Price from
£2,480
Spend three nights in the cloud forest and conservation area of the Mashpi Reserve
Experience the ecosystem of the Ecuadorian Chocó rainforest, one of the world’s greatest biodiversity hot spots
Explore the wildlife and natural beauty of the Ecuadorian rainforest while enjoying a variety of activities
Take in the sights of beautiful Quito at your leisure, including an overnight stay
Day 1: Arrival in Quito
Arrive in Ecuador’s capital be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to explore the city’s historic centre. Stroll through its charming streets, visit landmarks such as Plaza Grande, or simply relax and recharge ahead of your adventure.
Day 2: Quito to the Mashpi Reserve
Travel into the Mashpi Reserve, a protected cloud forest in the Chocó hotspot. The three-hour journey from the Andes reveals dramatic shifts in altitude and scenery, descending from 9,200 to 3,300 feet above sea level. On arrival at Mashpi Lodge, enjoy lunch, a conservation briefing, and a guided walk through the flora and fauna along the dense jungle trails. In the evening, listen to fascinating lectures about the unique ecosystem.
Days 3–4: Exploring the Mashpi Reserve
Spend two days discovering the rainforest with your guide. Start at dawn with optional birdwatching, then choose from waterfall hikes, a Sky Bike canopy tour, Dragonfly canopy ride, and visits to the Observation Tower or Life Centre. After dark, join a night walk or relax in the lodge’s wellness areas, followed by an Ecuadorian-inspired dinner overlooking the forest below.
Day 5: Return to Quito
Join an early birdwatching walk to see feeding flocks before breakfast. Afterwards, there’s time for a short hike or final activity before you return to Quito. You’ll spend two nights at your hotel, with a city tour scheduled for the following day, before setting off on your Galápagos expedition.
Please note that we may visit sites in a different order.
Practical information
Included
One hotel night in Quito, including breakfast
Three nights at the Mashpi Lodge with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and soft drinks
Transfers between your hotel in Quito and the Mashpi Lodge
Guided activities and excursions within the Mashpi Reserve
Not included
Dinner at your hotel in Quito
Drinks other than described
Dragonfly canopy ride
Gratuities
Remarks and requirements
This tour is available as a pre-voyage option in combination with expedition cruises starting in Quito before traveling to the Galápagos Islands.
This excursion includes walking over uneven terrain and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility. Parts of the roads to the Mashpi Lodge are unpaved.
Recommended child age 6 years. Kids must be 1 meter (3.2 ft) tall to participate in the Sky Bike, canopy tour, and Dragonfly canopy ride.
If the minimum number of participants is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel the pre-voyage option up to six weeks before departure.
Expedition cruises offering this activity
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