DAY 1:
The adventure begins in Quito, at 8:30 for guests staying in Quito’s main hotels (time will be confirmed by our Operations Department). Once in Mashpi, it is time for lunch. Then, we will have a briefing to introduce us to the cloud forest, the activities available during our stay, and helpful tips about what to wear and what to bring to the excursions. Afterwards, we will settle in our room and rest before starting with our afternoon activities.
We will gather in the lobby in order to start our first adventure: exploring one of the trails of the reserve, chosen by the guides depending on today's weather conditions. This walk will serve as an introduction to the ecological succession processes and the importance of the forest for the Chocó region. All of our trails offer great scenic beauty, and each includes a unique attraction, such as a forest of iron palm (Iriartea deltoidea), special birdwatching opportunities, or other unexpected surprises.
For all our guests interested in knowing more about the cloud forest’s ecology, we give different lectures each evening. For example, you can learn more about the "Secret Wildlife of Mashpi, the trap camera project”, or the “Chocó, a biological hotspot”, which address the formation and diversity of the Chocó and our scientific research projects. The lectures will be given by one of our naturalists or our resident biologist.
DAY 2:
The forest always rewards the early birds, as the dawn light lures a variety of fascinating species in their search for food. A good place to find birds is actually right at the hotel’s terrace, with a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate in hand. From there, we can enjoy not only the beauty of the forest but also the many species that come to feed on insects and fruits at nearby trees. Our guides will help us spot what’s around, offering a peek inside their telescope for a close-and-personal view of the incredible bird richness that Mashpi offers. This activity starts in the early morning and lasts about an hour. Then, enjoy breakfast at our restaurant.
You have the opportunity to choose between 6 and 8 rainforest activities during your stay, as well as time to enjoy our wellness offerings. Your guides will recommend the best daily program for you and your group depending on your interests, your level of physical fitness, daily weather and trail conditions. Choose from our many trails and following activities and feel free to ask one of our travel agents for the detailed itinerary.
- Trails
- Refreshing waterfalls
- Life Centre
- Observation Tower
- Dragonfly
- Sky Bike
- Hummingbird Viewpoint
- Night Walks
- Wellness Centre
DAY 3:
Our day begins at 6:30 in the hotel lobby so we can take advantage of the fact that many bird species come to the hotel to feed at this hour. After a cup of coffee, we walk down the road seeking out mixed-species feeding flocks. These usually feature different insectivorous bird species that move together while foraging. In a single flock, we may see over 20 different species, making these more-or-less common encounters an undeniable treat for bird aficionados. The activity takes 1 hour and then we return to the lodge for breakfast. There is time for a short hike today or one of our other activities. Check with your guide for the best option.
We return to the hotel for check-out at 11:00 and leave Mashpi Lodge at 11:30. We will be given a complimentary box lunch to enjoy during our drive back to Quito.
Note: We would like to remind our guests that on their arrival day to Mashpi Lodge, they will need to wait until after lunch and a briefing for their room assignment since check-in and check-out times are fixed. We invite you to observe the magnificent view of the Reserve from the comfortable public areas of the hotel while you wait.
Private tour
