Hotel in Pichincha Province, Ecuador
Mashpi Lodge
Check rates & availability on Booking.comUltra-luxury eco-lodge in a private cloud forest reserve northwest of Quito. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook pristine rainforest, with aerial tram, canopy bike, and expert naturalist guides. Gourmet cuisine and contemporary design immerse guests in nature without sacrificing comfort.
Mashpi Lodge stands within a 1,300-hectare private cloud forest reserve in the Chocó bioregion of Ecuador's Pichincha Province, approximately 120 kilometres northwest of Quito. The three-hour drive from the capital descends from highland páramo into the western Andes foothills, arriving at a reserve that sits at around 1,200 metres elevation within one of the most biodiverse forest ecosystems on Earth — a region designated part of the Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena biodiversity hotspot. The modernist glass-and-steel lodge building, designed by architect Alfredo Ribadeneira, disappears into the cloud forest canopy with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the forested valley. Contemporary interiors are deliberately minimal, prioritising unobstructed views of the surrounding rainforest from the restaurant, common areas, and guestrooms. The lodge accommodates a maximum of 47 guests across 22 rooms and two suites, all finished with locally sourced timber and equipped with rain showers and premium amenities appropriate to a world-class property. All stays are fully all-inclusive, covering accommodation, three meals daily, selected beverages, and unlimited guided activities within the reserve. The lodge employs a team of specialist naturalist guides who lead small groups on forest walks, nocturnal wildlife hikes, birdwatching circuits, and visits to biological study sites inside the reserve. The Mashpi Sky Bike — a pedal-powered gondola suspended over the forest canopy — and a cable car offering aerial panoramas of the reserve are among the lodge's signature experiences. The restaurant sources most of its ingredients from the reserve's own organic farm and from local Chocó producers, delivering multi-course menus that highlight Ecuadorian and regional forest flavours. A spa offering forest-inspired treatments, a hydrotherapy circuit, and a viewing pool overlooking the canopy complete the wellness facilities. Mashpi Lodge appears regularly on lists of the world's best eco-lodges and was named one of National Geographic's Unique Lodges of the World. A minimum stay of two nights is required; three nights allows access to the full range of habitats and activity rotations within the reserve.
Amenities
- all-inclusive
- gourmet restaurant
- spa
- naturalist guides
- sky bike
- aerial tram
- observatory
Visit / Book / Contact
Location
Reserva Mashpi, Pichincha Province, Ecuador
0.1667, -78.8833 — View on map
Highlights
- Fully all-inclusive cloud forest lodge within a 1,300-hectare private reserve in the Chocó biodiversity hotspot
- Signature Mashpi Sky Bike canopy gondola and aerial tram offering elevated forest perspectives
- Resident naturalist guide team leading birdwatching, night hikes, and biological study-site visits
- Modernist glass lodge architecture with floor-to-ceiling rainforest views from every room and common area
- On-site organic farm restaurant serving multi-course Ecuadorian menus with Chocó regional ingredients
Tips
- A minimum of three nights is recommended to complete the full rotation of habitats and all signature activities including the sky bike and aerial tram
- Pack lightweight long-sleeved layers and a compact rain jacket — cloud forest conditions are warm and humid but mist and brief rain can arrive at any time
- Binoculars rated 8x42 or 10x42 are highly recommended; the reserve records over 400 bird species including rare antpittas, tanagers, and toucans
- The lodge arranges private transfers from Quito; self-driving is possible in a 4WD vehicle but the final section of road is unpaved and narrow
- Book well in advance for stays during July to September and December to January peak periods — the lodge's 47-guest capacity means availability is genuinely limited
FAQ
Is Mashpi Lodge truly all-inclusive?
Yes. All room rates cover three meals daily, non-alcoholic beverages and selected wines, all guided nature activities within the reserve, and use of the aerial tram, sky bike, and spa hydrotherapy circuit. Premium wines and imported spirits are charged separately.
How do guests travel to Mashpi Lodge from Quito?
The lodge is approximately a three-hour drive from central Quito along the Nanegalito–Pacto road. Mashpi arranges private transfers from Quito on request, which is the most comfortable option. Self-driving is feasible with a 4WD vehicle; the final kilometres are unpaved and require care in wet conditions.
What wildlife can guests expect to see at Mashpi?
The Mashpi reserve sits within the Chocó bioregion, one of the most species-rich ecosystems on Earth. Common sightings include glass frogs, woolly monkeys, ocelots, tanagers, mot-mots, toucans, and over 400 bird species. Guides conduct morning and evening sessions timed to peak wildlife activity windows.
Is Mashpi Lodge suitable for children?
The lodge accommodates children aged five and older. Children under five are not accepted due to the safety requirements of canopy activities and elevated walkway infrastructure. Families with older children generally have excellent experiences; consult the lodge directly for age-appropriate activity options.
Can Mashpi Lodge be booked through third-party platforms?
The lodge is listed on Booking.com and through select eco-tour operators, but booking directly through mashpilodge.com typically provides the best rates and allows customisation of transfer arrangements and activity scheduling.
Accessibility
Mashpi Lodge's forest activities involve uneven root-crossed trails, elevated canopy walkways, and outdoor infrastructure not accessible to guests with significant mobility restrictions. The lodge building offers lift access between floors. Prospective guests with mobility concerns should contact the lodge directly to discuss which experiences and areas of the property can be adapted.
When to visit
The cloud forest is active year-round, but wildlife and trail conditions peak during the drier months of July and August. The wetter months from November through May transform the reserve into a mist-veiled landscape ideal for amphibian spotting and atmospheric cloud forest photography.