I’ll never forget the first morning I woke up at Mashpi Lodge. The rainforest was wrapped in a soft layer of mist, and from my room’s floor-to-ceiling windows, I could see the trees stretching endlessly into the distance. Somewhere in the canopy, a bird called out, and a flash of color zipped past before I’d even finished my first cup of Ecuadorian coffee.

On my first day, I eased into Mashpi life with a short hike to a nearby waterfall, the air heavy with the scent of damp earth and orchids. Back at the lodge, I enjoyed a beautiful meal before heading out on my first night hike—flashlight in hand, scanning the shadows for hidden movement. Within minutes, we were spotting creatures I’d only ever seen in nature documentaries. It was the perfect welcome to this wild, magical place.

Life in the Cloud Forest

Mashpi isn’t just somewhere you stay—it’s somewhere you experience. Tucked deep in Ecuador’s Chocó cloud forest, the lodge sits inside a private 6,000-acre reserve that’s home to countless species found nowhere else on Earth. You’re not just a visitor here; for the length of your stay, you’re part of the ecosystem.

Days blend adventure and quiet moments. One afternoon, after a humid jungle trek, I cooled off with a swim in a fresh, cold waterfall pool—an invigorating reward for muddy boots and damp clothes. Another day, I floated silently above the treetops on the Dragonfly canopy gondola, stepping off at a far platform just in time to spot a sloth nestled in the high branches.

Guided Adventures You’ll Never Forget

Mashpi’s guides are the heart of the experience. Many grew up in nearby villages and know the forest’s plants, birds, and hidden trails like old friends. They tailor each excursion to the group, making every outing feel personal.

The Dragonfly Canopy Gondola
Hundreds of feet above the forest floor, the Dragonfly offers sweeping views you can’t get any other way. The ride is calm and almost meditative—until your guide suddenly points to a rare wildlife sighting you’d never have spotted on your own.

Sky Bike Adventure
Pedaling between canopy towers offers a rush of fresh air and a unique angle on the forest. Bromeliads cling to the trees around you, each cradling its own tiny ecosystem.

Birdwatching & the Hummingbird Garden
One morning, I had breakfast in the hummingbird garden, surrounded by the soft whir of wings. These tiny jeweled birds zipped right past my face and even landed on my hands to sip sugar water, before darting back to the surrounding flowers for the rest of their natural diet. Watching them up close was pure magic.

Night Hikes — My Favorite
The night hikes quickly became my favorite part of each day. Every evening felt different: one night we watched delicate glass frogs clinging to leaves, another we followed the reflective eyeshine of an owl. On our final hike, we ventured off the main trail to a quieter, more remote part of the forest with a small group of fellow adventurers. There, our guide proudly pointed out the Mashpi glass frog—a species he himself had discovered, found only in this very forest. Seeing it in the wild felt like witnessing a little piece of scientific history.

Luxury in the Middle of the Wild

Back at the lodge, there’s no shortage of comfort. Rooms have floor-to-ceiling views of the forest, cocktails are inspired by local flavors, and meals are fresh and creative. Evenings were spent swapping stories with fellow travelers over drinks, watching the mist roll through the canopy, or just sitting back and listening to the forest.

Telos Travel Booking Benefits:

Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
$100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi

Beyond Mashpi — Ecuador’s Wild Heart

While Mashpi is a standout experience, it’s just one part of Ecuador’s natural magic. Pair it with a trip to:

The Galápagos Islands to swim alongside sea lions and see blue-footed boobies.
The Amazon Rainforest for pink river dolphins and rare primates.
The Andes Highlands for sweeping páramo landscapes and condors soaring over snow-capped volcanoes.

Ready for an adventure?

Ecuador may be small, but its biodiversity is unmatched—and Mashpi Lodge is the perfect way to experience the wild without sacrificing comfort.

Click HERE to get started!