Mashpi and the Chocó Cloud Forest
After three days in Quito, we discovered a second reason to visit Ecuador. A three-hour drive of winding and bumpy roads from Quito leads you to one of the most magnificent places on earth, Mashpi Reserva, the Chocó Cloud Forest. I had just learned that this place existed the moment we arrived. Thanks to Metropolitan Touring for planning such a wonderful experience. Let me tell you more about the Cloud Forest and our stay at the Mashpi Lodge.
The Mashpi Reserva is located in the Chocó region, home to most of Ecuador’s primary forest. Unfortunately, logging, mining, and the palm oil industry pose an existential threat. In the Chocó region, logging has razed over 98% of the forest. Today, only two percent of the Choco Cloud Forest remains intact. Also, the area’s rich deposits of gold and copper have attracted large-scale mining operations, which aid in poisoning and destroying the forest and imperiling indigenous communities.
The three-hour drive from Quito was scenic as we drove through some small towns and villages. Winding roads and changing altitudes unsettled a couple of stomachs, but we finally arrived at Mashpi Lodge. Although I saw photos of the lodge online, Mashpi Lodge is spectacular.
Cloud Forest vs. Rainforest
Mashpi Lodge is located on a remote 3200-acre private ecological reserve. It is situated in a transition zone between cloud forest and rainforest. What is a cloud forest? It is a type of rainforest found in high altitudes. A cloud forest receives a high level of precipitation. I knew that rainforests and cloud forests produce their precipitation. However, I learned that most cloud forests’ precipitation comes directly from clouds that filter through the trees and vegetation. Nature is amazing!
Mashpi Lodge
Mashpi Lodge has 20 guest rooms and three suites. All have a forest view. When you walk into your room and raise the curtain, the greenery, trees, birds, and other rainforest creatures are in full view. The public spaces, including the dining room and bar, are framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. During meals, you can view and savor fresh fruits, vegetables, and Ecuadorian cuisine. Book your room and stay at the Mashpi Lodge!
Day 1 at the Mashpi Lodge
We were made to feel welcome and home when we stepped out of our van. The ambiance is so relaxing and natural that there’s an immediate sense of comfort. We were greeted and met with staff for an informational meeting about the history of the lodge and the upcoming events. After our meeting, we had lunch and returned to our rooms to prepare for our first nature hike.
The first hike was to help the staff determine our level of endurance. We were fitted with knee-high rubber rain boots. We all had rain jackets or ponchos, but the lodge supplies them if needed. Everyone was given a walking stick to support their balance. Our guide gave us safety tips and expectations before we began our hike. It’s funny, but I thought I was in decent physical shape until Mashpi showed me otherwise!
Our First Hike
We walked over a mile along a road and hit one of the trails. The trail led to the Sky Bike and the observation tower. The Sky Bike is a fun way to explore the forest canopy up close and personal. You’ll need strong legs, too. The sky bike holds two people, and one pedals the bike along a cable stretched between two points. The two points are approximately 650 feet apart. You cross a gorge above a river and enjoy nature’s beauty and power. At the time of our visit, there were two sky bikes. More are planned in the future.
While some in the group road the sky bike, others climbed the Observation Tower. It is an eight-story-high metal structure, and I lost count of the number of stairs. The climb was no joke, but you will be awestruck when you get to the top to see the view. A view from the tower includes the mountains and a sea of greenery. You may also see various birds like toucans, parrots, or woodpeckers. Remember to take your camera and binoculars.
It was time to return to the lodge after visiting the Sky Bike and Observation Tower. The walk is approximately 10 minutes from the lodge. We arrived, cleaned up for dinner, and then met at the bar for drinks before dinner. After a delicious dinner, we engaged in an informational session about biodiversity and various species endemic to Mashpi Reserva.
Day Two – Over the River and Through the Forest
Again, I thought I was in great shape until the second hike told me otherwise. Yet, I loved every minute of exploring nature and seeing phenomenal sights. Before our hike, we ate breakfast. Next, we gathered our gear, fitted for our knee-high rubber rain boots and walking sticks, sprayed on insect repellent, and filled our water bottles. We were ready for the adventure.
The trail was farther away than the first day’s walk. Three guides accompanied us, one leading the way and the others backing up the middle and end of the line. While walking along the trail, the guides explained the significance of plants, insects, and wildlife that were seen. The trail has stairs made from milk crate-like material and wooden handrails. The walking sticks came in handy because of uneven stairs and ground. Some areas were muddy or slick from the precipitation and moisture. The hike was not for the weak!
Our guide took us to beautiful waterfalls and a natural jacuzzi during the hike. Some in our group took a swim in the water surrounding the jacuzzi. I dipped my toes in the cold but refreshing water and photographed my group mates enjoying their swim.
Afterward, we returned to our hike; however, this time, we walked through a river. Thank God for the knee-high boots. They came in handy, but some spots in the river were above the knee. Hence, we often had wet soaks and feet for the rest of the hike. We truly were experiencing nature.
The Dragon Fly
Our nature walk continued until we arrived at the Dragonfly. Before accessing the Dragonfly, we were faced with more stairs. Again, I lost count of how many stairs there were and called for Jesus during the walk to the top.
What is the Dragonfly? It is a cable car ride across the canopy of the rainforest. The ride takes over 45-60 minutes and covers two kilometers. The ride moves slowly so you can take in all the magnificence of what’s below and what’s in the trees. Gliding through the treetops, we saw waterfalls, toucans, and other birds. We could see from above the path we took through the forest. It was a relaxing experience after our hike.
After disembarking from the Dragonfly, we walked back to the Mashpi Lodge. The day was an exhilarating experience, but we were exhausted. Upon returning to the lodge, we ate lunch. Afterward, some rested and napped to prepare for the evening hike to the Life Center and the night hike.
Life Center and Night Hike
I did not participate in the visit to the Life Center and night hike. My right knee wouldn’t let me be great and demanded rest. The others in the group did participate and took some fantastic photos. The Life Center is a place for learning and discovery. Once inside, you can learn more about the butterflies that dwell in the area. We learned there are over 200 species of butterfly that inhabit the Mashpi Reserva. After visiting the Life Center, the group took a night hike where they observed the nocturnal creatures that inhabit the forest.
Hummingbird Viewpoint
On our last day, I took a morning walk after breakfast. A couple of people painted with watercolors, and others finished packing up to leave. We boarded our van and drove to the Hummingbird Viewpoint. Over 32 hummingbird species have been identified in the Mashpi forest. We observed several species during our 90 minutes or more at the viewpoint.
The viewpoint has a shelter with seating so guests can relax while observing the birds. Hummingbirds flew around at great speed, and you could hear the buzzing sound of their wings in your ear. I held a small container of sugar water in my palm to entice them to land in my hand. Soon, several hummingbirds were in the palm of my hand, sipping the sugar water. It was an exciting moment and experience.
Mashpi Lodge Gives Back
Visiting the Mashpi Lodge is more than the experience as a guest. It is more than tourism. The lodge and the reserve are regenerative spaces. Why? The depressing statistic that 98% of the forest was destroyed inspired the former mayor of Quito, Roque Sevilla, to buy a piece of land in the Chocó Cloud Forest in 2001 to preserve it. He continued to buy more and more, expanding his land into the 6,178-acre Mashpi Reserve.
Sevilla not only had a mission to save the forest, but he also wanted to lift the Ecuadorian communities using the power of tourism. Most of the staff members at Mashpi Lodge are from surrounding communities. One of our guides helped to build the lodge and still contributes to its success.
The Mashpi Lodge was constructed on the site of a former sawmill. So, no trees were cut down during construction. All building materials were sourced nearby. The research at the reserve has identified 16 or more new species. These discoveries enhance the importance of the Chocó Cloud Forest. Also important is the restaurant sources most of its ingredients from local families and producers within a 30-mile radius.
Add the Chocó Cloud Forest and Mashpi Lodge to your bucket list. You will love the experience.
Packing for Mashpi Lodge
You will explore the cloud forest, and guess what? It’s wet and, in some places, muddy! There are insects and wildlife. Although it’s wet, the location is near the equator. So, here’s a quick list of essential and useful items to pack. You can purchase many of these items on the Sustah-Girl Chronicles Amazon Store.
- Hat or Cap
- Dark or Earth-tone long sleeve shirts
- Dark or Earth-tone lightweight pants (I prefer cargo pants)
- Breathable and Moisture-Wicking socks – Crew Length (You don’t want the rubber boots to eat your socks!)
- Comfortable Walking Shoes (The lodge provides knee-high rubber boots.)
- Sunblock
- Insect Repellant
- Camera and Binoculars
- Lightweight Sweater or Jacket
- Rain Jacket or Poncho (The lodge provides if needed)
- Headlamp or Flashlight for the Night Hike
- Waterproof bags of Ziploc bags to keep items dry
That sounds amazing. I think I would have to train for those hikes, though. You’re a very good writer.
Thank you! You definitely should plan a visit.