Mashpi Lodge

Mashpi Lodge is a truly remarkable rainforest retreat, an architectural marvel hidden within the lush cloud forests of the Andean Chocó bioregion in Ecuador. Perched at an elevation of around 900 metres above sea level, this striking, glass-fronted lodge feels as though it has been delicately placed in the heart of a private reserve, cocooned by misty forest and alive with the hum and rustle of the wild. The experience at Mashpi is immersive from the moment of arrival, offering an elegant balance of modern comfort and untamed nature.

The lodge itself is sleek and contemporary, designed to bring the outside in. Its floor-to-ceiling windows seem to dissolve the boundaries between you and the emerald wilderness beyond. The atmosphere is refined yet warm, with polished wood, natural stone, and soft ambient lighting creating a serene sanctuary. Despite its remote location, Mashpi Lodge provides a level of sophistication on par with the world’s finest eco-lodges, seamlessly blending environmental sensitivity with understated luxury.

Accommodation at Mashpi Lodge consists of three main room types, each designed to maximise the connection to the forest while ensuring ultimate comfort. 

The Yaku Suites, named after the Kichwa word for water, are the most spacious and luxurious option. Positioned at the lodge’s northwestern corner, they offer breathtaking views of the forested hills and valleys, best enjoyed from the deep-soaking tub set against panoramic windows. The suites feature king-size beds, expansive bathrooms with twin washbasins, plush robes, and thoughtful touches such as reading chairs and writing desks, allowing guests to relax in privacy while remaining connected to the ever-changing forest outside.

The Wayra Rooms, meaning "wind" in Kichwa, are generously sized and equally inviting. Available with either a king bed or two twin beds, they boast floor-to-ceiling windows that open up to the dense greenery, as well as en-suite bathrooms with rain showers and premium amenities. Even the smallest rooms at Mashpi feel grand thanks to the panoramic views and the calming soundscape of the cloud forest that filters in.

For families or groups, some Wayra Rooms can be interconnected, creating a more flexible living space without sacrificing the sense of seclusion and immersion in nature. Whichever room you choose, waking to see mist rising over the treetops and the sounds of exotic birds at dawn is an unforgettable experience.

The wildlife at Mashpi Lodge is nothing short of extraordinary. Located within one of the most biologically diverse areas on Earth, the reserve shelters a staggering variety of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the region. Guests can encounter over 400 species of birds, including the dazzling Andean cock-of-the-rock, various species of hummingbirds flitting like living jewels, and the elusive long-wattled umbrellabird, a true highlight for birdwatchers. The forests are also home to troops of capuchin monkeys, tayras, ocelots, and even the rarely seen puma. Colourful butterflies, tree frogs, and exotic insects thrive in abundance, while night walks reveal nocturnal creatures such as kinkajous and phosphorescent fungi, adding an otherworldly dimension to the Mashpi experience.

Exploration is at the heart of a stay here, and the lodge offers a variety of guided excursions led by expert naturalists and local guides. Trails weave through the forest to hidden waterfalls and scenic viewpoints, while the Sky Bike — a two-person, pedal-powered aerial bicycle — allows guests to glide silently through the canopy. The Dragonfly, an open-air cable car, offers yet another perspective, carrying visitors high above the treetops for a bird’s-eye view of the landscape below.

As for the best time to visit Mashpi Lodge, the reserve is enchanting throughout the year, but it is worth understanding the subtle nuances of the seasons. Being in the cloud forest, Mashpi experiences frequent mist and rainfall year-round, contributing to its lush, verdant character. However, the region sees a wetter period with heavier rains from December to May, resulting in even greener foliage and spectacular waterfalls. During this time, the increased humidity also brings an explosion of activity among amphibians and reptiles, and photographic conditions are particularly atmospheric with the moody interplay of light and mist.

From June to November, conditions tend to be slightly drier, making trails more accessible and wildlife spotting a touch easier as animals are drawn to fewer water sources. Birdwatching is superb throughout the year, but some migratory species are more visible in the drier months. Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on personal preferences — whether you seek the dramatic beauty of the rains or the clearer, crisper days of the drier season, Mashpi Lodge promises an extraordinary encounter with the wild.

A stay at Mashpi Lodge is not simply an escape to nature but a deep, sensory immersion into one of the planet’s most extraordinary ecosystems. It is a place where luxury meets adventure and every moment spent gazing through the glass walls feels like watching a living, breathing documentary unfold before you.