Tropical Andes and Colonial Quito Pre-Voyage Extension (2026)
Discover the Lesser-Known Wonders of Mainland Ecuador
Before your Galápagos adventure, discover one of the world’s top five biodiversity hotspots—only a three-hour drive from Quito. Nestled in the heart of the Ecuadorian Chocó, Mashpi Lodge is a strikingly contemporary retreat set within a 2,600-acre private reserve on the Pacific slope of the Andes. This extraordinary ecosystem teems with life, from iridescent hummingbirds and howler monkeys to rare orchids and glass frogs. With resident biologists, naturalist guides and immersive experiences—including hiking trails, an open-air tram and an ingenious aerial bicycle—Mashpi offers unmatched access to the wild rainforest.
Your journey begins in Quito, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you’ll settle into the elegant Casa Gangotena on Plaza San Francisco. Explore dazzling colonial churches and vibrant local markets before heading into the lush cloud forest. At 3,000 feet in the Equatorial tropics, Mashpi enjoys a mild, semi-tropical climate—perfect for an unforgettable immersion in one of the planet’s richest ecosystems.
costs & What's Included
| Occupancy |
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| Double Occupancy |
| Single Occupancy |
Cost Includes:
Accommodations, meals as indicated, porterage, soft drinks and bottled water, private guide and transfers in Quito, transport to the lodge, tours, lectures and hikes with naturalist guides at Mashpi, waterproof ponchos and rubber boots, water bottle, gratuity to guides and naturalists.
Not included:
International and domestic airfare, items of a personal nature, bar tab.