Ecuador has always been a haven for adventurers, and for my husband and me, it’s been much more than that—it’s home. Nearly four decades ago, we founded Quasar Expeditions right here in Ecuador, inspired by its unmatched natural beauty and our love for meaningful travel. This is where we started our family, built our business, and continue to explore lands untouched by time.
Along the way, we’ve forged lasting connections with extraordinary partners who share our vision, like Mashpi Lodge. Nestled in the Chocó-Andean Cloud Forest and just a few hours from Quito, Mashpi is a gateway to an experience as rare and breathtaking as the Galapagos itself.
Our Expedition Designer, Diane, perfectly captures why this resort has become a fan-favorite addition to Quasar’s small-ship Galapagos cruises:
"The exclusivity and diversity of this unique ecosphere sets a tone and provides an experience unlike anything you ever knew you needed. National Geographic identified Mashpi Lodge as one of the most unique lodges in the world for a reason."
The Perfect Complement to Your Quasar Expeditions Cruise
You’re the kind of adventurer who wants to make every moment of your trip count. Mashpi Lodge is a seamless way to get even more out of your time in South America, combining rare wildlife encounters with the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
Whether you’re beginning your Galapagos Yacht Safari with Quasar or concluding it, Mashpi Lodge is an ideal addition to your Ecuadorian itinerary. From the warm hospitality to vibrant wildlife and sustainable focus, I know you’ll love it here as much as I do. For our family, it’s one of those rare destinations we return to again and again—because high among the treetops, the experience feels new every time.
Conveniently located just a few hours from Quito, Mashpi Lodge offers an effortless transition between the vibrant city and the pristine beauty of the Galapagos Islands. With Quasar Expeditions’ seamless planning, including a private driver and expert Naturalist Guides, your journey to Mashpi is stress-free, adding even more wildlife encounters and moments of tranquility to your adventure.
EXPEDITION DESIGNER TIP:
Did you know that Quito, Ecuador is only a 4-hour nonstop flight from Miami and a 5-hour flight from Houston? Whether you venture high up into the Mindo Cloud Forest or explore the highlands of Otavalo, mainland Ecuador is a seamless and enriching add-on to your Galapagos adventure
Explore the Cloud Forest: Activities to Awaken Your Adventurous Spirit
Mashpi Lodge is a gateway to the wonders of the cloud forest, one of the most biodiverse places in the world. Here, every moment immerses you in vibrant color and untouched landscapes through experiences that awaken your sense of discovery:
- Guided Nature Walks: Stroll under a verdant canopy along winding trails, discovering exotic flora and fauna unique to this region. With expert Naturalist Guides at your side, each step becomes a lesson in biodiversity.
- The Dragonfly Canopy Gondola: Glide across the treetops in an open-air cable car, offering a bird's-eye view of the dense forest and its elusive inhabitants.
- Sky Bike: Pedal through the treetops on a suspended cable, blending adventure with stunning vistas of the forest below.
- Observation Tower: Ascend the tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the cloud forest—a paradise for photographers and birdwatchers alike.
- Life Center: Visit this hub of conservation to learn about Mashpi’s research efforts and marvel at butterflies, hummingbirds, and other thriving creatures.
Whether you’re seeking serenity or adrenaline, Mashpi’s activities offer something for every adventurer. Add that to the list of reasons we keep coming back—my grandkids love it as much as we do.
Read about Travel + Leisure Editor-in-Chief Jacqui Gifford’s multi-generational Ecuador adventure with Quasar.
Luxurious Accommodations in the Heart of Nature
From my earliest years of adventure, I’ve felt a deep responsibility to protect Ecuador’s treasures—the Galapagos, the Andes, and the cloud forests. These places shaped my love for nature and fueled Quasar’s commitment to sustainable travel. Mashpi Lodge embodies that same spirit, combining conservation with quiet luxury in a way that honors the land it inhabits.
Their eco-lodge design is a masterpiece of sustainability and luxury. The sleek structure, crafted from steel, glass, and wood, feels as if it floats above the forest floor. Floor-to-ceiling windows in every room bring the sights and sounds of the forest to you, creating a tranquil retreat where nature feels close yet comforting.
Each suite is thoughtfully designed to ensure a restful stay, with plush furnishings and spa-like amenities. After a day of exploration, unwind in spaces that redefine quiet luxury.
Dining at Mashpi Lodge is an experience unto itself. Fresh, locally sourced ingredients are transformed into Ecuadorian-inspired dishes that highlight the rich flavors of the Andes and the Amazon. Each meal is a sensory journey, complemented by fine wines and cocktails that elevate the culinary experience.
Discover Ecuador’s Wildlife Treasures
What truly makes Mashpi Lodge a perfect addition to your Galapagos adventure is its incredible appeal for wildlife lovers. Perched high above the forest canopy, it offers a front-row seat to one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
Did you know Ecuador has the highest number of hummingbird species in the world? Of the 300 species found globally, 132 reside in Ecuador, including the Mindo Cloud Forest near Mashpi. Watching their jewel-like wings flutter is an unforgettable sight.
Not everyone can spot these elusive creatures, but…
Our Guides can!
With Quasar’s trusted Naturalist Guides and Mashpi’s birding experts, you’ll uncover the treasures of the forest. From vibrant toucans to hidden frogs and butterflies, every walk offers something new to marvel at.
Commitment to Sustainability and Conservation
Mashpi Lodge is more than a luxurious retreat—it’s a beacon of sustainability. Its design minimizes environmental impact, and the lodge actively participates in biodiversity research to protect the delicate ecosystems of the Chocó region.
By staying at Mashpi, you directly support these conservation efforts, ensuring this fragile environment thrives for generations. The lodge also works closely with the local community, creating sustainable livelihoods and fostering education about preserving their natural heritage.
This is travel that doesn’t just inspire—it gives back. At Quasar, responsible travel is in our DNA, and we’re proud to partner with pioneers who share our vision.
WHAT GUESTS SAY ABOUT MASHPI:
"The customer service was outstanding. Everything was organized and our transfer guides walked us through security to make sure we were always where we were supposed to be. Mashpi was lovely and the food was 5-star dining."
– Pam & Larry, U.S.
Extend Your Ecuadorian Adventure with Quasar Expeditions
From the playful sea lions of the Galapagos to the dazzling hummingbirds of the cloud forest, Ecuador is a place that never stops revealing its secrets. I’ll never forget the first time I ventured into these untouched landscapes. I felt like I’d stumbled upon something epic, something the rest of the world had yet to discover.
Mashpi Lodge gives you that same feeling. Perched high in the cloud forest, this sanctuary invites you to explore a world of rare wildlife, quiet luxury, and unmatched serenity. Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic retreat, a family looking for a deeper connection, or friends chasing adventure, Mashpi transforms your trip into a story you’ll tell forever.
Let us show you the Ecuador I keep falling in love with—a place of awe and wonder, where every experience feels like uncovering a new treasure.
About Quasar Expeditions
Quasar Expeditions specializes in crafting immersive, high-end experiences, and a Mashpi Lodge stay is the perfect complement to our Galapagos luxury cruises. Whether you’re a couple seeking adventurous romance, a family looking for bonding opportunities, or a group of friends on a shared adventure, this seamless extension promises to elevate your journey.
For more details on how to incorporate Mashpi Lodge into your itinerary, visit Quasar Expeditions’ Beyond Quito Tours.
