Day 1:
The adventure begins in Quito, at our 8:30 a.m. pick-up time for guests staying in Quito’s main hotels (time will be confirmed by our Operations Department). Arrived in Mashpi it is time for lunch. After lunch and a briefing, we will be settling in our room where we will be able to rest before starting with our afternoon activities. During the briefing, we will be introduced to the cloud forest, the activities from which we can choose during our stay, and helpful tips about what to wear and what to bring to the excursions.
After a short rest, we will gather together at the lobby in order to head out on our first adventure exploring one of the trails of the reserve, chosen by the guides depending on daily conditions. This walk will serve as an introduction to the ecological succession processes and the importance of 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, every evening we give different lectures like the “Secret Wildlife of Mashpi, the trap camera project”, or the “Chocó, a biological hotspot”, which talk about 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 where 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 offer. 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 and daily weather and trail conditions. Choose from our many trails and activities, including the following, 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 early at 6:30 a.m. in the hotel lobby and takes advantage of the fact that many bird species come to the hotel to feed. 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 one hour; 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 a.m. Our transfer leaves Mashpi Lodge at 11:30 a.m. 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-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
