Mashpi Lodge

ecuador

THE PERSONALITIES

The Quiet adventurers. Wildlife photographers. Design lovers. Hikers. Birdwatchering enthusiasts. Conservationists.

MOMENTS

Mist rising through the canopy. Hummingbirds in flight. A forest symphony at dawn. Warm rain on glass walls. Chocolate-making in the jungle. Butterflies landing on your sleeve. Silence after rain.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

June to November for clearer skies and excellent birdwatching. December to May for lush greenery and afternoon rains that bring the forest to life.

COST

WHY STAY

Perched at 900 meters above sea level in Ecuador’s Chocó Cloud Forest, Mashpi Lodge sits at the meeting point of the Andes and the Pacific coast—one of the most biologically diverse regions on Earth. The surrounding 2,500-hectare reserve shelters over 400 bird species, rare orchids, and countless butterflies, all thriving in a mist-soaked ecosystem that feels almost primordial.

Designed by Ecuadorian architect Alberto Miani, the lodge is a striking glass-and-steel structure that appears to float within the canopy. Its minimalist, contemporary form contrasts beautifully with the wilderness around it, allowing uninterrupted views of the forest from every room. Interiors are pared-back yet warm—rich woods, neutral tones, and floor-to-ceiling windows invite the outside in, making you feel cocooned within nature’s pulse rather than separated from it.

Mashpi is more than a hotel—it’s a living laboratory for conservation. Founded by Roque Sevilla, former mayor of Quito and lifelong environmentalist, the lodge embodies regenerative tourism. Scientists and guests coexist here, studying new species, reforesting degraded land, and learning how to live in balance with the forest. Staying here is a reminder that luxury can mean awareness—of sound, of stillness, of place.

WHY WANDER

Step outside your glass cocoon, and the forest opens like a cathedral. Guided hikes lead you through dense trails alive with orchids, glass frogs, and neon beetles. At dawn, birdwatchers gather to glimpse rare species like the Glistening-green Tanager or the Andean Cock-of-the-rock. The Sky Bike lets you pedal across the treetops suspended between valleys—an experience that redefines flight.

For those drawn to water, the Copal Waterfall and crystalline streams invite cool immersion after a humid trek. You can also visit the Life Centre, where butterflies are bred and released, or the Dragonfly Gondola, which carries guests over 2 km above the forest floor, revealing how infinite green can really feel.

Beyond the reserve, explore nearby Andean communities and cacao plantations to understand the local rhythms of life. It’s an immersion in both ecology and culture—a reminder that the forest’s story includes its people.

INDULGE IN

The cuisine at Mashpi celebrates Ecuador’s biodiversity. Expect seasonal menus built around locally grown ingredients—heart of palm, cacao, and tropical fruits—reimagined with contemporary flair. Dine beneath soft light as clouds drift past the glass walls, and end each meal with desserts infused with chocolate made from nearby plantations.

GETTING THERE

Mashpi Lodge is a 3.5-hour drive northwest of Quito, through winding Andean roads and rural landscapes that descend from highlands into lush cloud forest. The journey itself is a transformation—altitude giving way to humidity, pine forests to palms.

WILD INITIATIVES

Mashpi’s Mashpi Reserve protects over 6,000 acres of primary and secondary forest, safeguarding the Chocó bioregion—one of the planet’s most endangered ecosystems. The lodge funds long-term scientific research, hosts an on-site laboratory, and employs local residents as naturalists, guides, and conservation stewards.

Through the Mashpi Foundation, the property invests in reforestation projects, sustainable cacao production, and education programs for surrounding communities. The lodge’s design itself minimizes impact—prefabricated offsite to reduce forest disturbance and powered partly by hydroelectric energy.

*Images property of Mashpi Lodge

sacha lodge

ecuador

The Personalities

Jungle Wanderers, Bird Enthusiasts, Mowglies

Moments

Thrilling jungle experience complemented with rainforest ambiance. Feeling the thirst for adventure, awakened by the raw surrounding wilderness.  

Best Visiting Months

December to March

Cost

Why stay

Welcome to Sacha Lodge (“Sacha” is the Quichua Indian word meaning “forest”) - the true Ecuadorian Amazon, where the lodging is beautifully integrated with the lush environment. All the cabins are connected to the main lodge by boardwalks and include private shaded terraces. One of Sacha Lodge’s highlights is the 135-foot observation tower. Built around a giant kapok tree, the tower allows guests to see above the rainforest canopy and enjoy unforgettable sunsets and magnificent views of the surrounding wildlife. 

Surrounded by lush tropical vegetation of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest and bordered by the tranquil waters of Lake Pilchicocha, Sacha Lodge offers guests a unique and immersive experience in one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. The lodge is dedicated to sustainability, employing eco-friendly practices such as solar power usage and rainwater harvesting. Accommodations, ranging from spacious cabins to the famous treetop suites, are designed to minimize environmental impact while providing comfort and a close connection to nature. Sacha Lodge is actively engaged in conservation efforts, supporting local initiatives and promoting environmental education.

Why wander

Guests have the opportunity to explore the intricate web of Amazonian life through guided excursions, allowing for an appreciation of the delicate balance that sustains this extraordinary ecosystem. Each day at Sacha Lodge brings a new adventure. The early risers can birdwatch on the canopy walk, or have the unforgettable experience of visiting one of Ecuador's largest butterfly farms. Take a quiet and mysterious canoe ride through the surrounding streams and lakes. Head downriver to the Yasuni Clay Lick to visit dozens of parrots. Refresh with a swim in the lagoon or spend the afternoon fishing for piranha along the river. For those seeking a little more thrill, fly through the forest on a zip-line or take a night walk to observe the mysterious nocturnal life of the Amazon.

Indulge in

Barbecue with fellow travellers 

Getting There

Getting to Sacha Lodge is half the experience. Fly into Quito - Ecuador’s capital city. From here a 25-minute flight will take you into the Amazon Region. Arrive at the town of Coca, where you embark on a magical two-hour canoe ride through Napo, the largest river in Ecuadorian Amazonia, bringing you to your final destination at last.

WILD INITIATIVES

“Since its foundation in 1992, Sacha Lodge has proven that it is possible to sustain a healthy balance between economic development, rainforest conservation, local human advancement and respect to local culture. We pride ourselves on maintaining this social and ecological responsibility, which is the basis of true Ecotourism.

In 2017 we began a collaboration with the University of San Francisco in Quito and Manchester University in the United Kingdom in a project observing the behaviour of pygmy marmosets, a species of tiny monkeys that feed off sap by making tiny holes in trees, now endangered by deforestation and poachers stealing them as pets.

Most Lodge employees come from local communities (the few exceptions being the administrator, chef and bilingual guides), making Sacha the largest tourism-sector employer in Ecuador’s Amazon region. This not only brings direct economic benefits to these communities, but also provides them with a practical alternative to harmful activities such as logging and oil exploration. In addition, having employees work as native guides offers them the opportunity to share their ancestral knowledge with others plus an incentive to continue passing it on to their children in a changing world. Since 1995 Sacha has also invested heavily in acquiring land from neighbouring colonists. Not to be confused with rainforest natives, these colonists came from cities and would have relied on heavy farming and hunting to survive. Thanks to such efforts, we have saved over 5,000 acres from deforestation and are now the largest private reserve in the Ecuadorian rainforest. It’s no accident that the animals in the Reserve and around the Lodge are so plentiful and unafraid of humans – the land is protected by a team of guards, who prevent poachers from entering. As is fitting for a Lodge that thrives on the conservation of the environment, Sacha Lodge strives to make its practices as eco-friendly as possible, issuing guests with reusable water bottles and separating its waste, sending it inland to be recycled. Through our efforts, we hope to help ensure that future generations of both natives and visitors have the opportunity to continue enjoying the wonders of the tropical rainforest.”

*Images property of SACHA LODGE

Napo Wildlife Centre

ecuador

PERSONALITIES

Wildlife Enthusiasts. Bird Watchers. Family adventurers. Eco-travelers.

MOMENTS

Ecuadorian Amazon. Rich ecology. Wildlife without a fear of getting close. Unexpected magic.

BEST VISITING MONTHS

June to November. 

COST

WHY STAY

Napo Wildlife Centre Ecolodge, nestled deep within the Amazon Rainforest in Ecuador, is a beacon of sustainable tourism and conservation. Situated on the tranquil shores of Anangucocha Lake and surrounded by pristine rainforest, the lodge offers an immersive and responsible experience in one of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems. Guests stay in comfortable and culturally immersive cabins that blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Choose one of the sixteen luxury bungalows with private porches perfect for sunset beverages with views of Añangu Lake. 

WHY WANDER

The ecolodge actively engages in the protection of the adjacent Yasuní National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and provides support for local indigenous communities. Climb the 130 feet tall Canopy Observation Tower, where you can see infinite bird species, playful monkeys and butterflies as well as the 360 degree view of the dense jungle and the beautiful lake. Make sure to visit the clay licks to see parrots, parakeers, and macaws. Take a canoe ride over the Napo River or a guided excursion around the jungle where you may encounter giant otters, snakes, deer, monkeys, and sloths. Ponchos and rainbows are provided by the lodge.

INDULGE IN

Traditional Ecuadorian food. Exotic fruit and organic products.

GETTING THERE

Take a 2‐hour motorboat ride from Coca down the Napo River where you will arrive to Añangu rainforests and Yasuní National Park. From here on, take a canoe to the lodge.

WILD INITIATIVES

Known as one of the best eco-hotels in the world and one of the only lodges in the area designed, built and ran by an indigenous community. The Añangu tribe has worldwide recognition for preserving the flora and fauna of Yasuní National Park. Committed to environmental preservation, the lodge operates with a minimal ecological footprint, utilizing solar energy, rainwater harvesting, and employing eco-friendly construction practices.

*Images property of Napo Wildlife Centre

Luna Runtun

Ecuador

The Personalities

Adventurous friends and couples looking for new landscapes and experiences. Waterfalls lovers. Ancient history buffs. 

Moments

Sitting at the edge of the world. Spectacular show of fire and lava in the sky of the Tungurahua Volcano. Riding Tarabita (cable car) through the mountains and the jungle. Refreshing swims at the Inca waterfall. 

Best Visiting Months

Anytime of year. 17-25 Celsius all year round!

Cost

Why stay

Luna Volcán Adventure SPA lays within Andean forest, on the edge of Tungurahua volcano and above the beautiful town of Baños. Drawing inspiration from its volcanic surroundings, the hotel provides guests with an immersive experience that blends the therapeutic benefits of a spa with the thrill of outdoor exploration.

From the moment visitors arrive, they are greeted by panoramic views of the volcanic landscape, creating a sense of awe and serenity. The spa's commitment to holistic well-being is evident in its luxurious facilities, innovative treatments, and a menu of exhilarating activities designed to rejuvenate both body and spirit.

The 30 themed and intricately decorated rooms are all one of a kind. Enjoy being surrounded by the Amazon rainforest as well as Sangay and Llanganates National Parks. Take advantage of eco-heated floor and a fireplace. Have a drink on a private terrace and watch the sunset. 

Why wander

The hotel helps plan the perfect day trip for every kind of explorer. Visit the beautiful “Pailón del Diablo” waterfall - the world’s 10th highest water drop. Discover the lush forests and rich wildlife of the Llanganates National Park. Enter the Amazon Rainforest through "the Door to Heaven" - the longest tunnel in Ecuador. Climb the active Tungurahua Volcano to the infamous "Casa del Árbol" - The Tree House. For those looking for adrenaline and an unforgettable experience, try out the "Swing at the end of the world". The name speaks for itself, calling out all daredevils.  

Indulge in

Visit Café del Cielo for 34 varieties of coffee. Try “Melcocha”, Ecuador’s most well known candy.

Getting There

Luna Runtun is a 3 hours drive from Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Once in Baños - hike, bike, horseback ride or zipline through the rainforest. 

WILD INITIATIVES

From the use of renewable energy sources to eco-friendly construction materials, Luna Volcán strives to operate in harmony with the surrounding landscape. The spa places a strong emphasis on water and energy conservation, employing efficient systems and technologies. Additionally, Luna Volcán supports local communities by sourcing organic, locally-produced ingredients for its spa treatments and culinary offerings, fostering a symbiotic relationship with the region. The spa encourages responsible tourism practices, educating guests about the importance of preserving the delicate ecosystems they are surrounded by and offering immersive experiences that instill a deeper appreciation for nature.

* Images property of Luna Volcán, Adventure SPA

Iguana Crossing

Galapagos Islands

The Personalities

Wildlife Enthusiasts. Explorers. Doers. 

Moments

Enjoy a picnic lunch with unforgettable views over the black lava fields. Make friends with an iguana. Fall in love with a penguin. Check Island mode. 

Best Visiting Months

Anytime! 21° - 30°C temperatures all year round. It is the warmest January to June.

Cost

Why stay

Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel, located on the pristine Isabela Island in the Galápagos archipelago, offers a distinctive and eco-conscious retreat for discerning travelers. Nestled along the beachfront with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, this boutique hotel seamlessly integrates luxury with environmental responsibility. The property is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring energy-efficient systems, water conservation initiatives, and locally sourced materials that blend harmoniously with the surrounding ecosystem.

Guests are invited to experience the Galápagos in its purest form, with personalized service, comfortable accommodations, and a range of activities that showcase the natural wonders of the archipelago. Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel not only offers an exquisite island escape but also exemplifies a dedication to responsible tourism in one of the world's most extraordinary and fragile environments.

Why wander

The largest of all the Galapagos islands, Isabela is a paradise of wildlife, sea, wetlands, mangroves and volcanoes. This place is for the Ace Venturas and Crocodile Dundees of this world. Take a daytrip to Las Tintoreras islands, where you can take a swim with a penguin or a friendly reef shark. Kayak through Los Tuneles to see interesting tubes and bridges created by lava flow. Los Humedales Welands Walking or Biking tour holds a possibility of the Galápagos Tortoises encounter. For underwater enthusiasts, choose the Isla Tortuga y los Cuatro Hermanos daytrip. Geology lovers must see Sierra Negra and Chico Volcano. There really is something for everyone. 

Indulge in

Ceviche. Sancocho de Pescado (fish soup with yucca). Catch of the Day. Flat lava stone barbecue. 

Getting There 

Take a flight that lands to Baltra Island (Seymour Airport). From here take the internal flight in a propeller plane, operated by a local company. This will be worth it.

WILD INITIATIVES

Iguana Crossing takes pride in its commitment to preserving the unique biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands, implementing eco-friendly practices such as waste reduction, recycling, and community engagement.

*Images property of Iguana Crossing Boutique Hotel