Mashpi Lodge

Mashpi Lodge: a luxury hotel in Ecuador's cloud forest

Mashpi Lodge presents itself as a rainforest hotel located on a scenic plateau within the Mashpi Reserve, in the Metropolitan District of Quito, Pacto parish. The accommodation combines modern comfort with a natural setting of cloud forest and rainforest, about 87 kilometers and a three-hour drive northwest of the Middle of the World monument. The site sits at an elevation of 950 meters above sea level.

The offering is defined as an all-inclusive expedition: accommodation, service, guided excursions, and cuisine. The lodge notes that it does not offer day visits and that the minimum stay is one night, though it recommends at least two to make the most of the activities.

Accommodation and spaces

The rooms and suites are spread across three floors. All feature floor-to-ceiling windows; the lower floors allow guests to observe the forest floor, while the middle and upper floors provide access to the canopy. The lodge has rooms for solo travelers, couples, groups of friends, and families.

Common facilities include a wellness center, dining room, bar, spa, viewing platform, expedition room, laboratory, and boutique.

Activities and exploration

The private reserve offers a varied range of excursions. Guests can take walks along hidden trails, go birdwatching at dawn — with the chance to spot up to 400 species — explore waterfalls, and take part in activities such as the Dragonfly, a gondola that soars over the canopy. Other options include the Sky Bike, the Life Center, the observation tower, and birdwatching. Excursions are led by expedition leaders and naturalist guides, many of them native to the region.

Conservation and research

Mashpi Lodge states its commitment to conservation and community development in the Andean Chocó region. It protects 3,200 hectares in the Mashpi Tayra Reserve and restores 2,284 hectares with native tree species. Its in-house research team has discovered 26 new species and published more than 60 scientific articles, as well as collaborating with universities on conservation projects.

The lodge describes itself as an example of regenerative tourism: each visit seeks to minimize impact and improve the ecosystem and surrounding communities. Operations include renewable energy, waste reduction, and carbon-neutral operations. 48% of employees come from nearby areas, 13% of food is sourced locally, and women's entrepreneurship initiatives are supported. Educational programs reach 330 students and offer certifications in adult education and tour guiding.

Packages and combined experiences

The site's catalog shows packages that combine a stay at Mashpi Lodge with other accommodations in Ecuador. The "The Golden Triangle: Best Places to Visit in Ecuador" package offers 8 or 10 nights with Casa Gangotena Boutique Hotel in Quito, Mashpi Lodge with guided activities, and Finch Bay Galapagos, and includes the Dragonfly Canopy Gondola at no extra cost. Its listed price starts at USD 4,399 per guest, excluding taxes.

Another option is the "City and Cloud Forest Tour: Casa Gangotena and Mashpi Lodge," 5 days and 4 nights, with 2 days at Casa Gangotena and 3 at Mashpi, shared transfers, and wifi. Its price starts at USD 2,199 per guest, excluding taxes. The "Ecuador's Unique Destinations Tour" package, 10 days and 9 nights, combines 3 days at Casa Gangotena, 3 at Mashpi, and 4 at Finch Bay Galapagos, with shared transfers and wifi, from USD 6,199 per guest, excluding taxes.

Awards and reviews

The site shows an NPS of 9.5 and featured reviews on Trustpilot and TripAdvisor. Testimonials praise the balance between luxury and a home-like atmosphere, the cuisine, the cleanliness, the quality of the guides, and the bird, butterfly, and moth watching activities. A July 2026 review mentions that the hotel is not inexpensive but that it is worth it; another from May 2026 highlights the mission to maintain and rebuild the ecosystem.

Location and access

The lodge is located in Pacto parish, within the Metropolitan District of Quito, in Ecuador. It is accessed mainly by road: it is about a three-hour drive from Quito's Mariscal Sucre International Airport. The property can arrange transfers. Standard check-in is at 3:00 PM, with the latest arrival time at 4:00 PM; check-out is at 11:00 AM.