Mashpi Cloud Forest Lodge Extension

• 3 days

DAY 1: Depart from Quito for Mashpi Lodge

The adventure begins in Ecuador's heritage capital, Quito, at the scheduled transfer time of 8.30am from the city's main hotels (time will be reconfirmed directly with you prior to today). The road journey will take you through stunning scenery and you will discover the spectacular natural diversity of the Andean landscape. From the dry valley of Pomasqui towards the cordillera's western flank, into lush, misty cloud forest, and enter the magical world of Mashpi. Mashpi Reserve extends over the surrounding 1,300 hectares and is a haven for wildlife and biodiversity. Arrive at the lodge for lunch before the afternoon’s activities commence. Various activities are available, dependent on factors such as group size, physical abilities and weather conditions. Optional night walks head out from the hotel following dinner.

DAY 2: Activities at Mashpi Lodge

Early morning activities are organised before breakfast for those who want to enjoy the beauty and magic of dawn in the forest – which is when most birds are active, and when views are most spectacular. Following breakfast, head out from the lodge to explore the lush surroundings, returning for lunch and a rest, before enjoying an afternoon amid nature, then dinner, night walks and a good night’s rest.

DAY 3: Depart Mashpi Lodge

On the last day, there’s an early breakfast, followed by a morning activity. Guests return to the lodge and check out at 1.30pm. Drive back eastwards, winding your way up the Andes towards the capital, arriving at your hotel in Quito in the late afternoon.

• Complete your Ecuadorian adventure with a visit to The Galapagos Islands. We have dozens of small ship itineraries we can offer as to help make your Galapagos visit tailored to your expectations. Contact us to create an ultimate Ecuadorian experience.

• Round off your Ecuador adventure with our 4 day / 3 night Amazon Lodge Ecuador extension package and experience two of the world's best natural experinces. The Amazon is the world's largest rainforest and covers 40% of South America and can easily be accessed from Quito. After visiting the misty environment of the cloud forest, experience the incredible biodiversity of the world's largest rainforests. 

• No trip to Ecuador is complete without spending time in the capital. Our Signature Quito Extension package has been crafted to showcase the incredible blend of colonial architecture with the rich history and culture of one of Latin America's facinating cities. Visit markets, Earth's Equatorial line and spectacular vistas of surrounding volcanoes and snow-capped peaks that surround the city.

• Take a flight south to Ecuador's neighbouring country, the former Incan empire of Peru with our 9 day Signature Peru Package. This carefully designed itinerary will showcase Peru's gastronomy scene in Lima, introduce you to Incan culture and history with a visit to the Sacred Valley before the highlight of any visit to South America; Machu Picchu. Finish with three days in Cusco, one of South America's greatest cities.

Being environmentally accountable is a crucial part of our organisation. Chimu is currently striving towards using less paper, taking several initiatives to do so and tracking our progress along the way. Our goal: A paperless organisation. For this reason, all information given to you will be sent electronically. We encourage those who choose to travel with us to support our aspirations and actions and ask that you reconsider printing out documentation. To view these documents, you can download them to your iPad or portable computer before and during your trip.

Chimu is passionate and dedicated to sustainability measures and understands the crucial part sustainability plays within the tourism industry.

We use local guides and office staff to both maximise local employment opportunities and minimise carbon footprint. Local guides also ensure you benefit from the intimate knowledge, passion and culture of the country you’re visiting. Our guides are all highly qualified (most with university degrees) or equip with many years of experience and are paid above the standard wage. Whether it be our knowledgeable local guides, locally produced meals or the transport on tour, we do not use imported goods when local products are available. We aim to minimise our impact on the environment and give as much back as possible to the communities we work in.

The Mashpi Lodge collaborates with the local community called the Choco of which several practice have been put in place to promote sustainable land management, environmental governance and conservation efforts allowing the consideration of Pichincha province to become a UNESCO certified site. While visiting the many national parks, heritage sites, museums and landmarks our travellers are encouraged to explore remain culturally aware and sensitive. We further encourage you to buy appropriate souvenirs and discourage the buying of anything wrongfully made or taken from the environment i.e. shells and endangered species products. Information on how you can be environmentally conscious, and travel responsibly will be made available in our Travellers Guides and provided during your travels by guides and staff.

For more information on our sustainability policies, including how we are striving towards being a paperless organisation, click HERE