Exploring the Wonders of Ecuador's Cloud Forest
Mashpi Lodge Cloud Forest Extension
Overview
Exploring the wonders of the Mashpi Reserve is a must for any nature enthusiast and an excellent complement to your Galápagos Islands cruise. Home to both cloud forest and rainforest, Mashpi forms part of the globally important Chocó biodiversity hotspot. From a luxurious retreat set within the reserve, discover extraordinary biodiversity—up to 400 species of birds, endemic wildlife, and otherworldly flora—as you wander secluded trails, cross bubbling streams, and glide above the forest canopy aboard a unique gondola. Expert naturalist guides accompany all excursions, offering insight into the region's remarkable ecosystems and conservation efforts. This extension can be enjoyed before or after your Galápagos cruise.
Arrive: Quito, Ecuador
Depart: Quito, Ecuador
Highlights
- Walk secluded trails to hidden waterfalls, climb the observation tower
- Ride a "Sky Bike" through the forest canopy
Itinerary
Arrive in Quito and overnight at the Wyndham Airport Hotel...meals on your own
Morning transfer to Mashpi Lodge, set within 3,200 acres of pristine wilderness. Traveling along the western flank of the Andes, descend into Ecuador’s lush cloud forest and arrive at the lodge around noon for lunch in the dining room. Afterwards, meet the expedition staff to learn more about Mashpi and plan your activities for the coming days, all accompanied by expert naturalist guides and enjoyed at your own pace.
This afternoon, set out on your first excursion—perhaps a forest hike followed by a ride above the canopy aboard the lodge’s aerial cable car. After dark, the forest takes on a different character as nocturnal creatures emerge. Accompanied by your guides, head out on a Night Walk in search of tiny frogs, snakes, and fascinating insects. Overnight at Mashpi Lodge...BLD
Driving Details: 3.5 hours
Enjoy a full day exploring the cloud forest of Mashpi Reserve. Mashpi is home to spectacled bears, mantled howler monkeys, tayras, ocelots, hundreds of amphibian and reptile species, thousands of insect and arachnid species, and more than 400 species of birds. Early risers may wish to enjoy a cup of coffee on the terrace while observing the rich birdlife as it searches for insects and fruit in the forest canopy.
After breakfast, visit the Observation Tower for a view of the jungle from nearly 100 feet above the ground, where much of the forest's biodiversity thrives. The Sky Bike offers another exhilarating perspective, gliding by pedal-powered cable across a ravine and river while taking in misty layers of cloud forest and vibrant birdlife in flight.
Additional activities may include guided walks along hidden forest trails, some leading to cascading waterfalls and others to places such as the Life Center, where you can learn more about the cloud forest ecosystem and observe butterflies in the Butterfly Garden. Overnight at Mashpi Lodge...BLD
Morning explorations may include an early rise to witness the stunning array of birdlife or a walk along a forest trail. Depart the lodge at 11:00 am for the return transfer to your Quito hotel, with a box lunch en route...BL
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.