Need to know
Rooms
Twenty-two, including three Yaku suites.
Check–Out
10am, but flexible. The hotel’s transfer departs at 1.30pm: if you miss it, you must arrange your own transport for an extra charge. Earliest check-in, 4pm.
More details
Rates include all meals and soft drinks, guided activities (walks, birdwatching, nature encounters, Sky Bike, Life Center, waterfalls and Hummingbird Garden) within the reserve, use of rain ponchos and boots, and transfer to and from four hotels in Quito.
Also
Public areas and the ground-floor Wayra Rooms are wheelchair accessible.
At the hotel
Spa and wellness centre, open-air viewing platform and terrace, garden, lounge, library, boutique, research centre, free WiFi throughout. In rooms: air-conditioning, free bottled water.
Our favourite rooms
To overlook the rainforest from a Philippe Starck-designed tub with your date, book into one of the sprawling Yaku suites. Wayra Rooms 21 and 23 sit on the second floor, enjoying the same verdant sights as the suites and are just a short stroll from the terrace.
Poolside
There is no pool: soak in the spa’s soothing Jacuzzi, or splash about by the forest’s hidden waterfalls.
Spa
The spa’s Jacuzzi allows glimpses of the rainforest through slatted wooden panels. Therapists practice traditional massages in a small adjoining treatment room, using nutrient-packed forest finds – mud, stones, herbs and leaves – to revive guests.
Packing tips
It may not be sexy, but non-slip socks will aid forest treks. Natural insect repellent is vital too. If you forget anything, the hotel’s boutique sells zippered khakis, multi-pocketed vests, waterproofs, torches, straw hats and local handicrafts and goodies.
Also
Visitors to Ecuador are required to show proof of either public or private health insurance upon entering the country. Without this, you could be denied entrance.
Pet‐friendly
Leave pets at home: they’re walking puma snacks here. See more pet-friendly hotels in Andean Highlands.
Children
Rainforest rambling is suited to juniors, tweens and upwards. Some Wayra Rooms (on the ground and second floor) interconnect. Restaurant staff can set up high chairs and heat milk, there are baby-changing facilities, and chefs can prepare kids’ meals.
Sustainability efforts
Established in 2001, Mashpi Reserve protects 2,500 hectares of pristine tropical forests (the long-term goal is 14,000 hectares); this rich biomass acts as offset for Mashpi Lodge, which has been a completely carbon neutral property since 2017. Offsetting efforts are entirely local and certified by Mashpi’s environmental assessment advising group. The Lodge’s efforts with Mashpi Reserve contribute to the UN’s climate action goals and the creation of biological corridors in the Chocó Bioregion provide a safe haven for wildlife and contribute to biodiversity.
The lodge itself was built in scale outside the city of Quito to avoid bringing heavy construction machinery into the forest. Recycling and upcycling are key in the hotel's operation and solar panels provide some of the lodge’s energy. The restaurant menu showcases local produce unique to the area and the lodge trains the local community in sustainable production and composting techniques for their crops.
Over half of the staff members belong to the local community; all receive training in service, sustainability and languages through Mashpi’s Fundacion Futuro programme. The Lodge’s Science Department trains local guides and park wardens and has created a team of parabiologists who help scientists in field work, collections and studies.
