Off Radar Cruise News: Mashpi Lodge Redefines Nature-Based Travel Northwest of Quito, Ecuador

Here is something different I received that I thought would make for a wonderful vacation combined with a Galapagos Cruise to get the best of both worlds and emerge oneself into nature that includes land based with a cruise before or after. Read bout Mashpi Lodge here:

Resident Wildlife Project Coordinator, low-impact construction, low-consuming bulbs and soon-to-be self-sustaining hydro-electricity for an ecological wonder

August 29, 2012 (Quito, Ecuador) – Newly opened and brimming with life, Mashpi Lodgelies at 3,116 feet in the Ecuadorian Andes, within its protected, 3,212-acre forest, just three hours northwest of the historic Quito. Nestled in the “biodiversity hotspot” of the Chocó that runs from Colombia into Ecuador, Mashpi unfolds as an ecological wonder harboring diverse flora and fauna: hundreds of amphibian and reptilian species; tens of thousands of insect species; and over 300 species of birds (so far) – from Moss-backed Tanagers to Black-tipped Cotingas – more than is found in North America and Europe combined.

Naturally, the owners have taken significant steps to protect the ecology and amazing biodiversity of the Mashpi Reserve. The project played an important role in the establishment of a new reserve of 42,000 acres, declared a natural protected area by the Municipality of Quito in May 2011. This far larger reserve engulfs and embraces Mashpi, ensuring future viability and making the lodge’s success all the more important for the surrounding area – as a source of employment, but also of knowledge transfer for local communities.

Mashpi finances a Resident Wildlife Project Coordinator who, with his team, has carried out extensive research that contributed to the reserve obtaining its Environmental Permit from the Ministry of the Environment as a private protected area. The research has identified species of frogs not previously thought to inhabit this biome, and created an extensive bird, insect, mammal and reptile list. The project also finances a science station close to the lodge, which will have an international volunteer program running this summer.

Guiding is led by some of the finest naturalist guides in Ecuador, who expertly reveal the biodiversity of the forest and convey its significance to the world. The naturalists are complemented by a team of local guides who have grown up in and around the Reserve, experts in the forest and its ways. Mashpi Lodge itself is a cocoon in the clouds, a hideaway of glass, steel and earth tones fashioned by Ecuadorian architect Alfredo Ribadeneira. As much as possible, the lodge was pre-assembled in Quito before being transported to the reserve – the better to reduce impact on the forest. Meanwhile, a 1.2-mile ‘canopy gondola’ aerial tram is being constructed with the utmost care, respect and consideration for the forest. It will enable guests to observe the forest as they glide like birds over and through it.

The lodge will soon be powered by hydro-electricity, which will make it self-sustaining with regards to power. It is lit as much as possible by low-consuming LED lights, and also employs yellow-colored lights that don’t attract insects. Electric-powered buggies are used to transport guests across the reserve, reducing noise and emissions. The lodge also treats waste water biologically, using composting for organic waste and recycling solid waste.

Mashpi Lodge is further working with the local village of Mashpi to grow its supplies of organic produce within the context of existing production and without expanding the forest frontier. This effort has a double benefit: reducing the transportation carbon footprint of the reserve while providing income for this community. The project currently employs or partners with 18 families from the village of Mashpi, and the aim is for 80% of its staff to come from the local area after the initial start-up period.

Rates at the Mashpi Lodge start at $1,296 per person/double for 3-days/2 nights, including all meals, guided explorations (in English or Spanish), sky bike rides, specialized lectures, rain ponchos, rubber boots and transfers from/to major hotels in Quito.

For reservations and more information, please contact