Mashpi Lodge, Ecuador

Overview

Four hours northwest of Quito, perched above the Chocó cloud forest at 3,100 ft, Mashpi Lodge is a luxury eco‑sanctuary in Ecuador’s most biodiverse corridor. Encircled by 2,500 hectares of protected reserve, it lies within one of the world’s richest ecological hotspots – home to 500+ bird species, rare orchids, amphibians, and recent discoveries like the Mashpi torrenteer frog.

The lodge itself is a striking glass‑and‑steel structure that hovers among the emergent canopy. All 22 suites feature floor‑to‑ceiling windows offering immersive forest views; public areas include a high‑ceiling dining room, open‑air lounges, and a gallery of local art. A highlight is the Dragonfly Tram – an aerial gondola that transports guests 200 ft above the canopy for silent wildlife observation without disrupting the forest.

At the heart of the lodge is conservation. A silent hydro‑electric plant powers the property, 70 % of staff are local former loggers turned guardians, and Mashpi runs citizen science projects with world‑class biologists. Excursions range from guided birding and nocturnal frog walks to mosquito‑free night hikes and waterfall bathing. For guests seeking luxury with ecological purpose, Mashpi is an unparalleled rainforest retreat.