Hotel Highlight: Mashpi Lodge
The drive to Mashpi Lodge, located in the Cloud Forest of Ecuador, is as winding as it is lush. The 3+ hour drive out of Quito takes you past the center of the earth, through the small towns on the outskirts of the city, and into the deep forest. If you pay close enough attention, you can see the leaves of the trees become larger and fuller as you get closer to the Cloud Forest (also known as a water forest). Leaves that start as big as your hand, end as big as your torso. Little did I know that this was only one of many facts about nature, biology, and conversation that I was about to learn. There’s a reason it’s been added as one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World.
The former mayor of Quito was an avid conservationist, and when he learned that the Cloud Forest was being destroyed for timber, he decided to step in. He purchased over 4000+ acres with the sole purpose of protecting it from being cut down. He didn’t intend to use the land, but after realizing its true magnificence, he wanted to share it with the world. That’s how Mashpi Lodge came to be. The hotel was built entirely in Quito and then transported to the Cloud Forest one piece at a time. It was also built on the plot of land that was previously used by the timber companies for cutting - meaning that it was built without disrupting the natural habitat and is therefore completely engulfed in the local flora.
What I love even more about the Mashpi, is that they made a commitment to hire at least one member from every family in the surrounding villages to ensure their economies can benefit from the hotel. This not only helps the local area, but also ensures that you are engaging with people who know the area better than anyone else.
As you enter the hotel and grab your fresh towel for cooling off, you’re greeted by a four-story glass wall that looks out into the rainforest. Sometimes it’s hard to tell where the building ends and nature begins. As you enjoy coffee and cookies, the orientation begins to tell you more about the property and what to expect during your stay. It highlights all the different activities you can do while you’re there including long hikes, waterfall swims, gondola rides above the forest, bird watching classes, night walks, sky bikes, hummingbird viewing, and nightly lectures on the species that inhabit the land...just to mention a few.
Due to the intricacies of the landscape, you’re paired up with a guide and a few other hotel guests. They do an excellent job of pairing you based on interests and fitness levels. While all of the experiences were memorable, there were two that really stood out:
Our group, being relatively fit and active, decided to do the longest hike available which took about 4 hours. We hiked through the forest, and then into a flowing creek where we would wade through the water for almost an hour before arriving at a discreet waterfall with a base big enough to swim in. Upon arriving we immediately stripped down to our suits and dove it. The experience was otherworldly. What stood out the most though, was the knowledge and expertise that our guide had about the area. He would frequently stop to point out unique trees, or explain the nuances of certain plants, and would even show us local remedies for ailments. It was the first time that I realized just how smart nature can be - it truly humbled me in a way that I had never experienced before.
The second remarkable experience was on our final morning when we went to see the hummingbirds. About 20 minutes up the hill from the lodge, there is a small area where they care for hummingbirds. Hummingbirds are incredibly friendly birds and don’t care at all if you’re there or not. They buzz by your head and land right in front of you for water and food, allowing you to get an intimate view of just how stunning they are. Their colors are vibrant and varied with small bursts of shine as they quickly buzz by.
The activities make Mashpi the amazing place that it is, but the hotel design, service, and food take the experience into the stratosphere. Healthy, local options for both vegetarians and carnivores that are expertly executed, with equally satisfying cocktails to match. Modern rooms that are private and quiet. It’s as peaceful of a retreat as you’ll find.
Mashpi has proven that “eco” doesn’t have to mean bare bones, that big business doesn’t have to come at the cost of the local communities, and that educational experiences can be both fulfilling and relaxing. We only stayed for 2 nights, but I think another 2 nights would have made the experience even more impactful...plus it would have left a little time for the spa.