Mashpi Lodge near Quito
Built on the site of a former lumber mill, the lodge is at the point of transition from lower montane rain forest and cloud forest.
Mashpi Lodge
Living in a forest doesn’t have to mean roughing it, as shown by this ultra-stylish and luxurious lodge near Quito where visitors are not only surrounded by the trees but get to ride high above them in the Dragonfly gondola.
Even if the Mashpi Lodge was a bunker, not one visitor will ever forget their visit because of its tree-canopy ride in the Dragonfly gondola. After all, how could you, as it takes your breath away, the open-metal carriage sometimes up to 200 metres above the forest floor as the one-mile ride treats you to a bird’s-eye view of treetops and streams far below.
Then, just where you least expect it, is the lodge in a steaming, breathing, living place, as it adds another reason to stick in the mind. It’s the brainchild of former Quito mayor Roque Sevilla who was driven to buying patches of the Choco cloud forest to help preserve it and kept going until he owned 6,000 acres. Such is his love of the forest that not one tree was felled in its construction.
Built on the site of a former lumber mill, the lodge is at the point of transition from lower montane rain forest and cloud forest. It’s the last place that you would expect to find such luxury but, with floor-to-ceiling windows, the view from inside to out from this steel, glass and concrete lodge is spectacular and it changes as you move between each of its three storeys.
Mashpi is particularly rich in birdlife, with more than 400 species, including toucans, tanagers and as many as 15 different hummingbirds.
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BEST TIME TO VISITMashpi Lodge
June to September: This period corresponds to the dry season in the Quito area. It’s an excellent time to visit if you prefer more stable weather with less rainfall. The landscape is lush and green, making it a picturesque time to explore the area.
Ecuador has several festivals throughout the year which can round out the cultural experience.
October to May: The wet season is characterized by more frequent rainfall, which contributes to the region’s vibrant greenery. While there may be occasional showers, the rainy season can be a unique experience for nature enthusiasts. The landscape is at its most lush and vibrant, offering great opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting.
BEST TIME TO VISITMashpi Lodge
Mashpi Lodge (FAQS) NEED TO KNOW
Is the Mashpi Lodge Family Friendly?
The lodge offers a range of activities that can be enjoyed by family members of all ages.
How long should I stay at the Mashpi Lodge?
Due to its proximity to Quito, a stay for only two nights is perfectly possible but three nights is optimum.
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A print anthology of safari and wilderness travel with over 220 pages of travel inspiration.