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ABOUT MASHPI ECUADOR LODGE - "A Rainforest Hotel in the Clouds" - in their own words:
Mashpi Lodge is a private getaway only accessible to guests. Located on a high plateau, it is ideally situated to give breathtaking views of the forest and valleys from nearly every angle.

The lodge, built with the latest techniques in sustainable building, is designed to blend beautifully with its surroundings. It features contemporary, minimalist design and decor, mixing warm earth tones and clean lines: a cozy cocoon amid the forest with the natural world just beyond, ideal for contemplation and relaxation.

At the reserve's entrance camp, vehicles are left behind and guests board specially-designed electrically-powered buggies for their journey to the lodge itself.  These buggies lower the impact of human presence on the forest by preserving fossil fuel and reducing noise.

The lodge is intimate, accommodation a maximum of 36 guests, in 18 ample 430 sq ft suites. Suites are tastefully furnished, with a king size bed or two queen-size beds. For those traveling with friends or family, connecting rooms are available.

Social areas include several relaxing lounges. Like the suites, these feature huge picture windows making guests feel part of their surroundings, where, at night, the only lights are the dance of myriad fireflies. Mashpi Lodge provides a Reading Room with internet access and an extensive collection of books and videos on the natural world.

Masphi Lodge features two jacuzzis, as well as specialized massages and treatments, many employing natural local ingredients such as earth, stones, herbs and leaves.

Gourmet meals are specially prepared by our chef with local fresh organic produce and are accompanied by our house wine.

SERVICES & FACILITIES:

• Rubber boots, rain ponchos and binoculars supplied
• Massage and treatment room
• Laundry service
• Terrace cafe-bar
• Reading/Briefing room with extensive library and video collection
• Internet center
• WiFi throughout
• Dining room
• Bar
• Emergency electricity generator
• Electronic room keys
• Fire prevention and precaution systems
• Closed circuit surveillance and security guards
• Lounge with flat screen TV
• Cable TV with over 90 national and international channels
• Electricity: 110 volts (220 volts in certain areas only)

WHERE IS MASHPI?  
The Mashpi Biodiversity Reserve is easily accessible, located only two and a half hours to the northwest of Ecuador’s beautifully preserved capital city of Quito via paved and secondary roads.

The 1103 hectare (2,725 acre) Mashpi Biodiversity Reserve is rainforest, and is located in one of the most important global “hot spots” of biodiversity: Tumbez-Chocó-Darién. Considered one of the richest on Earth, it features an exceptionally high level of endemism. Beginning in southern Panama, these lush forests extend 1,500 kilometers (932.1 miles),  southward along the western flank of the Andes Mountains, including the Pacific coasts of Colombia and Ecuador. Mashpi Lodge features year-round access and activities.

PACKING

NOTES:

#1 Guests will be supplied with rubber boots. Please ensure you send us your size. The lodge also supplies walking poles, but you may want to bring your own.

#2 We kindly ask that luggage not exceed 45 lbs (20 kilos) in weight, with one item per person.

#3 Due to the Lodge’s waste water management system, we request guests only use biodegradable soaps and shampoos (the Lodge supplies these as part of its amenities), and only flush toilet paper in lavatories.

#4 The small boutique at the lodge sells a range of books, guides, clothing (T-shirts, shirts, hats, buffs), crafts, as well as essentials (batteries, health care products, etc.).

• Sunhat
• Sun block
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Walking shoes/sneakers
• Socks: we recommend joggers’ socks that don’t slip easily inside rubber boots. Asics Tegan Knee-High or Kayano Classic Quarter are both good options. 2 pairs per day are ideal.
• Light-weight, earth- or dark-coloured, long-sleeved T-shirts and shirts
• Earth- or dark-coloured, light-weight trousers
• Light fleece/sweater
• Sandals/Tevas
• Goretex jacket – guests will also be supplied with waterproof ponchos
• Insect repellent (natural, not chemical like DEET)
• Good binoculars (Guides will have pairs to share)
• Small backpack for trails
• 6 Ziploc bags of different sizes for keeping things dry
• Sealable bag for packing dirty laundry in luggage
• Headlamp (or Flashlight)
• Extra batteries
• Appliance chargers. Plugs in Ecuador are US-style, 2 flat pins 110 volts. 220 volt adaptors can be supplied upon request.