Quito, Cloud Forest & Hacienda

Upon arrival at Quito Airport, private transfer to selected hotel.

At appropriate time, private transfer to Mashpi Lodge Hotel.

Mashpi Lodge is located three hours by car from Quito (110 Km, 70 miles) in the evergreen wilds of the Andes’ western slope. The shift in altitude traveling from Quito through the dry valley of Pomasqui towards the cordillera’s western flank, into lush, misty cloud forest allows seeing the spectacular natural diversity of the Andean landscape. On the way to Mashpi, stop at the lookout point of Pululahua Crater and the archaeological ruins at Tulipe - set in a magical forested location- with time to taste delicious Ecuadorian appetizers and fresh-brewed coffee prepared by members of the local community. Mashpi is a nature sanctuary located in one of the most celebrated bioregions in the world, known for its record-high endemism, rainfall and altitudinal range. After settling into the rooms, introduction to the naturalist guides for a brief explanation of the cloud forest, its conservation and the activities offered during the stay.

Optional night excursion at 7 PM, lasting 45 minutes to one hour. The forest transforms by sunset; the sounds and smells intensify, and other senses are awakened. On the ground, notice the faint glow of bioluminescent fungi all around. Listen to the croaking of nocturnal frogs and observe sparkling fireflies, owls and other nocturnal birds may call into the night with big opportunity to spot the presence of kinkajous (Potos flavus), an arboreal mammal relative to the raccoon, making their way through the trees in search of ripe fruit. Return to the lodge to enjoy a delicious dinner.

Activities begin at 6:30 AM in the hotel lobby with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate and biscuits. Then, hike to the Life Center through the forest on the “Howler Monkey’s trail”, dominated by many ancient trees, such as the “copal” (Dacryodes cupularis). The early morning trail is lively, and the guides are keen on alerting every sound and rustle in the leaves, hoping to reveal colorful birds such as the Rufous-fronted Wood-quail (Odontophorus erythrops) or the Rufous-crowned Antpitta (Pittasoma rufopileatum) or elusive howler monkeys, while explaining the habitat’s ecology.

The Life Centre offers a marvelous view of the forest from an expansive wooden deck, where wildlife abounds while birds and mammals approach the fruit feeders for guests to admire them from very up close.

At midmorning, return to the lodge to rest or indulge in the Jacuzzi or a relaxing massage at the Wellness Centre, followed by a well-deserved lunch.

In the afternoon, at approximately 3 PM, gather at the lobby for the afternoon excursion along the Napa Trail, a moderately difficult hike that lasts about two hours. This trail crosses a variety of habitats including secondary and regenerative forests, as well as large patches of primary forest. The walk offers a great opportunity to learn about the ecological realities at Mashpi and the importance of forest conservation within the Chocó bioregion. This is also a trail of great scenic beauty and an excellent opportunity for bird watching, and Mashpi’s most unique tree: the “iron palm” (Iriartea deltoidea).

The forest always rewards “early birds” as the dawn light lures a variety of fascinating species in search of food. A good place to look for birds is actually right at the hotel’s terrace where many species come to feed on insects and fruits at nearby trees. With a cup of fresh coffee, tea, or hot chocolate in hand, the guides help spot with their top-of-the-line binoculars and telescopes the incredible bird richness that Mashpi possesses. This activity begins at 6:30 AM and lasts for about an hour. Breakfast is served at the hotel restaurant.

At approximately 8:30 AM, depart to the Sky Bike and the Observation Tower (a 15-minute walk from the hotel). Looming above the treetops, Mashpi’s observation tower rises 30 meters (100 feet) above the ground (162 steps to the top deck), allowing guests to appreciate the forest’s complex structure and the incredible species richness that thrives throughout the canopy (70% of the forest’s biodiversity is found here).

The aerial bicycle is an original and exciting way to explore the canopy up close. Designed for two people seated -one person pedals the bike along a cable stretched between two points, around 200 meters (655 feet) apart, crossing a gorge and river. Silent, easy-to-use and fun, it is an activity that offers guests yet another vantage point to experience Mashpi’s lush natural world.

Afterward, guests can walk back to the lodge along one of our many trails. Alternatively, guests can take one of the trails to San Vicente waterfall, a 45-minute-to-an-hour steep hike that demands good physical condition, or hike the Oxibelis trail to a smaller waterfall, before getting back to the lodge. The combination of activities (sky bike, observation tower and hike) can take anywhere from 2 up to 4 hours, depending on which trail is chosen.
Back at the lodge, refreshments await and a delicious lunch is served at the hotel restaurant.

After lunch, the expedition goes towards the Hummingbird Station, a marvelous setting to appreciate Mashpi’s hummingbird species (32 different ones identified to date, many of which inhabit different altitudinal ranges). Not only hummingbirds of all kinds are observed, but also toucans, tanagers, squirrels, and more. The site is located at a natural viewpoint, which, on clear days, provides breathtaking views of the reserve's forested hills. This is a veritable photographer’s paradise, regardless of your level of experience.

There is an optional activity starting at 6:30 AM for a walk down the road seeking mixed-species feeding flocks, featuring various insectivorous bird species that move together while foraging. 20 different species can be seen in a single flock, making these more-or-less common encounters an undeniable treat for bird aficionados. The activity takes about one hour.

After breakfast, at approximately 8:30 AM, take a 2-hour-long hike from the hotel to Copal Waterfall. This beautiful walk features a landscape of moss-covered trees, bromelias, and orchids at every corner. The trail ends at a spectacular waterfall over 50 m high. Return back to the hotel by noon for check out and a last meal at Mashpi.

At the appropriate time, transfer to Hacienda Zuleta.

This beautiful 17th-century hacienda once belonged to Galo Plaza Lasso, former president of Ecuador, and has remained in the same family for more than 100 years. Members of the extended Lasso family still welcome their guests to a luxurious residence filled with historic memorabilia and modern comfort. It is the centerpiece of a large working farm, known for its excellent cheeses, vast fruit orchards, trout farm, and stable of fine horses.

The 15 beautifully decorated guestrooms –some with a fireplace- are accented with family heirlooms, old photographs and period furniture pieces and private bathrooms with large tubs. The dining experience unfolds in a series of delicious meals focused on traditional Ecuadorean cuisine and prepared with ingredients produced on the farm. Activities include riding, hiking and biking through the grasslands, touring the cheese factory and even trying your hand at milking the cows; longer excursions are available to highland markets such as nearby Otavalo. Hacienda Zuleta is also involved in such community initiatives as supporting the fine embroidery crafts for which the village of Zuleta is now famous, and extensive preservation projects such as Condor Huasi, a rescue and rehabilitation center for injured condors. Long focus by the Galo Plaza Foundation on protecting natural habitats has made Zuleta a preferred sanctuary for condors, spectacled bears, various owls, pumas and other fauna and flora.

Day at leisure to enjoy the activities at the Hacienda.

At the appropriate time, private transfer to the airport for your flight.