Mashpi Lodge

AMAZING experience! We loved everything about it. The room was awesome. The food and cocktails were top notch and the expeditions were so cool. Our guide Fernando was so knowledgeable and nice we loved him😍 Once in a lifetime experience. If you have the opportunity to go definitely go!

Our stay at Mashpi was magical. Our entire stay was perfect and we could not be happier with our experience.
When first arriving at Mashpi, you have a short briefing session to learn about the hotel, the explorations, and the way the hotel works. This briefing was much appreciated and really made us feel at home!
The food and cocktails were wonderful (with lots of options for different dietary needs), and the wait staff was so helpful (a special shout out to Darwin, who waited on our table for every meal during our stay--he was outstanding).
The spa services were amazing (my husband and I had a massage at a waterfall and it was such a unique and peaceful experience!).
The front desk workers were friendly and helpful. It was lovely chatting with them and getting to know them!
The room was beautiful--my husband and I were lucky enough to stay in one of the Yaki suites, and the bathtub was AMAZING. The giant floor to ceiling windows were gorgeous.
But most of all, our guide, Santiago, was just the BEST. He really made our stay memorable and we learned so much from him. He took special care to make sure everybody in our group was happy and safe and accommodated. His passion for nature and conservation really reflected in the knowledge he passed on to us. He was such a a kind, genuine, and welcoming person!

A few things to note if you are going to Mashpi for the first time... (And these are NOT criticisms):
-The road to Mashpi is very windy, and at the part closest to the reserve, very bumpy and possibly muddy. If car sickness is a concern for you, be prepared.
-There are some explorations that beginners, those that may not be able bodied, or are not physically active can very easily do (like the hummingbird garden, bird watching, the sky bike, and the hikes off the main road). However, the majority of the explorations require higher degrees of physical exertion (moderate to advanced). I'd recommend getting into a groove of exercising at least a couple of weeks before coming if you wish to embark on some of the more demanding explorations (which are well worth it! The Magnolia Falls hike in particular was a blast, but it would be a significant challenge to those who haven't built up their physical endurance). Also, because some of the explorations are more challenging, I personally wouldn't being children here if you want to maximize the adventure (though they ARE child friendly and have activities just for kids).
-Just say "yes" to everything! Soak up the experiences while you're there and fill your days with as many explorations as you have time for and can handle. Nature is unpredictable, so you never know what you'll see!
-You do not necessarily have to have cash on hand when coming to Mashpi. You can tip the staff electronically (even for specific staff members) when you settle your bill upon check out.
-Rubber boots are a MUST for most of the activities. The lodge provides rubber boots, but if you have special arch support/foot support needs, I'd recommend bringing insoles or your own rain boots.
-The lodge also provides binoculars, so if you don't have any, don't sweat it!

TLDR; Mashpi is amazing, go if you can, it's a truly magical and special place, and I hope to get back soon!

Hello, the reception and friendliness of the people who manage are kind and especially the place is magical, it feels different, it is nice to have places according to the moment with the family and safety first.

Best place for the whole family, it was a unique and a wonderful experience

Thank you Franklin for your great support in making our adventure so enjoyable!

The Mashpi team is the best! Everyone is always attentive and always willing to ensure that their guests have the best experience.

We went with an almost two year old baby and everything was great! Easy and fun for the whole group

Thanks for everything! For sure is a place I wish to go back anytime!

I had the pleasure of visiting Mashpi Lodge in the company of my husband, Marc Patry, and some friends, for 3 days in February 2024. Prior to this visit, we have had many guests stay at the lodge - with delightful results - but I this was my first time.
I found Mashpi Ecolodge to be very comfortable; the social spaces and rooms are in sync with the natural environment out-of-doors. The meals were gourmet, and activities were geared to guest physical ability, energy level, and interest.
Most surprising was the sense of adventure and exploration evoked by the experience, all in the company of highly skilled naturalist guides.
I loved the ESG aspects of the lodge:
- 75% of staff are drawn from local communities (their involvement in ecotourism is meant to give them options beyond extractive industries)
- although a small detail, I loved that the jam that was served at our breakfast table was produced by women from the local community, giving them a way to sustain themselves and their families economically
The on-site scientific research program, and evening presentations, were just wonderful. We learned about the discovery of an endemic orchid species on the site.
The birding in and around the site was wonderful for those who are passionate about birdwatching.
Overall, so glad we went! It was so much more than I expected!

Beautiful place to contemplate the magnificent world we live in! Loved the food and fauna found in mashpi lodge!

I adored my time here. The expeditions are amazing (from the waterfalls walks to the sky cycle and dragonfly gondola) the expert guides are bilingual and so kind and patient. (Huge shout out to Anderson and Clever) The birdwatching is to die for especially the dawn wildlife observation and the hummingbird garden. I loved the spa and the treatments were the best I've ever had (and ive had a lot of treatments over the years!). The rooms are glorious, with the most spectacular views. The place is spotlessly clean and supremely organized and omg the hot tub.. see the pictures. I have never received such attentive service. I travel with food allergies and the kitchen staff bent over backwards to accommodate my very restricted diet.

essay time!!!

me and my family stayed here for 2 nights, arriving in the afternoon and leaving in the afternoon.

there are very many things that you can do here. The staff are all very friendly (please give Mr Gabriel a raise) and they are all willing to help you whenever. Not only are there loads of activities for both morning, afternoon and evening, but they are all very interesting.

The architecture of the building is very efficient and comfortable, with sufficient lighting and internet connection (though you should be out, not on the phone please) and the restaurant’s food is absolutely delicious. the Menu items change every meal, so you are not forced to eat the same thing twice. the food is also exceptional, with beautiful plating and nice drinks as an addition .

the activities we did were (chronologically) sky bike (and watchtower), night walk(s), hummingbird garden, life center, glass frog falls, and the dragonfly. they were all super interesting and fun, though there were way more activities that i wished we were able to do in our short stay.

Below attached are some images that we managed to get from the wildlife, and a really cool guy spotted in his natural habitat.

I do hope i can come back here again! even though it takes a while to get there, it is absolutely worth it. also because i didn’t get to see the glistening green tanager :(

i rate it a collared aracari/10.

I have recently returned from a 3 night stay at Mashpi Lodge. I cannot recommend this hotel more highly. The staff were absolutely incredible, so attentive and kind, nothing was too much trouble. The food was delicious. The tours were exceptional and took advantage of every single one possible! The knowledge of the guides was amazing and they even helped you get the best photos on your devices to keep as a memory.
Thank you to EVERYONE at Mashpi for an unforgettable stay.

Astounding place, located in the depths of the Ecuadorian cloud forest, allowing for the most unique hotel visit and experience. Multiple activities (hikes, night walks, cable car, sky bike, nature centres) to keep you busy and fascinated during your stay, with your own guide to tailor experiences to you and your group. Staff were phenomenally friendly and helpful, making the whole experience even more special. Rooms and restaurant look out onto the forest, with incredible views from every window.

Absolute majesty of a forest, the staff and food are impeccable, the location caters to the dabbler and the hardcore alike.

You cannot recreate this experience anywhere I have been.

Pack light, make sure you have good hiking boots and quick drying gear. Bring a good camera for the hummingbird center and butterfly refuge.

Cannot recommend enough.

We were a large family group ages 6-75. Everyone enjoyed the time at Mashpi immensely. Our guides were able to accommodate all levels of fitness, ability and interests - they made the experience memorable, safe and fun for all. The lodge has a welcoming, personal feel in a stunning setting. Dream experience for each person (the 12 year old requested we return annually...).

Magical is the first word that comes to mind followed by exceptional service ending with life changing experience. The guides were incredible - knowledgable and engaging. The hikes are mind blowing. I will remember this forever and will go back. Exceptional in every regard. Thanks for creating such an incredible experience!!

I have been to Europe lived in Kauai and my mom works for a luxury hotel so I’ve seen a little. This was the best experience I’ve had in life period. The first day I saw a snake spiders and crazy cool frogs on the night walk. The second day I got to hike through a river to several unbelievable waterfalls that I swam in. The final day we saw monkeys hummingbirds ate out of my hand and a sloth curled up in a tree. Such a special time. Can’t recommend more. Also the food was amazing and the friends we made both staff and guest were probabilities the best part of the trip.

Possibly the best resort we've ever stayed at. Superlative service, great meals, and a fantastic offering of hikes and nature.
Breathtakingly beautiful.

Mashpi Lodge is located inside Ecuador’s Mashpi Natural Reserve and has a unique biology research focus. Mashpi Lodge invites you to immerse yourself at this unique forest while enjoying the full experience. This package will include: accommodation, activities and all meals. Everything will be included at the room rate.

Each air-conditioned room here will provide you an iPod dock, a safety-deposit box and a private bathroom with a shower, hairdryer and bathrobes. Floor to ceiling windows offer a complete panoramic view of the foggy forest surrounding the property.

At Mashpi Lodge you will find a hot tub and a 24-hour front desk. Other facilities offered at the property include laundry facilities, an observation tower and natural massages with stones, herbs and leaves from the area. You will also be able to enjoy a sky bike, natural waterfalls and night-time hikes with bio-luminescent fungus.

I feel like my time at Mashpi Lodge was one beautiful dream. Whether it was sunny or raining, the cloud forest was magic. The guides are amazing, and seem to know everything there is to know about the plants & animals of the forest. I felt as if I was both on a grand adventure and absolutely relaxed, at the same time. The road to get here is long and bumpy, but the journey is absolutely worth it. The staff are so warm, and they really take care of you. The cloud forest is just so beautiful. I hope I get to go back one day.

Wonderful place, connection with nature, landscapes, first class services, a piece of heaven on earth.

A wonderful experience. Be prepared for an adventure from Quito getting there but worth the drive. Many different hikes and expeditions to select. If you are up for a challenge pick the Mashpi chocolate tour. Be prepared for a long day,, we did it in 11 hours. 10 miles round trip and 2500 ft elevation for the hike.. down at the start. You will see a truly organic farm with outstanding chocolate. It takes some planning and the hike back is back ip the 2500ft so you need to be prepared for the last few hours. It was wet, muddy, steep and fun.

Food was good and the lodge was great. You are in a cloud forest so it is wet all the time. Highly recommend

This is definitely a must visit. The employees are so keen to welcome you and all love there work. Food is great. Takes a while to get there but worth the journey. You will not want to leave. Take all of the trips you won't be disappointed.