Overview
A biodiversity hotspot
Located on a scenic plateau within its own private reserve, the lodge features breathtaking views of the surrounding cloud forests just three hours from Quito
The contemporary design and style enable total immersion through its floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass windows, with wonderful views from its 24 rooms and a rather spectacular restaurant.
In a complete turnaround from the site's past use as a lumber mill, Mashpi Lodge was built using the latest techniques in sustainable construction in order to protect this vitally important biodiversity hotspot. The fruits of their work can discovered alongside Mashpi's team of Ecuadorian biologists on nature-focused excursions into the forest.
Facts
At a glance
-
24 luxury rooms
-
Restaurant and bar
-
Spa
-
Library
Experiences
-
![Mashpi Lodge Tree frog]()
Conservation projects
The laboratory is the home of investigation projects that are carried out within the Mashpi Reserve, manned by our resident Wildlife Project Coordinator. Here, both young and old can learn more about past and ongoing scientific projects that are carried out by our team and guest researchers
-
![Mashpi lodge hummingbird hero]()
Bird watching
Grab your binoculars and scroll down to spot some birds from the terrace. The lodge’s open-air terrace provides a perfect spot to enjoy splendid views and relax to the sounds of the forest and its inhabitants that flutter within touching distance.
-
![Mashpi Lodge 4]()
Discover the reserve
Explore the 1,300-hectare Mashpi Reserve. From the roots of the trees all the way up and over the canopy, guests will always be accompanied by experienced and insightful guides, most of which grew up playing around inside these same forests.
Conservation
Mashpi Lodge is far more than just a five-star hotel in an exquisite location: you are accessing a research station that is at the forefront of rainforest protection, the Mashpi Reserve. The final goal of this whole project is to bolster both the importance of research and enrich the knowledge of the lodge’s surrounding ecosystem. This knowledge is then shared with local communities, guests and the world at large, all with the aim of underlining the importance of conserving this fragile and fascinating bio-region.
Community & Culture
From the start the lodge has worked hand-in-hand with those living in the areas surrounding the reserve, implementing an innovative program in which they, as well as Lodge employees, become shareholders in the enterprise. Mashpi offers numerous job opportunities for members of the neighbouring communities including professional training and English classes. Many of the guides, lodge staff and the team of para-biologists, for used to work as hunters, loggers or miners on the same land during the days before the project. Their relationship with Mashpi, in this sense, is truly transformative.
And Mashpi takes it one step further: the communities are also the primary providers of agricultural and other food products and supplies that are used at the lodge.
Footprint
The Lodge was sustainably built offsite with much of the structure having been preassembled in Quito and designed around the topography of the site to prevent further damage to the trees. The lodge runs on hydroelectric power and uses recycled water from local rivers and guests are encouraged to be eco-conscious during there stay and minimise there electrical use.
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
-
Example trips
Get inspired
Browse our example trips and get in contact to start planning your very own adventure.
What makes us different
Why Niarra
Niarra Travel is a forward-thinking travel company headquartered in London born out of a passion to do things differently.
In Swahili, a Bantu language spoken by millions in Eastern, Central and Southern Africa, the name Niara means "with utmost purpose" and our team are united by a passion for exploration and a belief that the right kind of travel can make the world a better place.
Our Travel Researchers are here to create incredible trips with a positive impact for you.
-
Unforgettable experiences
Creating your trip is entirely collaborative and our Travel Researchers are here for every step.
-
Positive impact
Curated sustainable experiences and accommodation that maximize the benefits to local people and place.
-
Fairness and transparency
An open, competitive pricing structure that ensures more money goes to where it's needed in the destination.
