As the motorized shades of my hotel room slowly rise, the room fills with muted light filtering through the cloud-shrouded forest canopy. Outside, the trees are draped in moss and the mist looks so thick it feels like I could reach out and touch it, giving the view a slightly eerie, but also magical, feel.
From my bed, I can hear the birdsong echoing faintly through the glass. It feels as if I’ve awakened in another world, a place balanced between the earth and sky. And while I am tempted to linger, it is time to get ready to explore, because that is what a stay at Mashpi Lodge, a luxury eco-lodge in Ecuador’s Chocó cloud forest, is all about.
Hidden deep within Ecuador’s cloud forest, this modern, glass-walled sanctuary blends contemporary design with the lush mystery of one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet. Read on for my full Mashpi Lodge review.
Meanwhile, if you are interested in booking a trip to the Mashpi Lodge, you can receive Virtuoso amenities when you book through me, including a $100 resort or hotel credit to be utilized during your stay. I’m also happy to plan your entire trip to Ecuador!
About Mashpi Lodge
Mashpi Lodge is a luxury eco-lodge set within a private 2,500-acre reserve northwest of Quito, Ecuador’s capital. It was created not only as a destination for travelers, but as a hub for conservation and scientific research. Many of the staff come from nearby communities, and resident biologists and naturalists work to study and protect the incredible flora and fauna that call this region home.
The preserve is home to 400 species of birds—36 of which are endemic (meaning they are found nowhere else in the world.) And I never knew there were so many different varieties of hummingbirds! In addition to the abundant bird life, you can also find monkeys, peccaries, agoutis, tayras, ocelots, and even pumas make their homes inside the reserve. While some,, like the monkeys and wild cats, might be harder to spot, you may get lucky and spy some other wildlife.
The Lodge itself is a small oasis that barely makes a dent in the area’s thick vegetation. Its modern architecture is striking—sleek steel and glass that seems to hover among the trees—yet it feels at home within the landscape. The design invites the outside in, surrounding guests with sweeping views of the mist-shrouded forest.
Getting there is part of the adventure. The journey from Quito takes about three hours, the final hour spent on a narrow, winding dirt road that bumps and jostles through thick vegetation. It’s a route that adds to the sense of remoteness and anticipation, though it can be rough for anyone who is pregnant or has back or neck issues.
Since the Mashpi Lodge is quite isolated, it offers a full board program that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and after-excursion infusions, juices, and snacks. There is also a full bar (not included.) In addition to feeding guests well, the program also includes a selection of daily excursions. There are two excursions per day, and an optional night hike as well for those that want to see the amphibians, reptiles, and insects that appear after dark (personally I was fine sticking to the daylight!)
Mashpi Lodge Review
I visited the Mashpi Lodge for two nights in late June, as part of my two plus week adventure in Ecuador that included a five-night Galapagos cruise, time in Quito and Cuenca, and other luxury hotel stays such as Hacienda La Danesa. This was a solo trip to celebrate my 55th birthday. And even though I was the only other solo traveler that I noticed at the Mashpi Lodge, both the staff and fellow travelers provided a warm welcome.
Facilities and Amenities
The lodge’s communal spaces are as inviting and feel a part of nature, even while protected from the elements. The main restaurant, framed by tall windows, is a perfect place to sip a drink or enjoy your meals. Throughout the lodge, there are cozy spots to relax and either curl up with a book or simply gaze at the trees and the shifting clouds.
There’s a small spa offering massages and wellness treatments, ideal after a day of hiking! In fact, on my last night I decided to skip the night hike and enjoy a massage instead.
Each night, the naturalist guides gather guests in the Expedition Room to discuss the next day’s excursions and share fascinating insights about the forest’s wildlife and ongoing conservation projects.
Outside, there is a viewing platform and sundeck, as well as an observation deck that extends out into the forest, making you feel at one with the trees. Just steps away from the lodge are also hot tubs, which can be prepared for your private enjoyment by reservation, which are covered but open to the forest.
Since Mashpi Lodge does conduct scientific research and observation, there is also an interactive laboratory where the biologists work but can also sometimes be visited by guests.
Accommodations at Mashpi Lodge
Guest rooms at the Mashpi Lodge are designed to keep your focus on the natural beauty outside. Floor-to-ceiling windows fill the space with light and make the forest feel like an extension of the room. The décor is understated—clean lines, neutral colors, and just enough warmth in the textures to feel inviting.
While the rooms are not quite as luxurious as the lodge’s price tag might suggest, they are comfortable and well thought out. You’ll find everything you need: a rainfall shower, plush bedding, and eco-friendly touches throughout. Upon check-in, each guest receives a refillable Mashpi water bottle to use during their stay and take home afterward, a simple gesture that reflects the lodge’s commitment to sustainability.
Rooms are spread out over three floors of the lodge and while I didn’t see an elevator anywhere, the staff provided door-to-door luggage delivery. Many of the rooms can be interconnecting for families and there are a few suites with soaking tubs for a romantic experience for couples.
Dining at Mashpi Lodge
Meals are included, and dining is a highlight of the Mashpi experience. The light-filled restaurant is a spectacular setting for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Menus change daily and highlight Ecuadorian ingredients and regional flavors.
Each meal offers both refined and relaxed options. The flavors are fresh, creative, and beautifully presented. Breakfast is a buffet and lunch also offers a salad bar.
While the food was delicious, what really stood out throughout the Mashpi Lodge was the level of service. I saw the same servers at each meal and within hours of arriving they were greeting me by name and graciously leading me to “my” table. On my second evening, the staff even surprised me with a slice of birthday cake.
It’s those small moments of care that make Mashpi feel so special—where luxury isn’t about opulence but about feeling known and looked after.
Excursions and Guided Activities
Adventure is at the heart of every stay at Mashpi Lodge. Upon arrival, guests are assigned to small groups, usually matched by interests and families are kept together. Each day typically includes two main excursions—one in the morning and another in the afternoon—along with an optional night walk to spot nocturnal creatures.
Each evening, you’ll be asked to choose your preferred activities for the next day, though it’s easy to switch plans if something else catches your eye. The guides are outstanding—experienced naturalists and biologists who know every sound and shadow of the forest. They carry binoculars and telescopes for guests to use and will often help you capture stunning close-up photos through their scopes using your own phone.
Mashpi also provides rain boots for the trails, which are often muddy, and walking sticks are available at the start of each hike.
Hike to the Life Center
After lunch on my first day, I joined the guided hike to the Life Center. Along the way, our guide pointed out plant, birds, and insects, explaining the ecosystem of the cloud forest. The nature center has a large viewing platform and our guide set out some bananas to attract the wildlife — and it worked!
In addition to plentiful bird life, other curious creatures were soon drawn to the buffet and we had a lot of fun watching the tayra sneak off with more than its share of bananas. The agoutis also came to say hello and it was fun to see these large, capybara-like rodents in the wild.
After getting our fill of birdwatching, we went into the Life Center and spent some time in the butterfly garden. The route to the nature center is a gradual downhill path, which means a few steep climbs on the return.
Sky Bike
One of the most unique activities at Mashpi is the Sky Bike—a two-person bicycle that glides along a suspended cable above the forest. The back rider does the pedaling, which is no small task, as the bike is quite heavy. Since I was traveling solo, my guide volunteered to do the work, giving me time to soak in the sweeping canopy views.
It’s a fun and slightly thrilling way to experience the forest from above. I had been scheduled to ride the Dragonfly, a motorized gondola that provides a similar vantage point without the effort, but it was temporarily out of service during my visit. If your thighs aren’t ready for a serious workout, I suggest that you opt for the Dragonfly if it is available during your stay.
Observation Tower
Beside the Sky Bike stands a tall metal observation tower that rises above the canopy. The climb is steep, with open sides and grated steps, so it’s not ideal for anyone with vertigo or a fear of heights. On the day I visited, the forest was completely enveloped in cloud, making it difficult to see much beyond the first layer of trees. I’d recommend saving this one for a sunny or clear morning when the views stretch endlessly across the forested hills.
Waterfall Hike
This scenic trail leads to a beautiful waterfall hidden deep within the reserve. The path is often slick and the climb back up can be steep, but the reward is worth every step. The falls tumble into a clear pool where you can take a refreshing swim if you’ve brought a bathing suit.
Hummingbird Garden
A bumpy van ride takes you to the Hummingbird Garden near the reserve’s entrance. Here, dozens of species of hummingbirds zip around the feeders, flashing iridescent greens, blues, and reds. They’re remarkably unbothered by people, often hovering inches from your face or landing on nearby branches for the perfect photo opportunity. It’s an enchanting place, especially for birdwatchers and photographers.
Tips for Visiting Mashpi Lodge
Mashpi is an incredible experience, but it’s not for everyone. The focus here is on nature and exploration, not lounging by a pool. With that in mind, here are a few tips to make the most of your stay:
- Plan to stay two or three nights. That’s enough time to experience the lodge’s highlights without repeating activities.
- Expect an active trip. Most excursions involve hiking and uneven terrain, so a moderate level of fitness is helpful.
- This is a perfect destination for birdwatchers, photographers, and nature lovers who want to immerse themselves in the cloud forest.
- The access road is very bumpy, so it’s best avoided by those with back or neck problems.
- Pack quick-dry clothing, hiking pants, a waterproof jacket, a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen. Mashpi provides rain boots and insect repellent, but you’ll appreciate comfortable layers for the cool, damp climate. Just make sure you have some thick, wool hiking socks because the rain boots can be a bit loose and not the most comfortable for long walks.
Final Thoughts: Is Mashpi Lodge Worth It?
Mashpi Lodge is more than a hotel—it’s an experience that reconnects you with nature. Every moment feels immersive, from the morning mist outside your window to the sound of rain tapping on the leaves during an afternoon hike. The setting is extraordinary, the staff are warm and knowledgeable, and the food is delicious.
While the rooms themselves are understated, the real luxury of Mashpi is the experience: watching a hummingbird hover inches from your hand or standing on a platform surrounded by clouds. For travelers seeking an escape that combines comfort, adventure, and a deep respect for the natural world, Mashpi Lodge is absolutely worth the journey.
Do you need help planning your trip? If you are feeling overwhelmed and don’t have the time or resources to wade through tons of information and question your decisions, I help clients plan a custom itinerary, tailored to your interests and travel style. Learn more about my Travel Advisor and trip planning services.
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Tamara Gruber is an award-winning travel writer and the founder of Your Time to Fly. With more than a decade of professional writing experience across two travel publications and hundreds of destination guides, she specializes in crafting practical, detailed itineraries that help travelers explore the world with confidence. Her work reflects years of on-the-ground research across the globe. Tamara is a member of SATW and serves on the Board of Directors of the Family Travel Association.
