2025 Wild Ecuador With Otavalo And Mashpi Lodge

Upon arrival in Quito, you will be met at the airport outside the arrivals area by a local representative holding a sign with your name on it.  You’ll be assisted with your luggage and transferred to your accommodations for the evening.

IN QUITO, ECUADOR:   If you don't connect with the local rep within 10-15 minutes, then head to the INFORMATION CENTER (look for the red letter I; the stand is located between both international exit doors). Please do not move beyond the international arrivals area. Do not exit the building. 

At the hotel, you’ll receive a welcome envelope including important information about airport transfers and daily pick up times for your excursions and important emergency contact details during your stay.  PLEASE LOOK FOR THIS LETTER AT THE HOTEL AND KEEP IT WITH YOU.

Our partners in Ecuador will be assisting you throughout your stay on the mainland not only to help you enjoy your adventure, but also to step in and assist with any problems you might encounter. Feel comfortable knowing you’ll be well looked after.

Welcome to Ecuador!

PRIVATE ARRANGEMENTS

The breathtaking city of Quito is located about 9,300 – 10,000 feet altitude. Nestled in an Andean valley of volcanoes, the capital of Ecuador is considered one of the most beautiful in South America and in 1978, was the world’s first city to be declared a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. On your private city tour, you’ll wander among cobblestone streets, stop at several of Old Town’s gold-encrusted colonial 16th century churches and monasteries (nearly 90 dot the city) and stand on top of Panecillo Hill (shaped like a bread loaf) where the Madonna of Quito keeps a watchful eye over the city. Overall, the city’s amazing blend of Spanish, Moorish and Flemish architecture is a pleasure to explore.

We've added a ride on Quito's teleferico (cable car), which runs from the edge of the city center up the east side of Pichincha Volcano to the Cruz Loma Lookout. It is one of the highest aerial lifts in the world, rising from 3,117 m (10,226 ft) to 3,945 m (12,943 ft). The ascent takes about twenty minutes, traveling 2237 linear metres.  On a clear day, the views will be spectacular.

At the Equator, just 13 miles from the city, you’ll straddle the Northern and Southern hemispheres and learn about the geographical and astronomical importance of “El Mitad del Mundo.”  FAMILY FRIENDLY VERSION:  Included the Inti Nan Museum.

PRIVATE ARRANGEMENTS

Just two hours away from Quito, the Otavalo Market in the Imbabura Province is one of South America’s largest Indian markets. It is held daily, though on Saturday, the market nearly triples in size as villagers from surrounding areas come as well to enjoy street food and buy and sell farm goods. Shoppers can bargain for a myriad of souvenirs including textiles (rugs and blankets, for example), handicrafts, jewelry and musical instruments. Panama hats, which actually originated in Ecuador, are also found here.

Cuicocha (In the Kichwa language: Kuykucha, "lake of guinea pigs" or Kuychikucha, "rainbow lake") is a 2 mile wide caldera and crater lake at the foot of Cotacachi Volcano in the Cordillera Occidental of the Ecuadorian  Andes. It makes for a spectacular hike with panoramic views of valleys and volcanoes.

At the Andean condor park, wildlife rangers will introduce you to raptors such as hawks, owls, eagles and Andean condors, many of which have been injured in the wild and rehabilitated here. Andean condors are the largest flying bird species on Earth and their majestic wingspan is a sight to behold!

Morning at leisure.  The front desk will be happy to make any arrangements for you if you'd like to go for a hike or explore town.  

After lunch on your own, we'll pick you up at the hotel lobby and transfer you to a Quito hotel where Mashpi Lodge offers complimentary shuttle service.

If you'd like, you can leave behind any excess luggage at the hotel to pick up after you return from Mashpi.

This morning, you’ll have a SHARED complimentary pick up at your Quito hotel.  Due to the remote conditions of the lodge, transfer time is about three hours from this area.

We've added a special treat for you - the amazing Dragon Fly ride which soars over the tree canopy.

For more information about your 3 day stay and explorations of the cloud forest:  

https://www.mashpilodge.com/faq/ 

https://www.mashpilodge.com/explorations/ 

https://www.mashpilodge.com/packing-list/ 

Exploring at Mashpi 

Exploring at Mashpi 

Mashpi's check out is at 11:00 AM.  You may leave your luggage at the reception area until departure time.

Boxed lunch is served en route.  Drop off at one of the Quito hotels included by Mashpi as a drop off point.

The rest of the afternoon is at leisure at the hotel.

Depending on your departure flight, you can be transferred to the airport late this evening or the next day.

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight to the USA.