What's a group trip?
Join a small group of like-minded travellers on a guided trip.
What's a tailor made trip?
We put together a bespoke tour to fit your requirements.
Prices From $1509 / £1226.817 per person
Dates: January 2024
Duration: 3
Capacity: 5 per person
Mashpi Lodge is in one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. The Choco bioregion stretches from Panama through Ecuador to the border with Peru.
Ecuador’s section, the Andean Choco, is part of the world-famous Tumbes-Choco-Darien biodiversity hotspot. It covers 125,000 hectares with diverse microclimates across its undulating topography, offering a unique richness in flora and fauna.
About Mashpi Reserve and Lodge
Mashpi Lodge came to life in 2001 when a group of environmentalists bought 3,000 acres of land in the Choco bioregion. Once farmed and logged, the group set out to protect an area home to more than 400 species of birds, 150 butterfly species, 120 species of amphibians and reptiles, and 100 varieties of trees.
Mashpi Lodge aims to mix the best-in-class hotel service in an artistic, natural environment. It succeeds thanks to luxurious rooms and tasteful communal spaces that blend in and play with the surroundings.
The contemporary and sustainable lodge sits at the beating heart of the Mashpi Reserve, 950m/3,100ft above sea level, among the lower montane tropical rainforest and cloud forests. Panoramic views unfold from almost all areas, fusing you with nature during your stay.
Connect with nature at Mashpi
Connect with nature on the yoga deck, unwind in the spa, or enjoy a meditation session among the cloud forest sounds. Awaken your senses in the lodge’s pristine swimming area next to a refreshing natural waterfall, one of several cascades surrounding Mashpi Lodge, where you can re-energise your spirit.
Your wellness is cared for with high-end gastronomy, exotic cocktails, and the plush Samay Centre and Spa. Learn more about the environment in the expedition room. There’s an indoor and outdoor bar lounge, coffee bar, well-stocked library, gift shop, and viewing platform. There are even some computers for those that may need access.
Mashpi Lodge is also a member of the National Geographic Unique Lodges of the World programme; no need to say more.
Birdwatching
Mashpi Lodge is a birdwatching paradise, with explosively coloured birds sighted among the lush, tropical greenery. Look for the azure blue, deep vermillion, and forest green flashes of birds among the kaleidoscope of butterflies, frogs, and insects.
Some 35 of the 400 species at Mashpi Lodge are endemic, and more than 30 species of hummingbirds have been identified in the area. A highlight for many is the Andean Cock-of-the-Rock lek.
Highlights at Mashpi Lodge
Mashpi’s eight-storey high observation tower (26m/85ft) gives a view over the cloud forest canopy like no other. Watch nature in all its beauty from above the jungle floor.
A life centre offers a journey of learning and discovery for children and adults alike. There, resident scientists talk you through the area’s wildlife while inviting you to witness one of nature’s most striking wonders; the metamorphosis of butterflies.
The dragonfly gondola offers an 80-minute ride through and above the cloud forest canopy along a 1.2 mile/2km route. Alternatively, take the sky bike, pedalling 200m/650ft through the cloud forest canopy, over the jungle, rivers, and wildlife.
A hummingbird garden viewpoint allows guests to observe up to 19 of the 32 species identified at Mashpi. Marvel at the magical hovering birds while keeping your eyes peeled for the toucans and squirrels that share the garden.
Expert guides to help
Local and naturalist guides help spot wildlife on the numerous trails that follow the undulating features of the Mashpi zone. They range from short, 20-minute walks to those up to and over three hours, often combined with other activities. Evocative names include the Howler Monkey, Healing Water, Capuchin Monkey, and Walking Palm trails. You can also head out on night walks and experience the jungle from an entirely new perspective.
Kids love the laboratory where the experiments are designed to make them fall in love with the natural world. Research and conservation projects—new species are often being discovered—amplify this connection.
Take it easy among the birds and breeze on the outdoor yoga deck, soft mats provided. Or try Samay, which means ‘soul’ in Kichwa, a Wellness Centre that offers inner harmony for the mind, body, and soul. Massages, beauty treatments, and a hot tub await.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in Touch
+44 (0)131 378 5593
+44 (0)131 554 6025
info@andeantrails.co.uk
We loved it! Especially the high-altitude trekking and also being able to exert ourselves going up to the Lost City. It was brilliant being able to get there first and hence see the magic of the City with no one else there. We had great guides. We loved Cartagena and the Ananda hotel was lovely. The scenery and fauna in every location was marvellous and all the people were very kind to us. I love aguapanilla! Our guides were all brilliant- especially in Cocoya- and we would happily travel with them again. The Cocoya guides were very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna. They thought, and we agreed, that we could have handled a bit more walking as we are quite fit and tended to get to the next stop more quickly than expected. They were good at adapting the route to accommodate this, and we did an extra trip to Laguna de Otun as a result- this was a real highlight. You were very responsive, knowledgeable and straightforward which we found refreshing. We would like you to organise another trip for us!
Clare and Neil, UK, Jan 2020 » Colombia’s Lost City Trek and Highlights
I woke up and I was full of energy. I slept well. I honestly thought today was going to be worse than it was. But I started going and it was fine. I was so happy to meet the lovely family and students at Finca Argentina that it filled me with good energy. I had such a lovely evening there. Today there was such a beautiful landscape, it made it worth it. Also, I knew how far we had to walk, and how long it was going to take us, and that was really important for me, psychologically. We saw a lot of changes, and humming birds, which was lovely, but I was very tired at some points and my legs were not responding . But it was great in another sense as I was very happy to get to the hotel, knowing I’d seen wonderful things and that I’d done the trek! The landscape was great and finding people who live in these remote places, and live so happily in these lovely areas, that was the most beautiful part for me. And for that alone, it was worth it.
E Sanchez, Spain, 2015 » Colombia’s Coffee Region & Coast Tour
