Plizio Visual Lab
Mashpi Reserve
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Animal habitat
The Mashpi Reserve is a flagship private conservation project located within the Chocó bioregion, one of the wettest and most biodiverse areas on Earth. Spanning over 1,200 hectares, the reserve protects a transition zone between tropical rainforest and cloud forest, resulting in an exceptionally high rate of endemism. It was established to halt logging in this fragile region and protect unique species such as the Mashpi glass frog and the Mashpi magnolia. The centerpiece is the Mashpi Lodge, an award-winning eco-retreat that seamlessly integrates contemporary design with environmental stewardship. A signature attraction is the 'Sky Bike,' a tandem cable bike that allows guests to glide silently through the canopy to spot monkeys, toucans, and rare butterflies. The reserve maintains its own research station, where resident biologists frequently discover new species of dragonflies and orchids. By involving local communities in conservation efforts, the project provides a sustainable economic alternative to deforestation and agriculture.
- Location: Ecuador
- Top sights: Mashpi observation tower · Torre de observación · Mashpi Amagusa natural reserve
- Nearby: San Lorenzo (24 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 17 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 17 |
| Rain mm | 139 | 143 | 176 | 177 | 123 | 58 | 34 | 25 | 38 | 76 | 90 | 100 |
📋 Practical info
Best season
The best time to visit the Mashpi Reserve is during the dry season from June to November when trails are less muddy. In the rainy months, humidity is higher but animal activity remains high.
Best time of day
Early morning is handy for birdwatching as many species are particularly active and their calls fill the air. Dusk also provides good chances to spot nocturnal animals like bats.
Etiquette
Always stay on designated trails to avoid damaging the rainforest's sensitive vegetation. Touching or feeding animals is prohibited to maintain their natural wariness of humans.
What to bring
Waterproof clothing and sturdy hiking boots are essential as the rainforest is often damp and slippery. Binoculars and a waterproof camera bag help capture the diverse wildlife.
Getting there
The Mashpi Reserve is located about two and a half hours northwest of Quito and is accessible by four-wheel-drive vehicle. The journey involves unpaved roads, so a private driver or organized tour is recommended.
What to expect
Rainforest animals are often well-camouflaged and hard to spot, so quiet, patient waiting is key to success. Let guides lead you; they know the hidden habitats where creatures dwell.
Geography
Facts
- Protects over 1,200 hectares in the Chocó region
- Home to the endemic Mashpi glass frog
- Features a 2 km long aerial cable car through the forest
- Research station discovered 9 new dragonfly species
- Combines luxury tourism with strict conservation
- Located at an altitude of 950 to 1,100 meters
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Mashpi Reserve (7)
Mashpi Amagusa natural reserve📍 landmark
A private reserve world-renowned for sightings of colorful tanagers and hummingbirds.
🌐 seresvaamagusa.com🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-19:00
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Sky Bike?
A two-person bicycle that glides on a cable high above the forest floor through the canopy.
Is the reserve exclusive?
Yes, Mashpi is known for its luxurious lodge and its focus on science and luxury.
Is there a butterfly house?
Yes, the Life Centre houses a research station and an impressive butterfly enclosure.
What is the Dragonfly?
An open-air gondola system that glides silently for over 2 km through the cloud forest.
Do you have to be a guest of the lodge?
Most attractions are primarily accessible to overnight guests of the Mashpi Lodge.
Mashpi Reserve: where is it located?
Mashpi Reserve is located in Ecuador.
Mashpi Reserve: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mashpi observation tower, Torre de observación, Mashpi Amagusa natural reserve.
Mashpi Reserve: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Mashpi Reserve: why is it worth visiting?
The Mashpi Reserve is a flagship private conservation project located within the Chocó bioregion, one of the wettest and most biodiverse areas on Earth.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in South America
More places in Ecuador →
Nearby cities
Quito
The high-altitude capital of Ecuador, known for its well-preserved colonial historic center.
Cayambe
An agricultural city at the foot of the mighty Cayambe volcano, known for its flowers and cheeses.
Archidona
Archidona is a historic colonial town in the Amazon, surrounded by spectacular stalactite caves and rich Kichwa culture.
Sangolquí
A quiet suburb of Quito, famous for its traditional pork dish Hornado.
Saquisilí
Saquisilí is an authentic Andean town famous for hosting one of the most vibrant and expansive indigenous markets in Ecuador every Thursday.
History & landmarks
Temple of the Fatherland
A massive museum and monument on the slopes of Pichincha, where the decisive battle for Ecuador's independence took place.
Quito Cable Car
One of the highest aerial lifts in the world, taking visitors from the city center up the slopes of the Pichincha Volcano.
Virgin of El Panecillo
A giant aluminum statue on a hilltop that watches over the entire city of Quito.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Quito
The main Catholic church of Quito, located on Plaza Grande, famous for its white facade and colonial art.
Independence Monument
A historic column monument in the heart of Plaza Grande in Quito, honoring the first cry of independence.
Sucre National Theater
The oldest and most prestigious opera house in Quito, housed in a magnificent neoclassical building.
La Mariscal Artisanal Market
A vibrant market in Quito where local artisans sell colorful textiles, jewelry, and traditional souvenirs.
Rodrigo Paz Delgado Stadium
This modern stadium, colloquially called Casa Blanca, is home to LDU Quito and often hosts the national team.
More places
Mindo Butterfly Farm
An interactive garden in the cloud forest where visitors can observe hundreds of colorful butterflies in all stages of life.
Mindo Cloud Forest
The Mindo Cloud Forest in the Andean valleys is a global birdwatching hub, famous for its many hummingbird species and orchids.
Tulipe
An archaeological center featuring structures of the Yumbo culture, known for its sunken pools.
Bellavista Cloud Forest Reserve
A protected area known for its orchid diversity and countless hummingbird species.
Maquipucuna Cloud Forest
A private reserve famous for its dense cloud forest and spectacled bear population.
Corazón Volcano
A dormant volcano that takes its name from its heart-shaped profile when viewed from the west.
Atacazo Volcano
A stratovolcano featuring a massive caldera rising just southwest of the capital city Quito.
Pichincha
Pichincha is an active stratovolcano that rises directly above the capital city of Quito, consisting of several peaks.