variations in altitude and/or temperature. Daily pace and timing may vary significantly between longer and shorter travel days, with additional activities possibly occurring in the early morning or evening. Guests are expected to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at accommodations or sites visited.

• Some optional nature hikes will be on irregular, steep, muddy and/or slippery terrain depending on the weather.

• 1 night at Casa Gangotena in Quito
• 2 nights 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