Stay: Mashpi Lodge

Cloud Forest, Ecuador

25 Rooms, from 730usd

The road to Mashpi Lodge, located in the Cloud Forest of Ecuador, is as winding as it is lush. The 3+ hour drive out of Quito takes you past the center of the Earth (the Equator), through the small towns on the outskirts of the city, and into the deep forest. If you pay close enough attention, you can see the leaves of the trees become larger and fuller as you get closer to the Cloud Forest (also known as a water forest). Leaves that start as big as your hand - end as big as your torso. 

As you enter the lodge, you’re greeted by a four-story glass wall that looks out into the rainforest. Sometimes it’s hard to tell where the building ends and nature begins. The highlights of the stay are the different activities including long hikes, waterfall swims, gondola rides above the forest, bird watching classes, night walks, sky bikes, hummingbird viewing, and nightly lectures on the species that inhabit the land...just to mention a few. On such excursions, and due to the intricacies of the landscape, you’re paired up with a guide and a few other hotel guests based on interests and fitness levels. While all of the experiences were memorable, there are a few that really stand out:

1. The hike to the waterfall. For more active travellers, you can take the 4-hour hike where you’ll traverse through the forest, wade through a creek for almost an hour before arriving at a discreet waterfall with a base big enough to swim. 
2. The hummingbird sanctuary. About 20 minutes up the hill from the lodge, there is a small area where they care for hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are incredibly friendly birds, they buzz by your head and land right in front of you for water and food, allowing you to get an intimate view of just how stunning they are. Their colors are vibrant and varied with small bursts of shine as they quickly buzz by. 

The activities make Mashpi the amazing place that it is, but the hotel design, service, and food take the experience into the stratosphere. Expect healthy, local options for both vegetarians and carnivores that are expertly executed, with equally satisfying cocktails to match. Guests sleep in architecturally thoughtful, modern rooms that are private and quiet. It’s as peaceful of a retreat as you’ll find. 

Mashpi has proven that “eco” doesn’t have to mean bare bones, that big business doesn’t have to come at the cost of the local communities, and that educational experiences can be both fulfilling and relaxing. 

Note that the lowest tier room (730 usd) tends to book quickly and most rooms start around 2400 usd. Room rates are all-inclusive and include transportation from Quito, guides, food, and all workshops. 

www.mashpilodge.com

Photo Source: Syllogi

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