Arrival in Quito
Upon arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport of Quito, located in the County of Tababela, you will be met by our representatives who will assist you with luggage and will provide the transfer to your hotel.
Our representative will be waiting for you at the appropriate Arrivals Hall, holding a sign with your name. Overnight hotel.
Quasar Staff is always monitoring flights. If flight schedules change, we will be waiting for you at the airport on time upon arrival.
- Please keep in mind that your transfer from the airport to the city of Quito will take approximately 40 to 50 minutes, depending on arrival time and traffic. If your hotel is located between the airport area, transfer time will take about 15 to 30 minutes depending hotel location.
- Quito’s average temperatures range from 12 Celsius (53 Fahrenheit) at night to 24 Celsius (72 Fahrenheit) on sunny days. It is recommended to dress in layers while in the Andean Highlands, and we suggest you bring a warm jacket if your arrival flight is on the night.
The adventure begins at around 08:30 am at one of the main hotels in Quito, when you will be collected by Mashpi transportation for your journey to the northwest corner of Quito.
The road passes along the western flank of the Andes next to the “Middle of the World” (“La Mitad del Mundo”) which marks the equatorial line. We then continue westwards, downhill, following the course of the Rio Blanco, watching as the vegetation changes with every significant drop in altitude. After passing the town of Nanegalito, we head northwest, along winding country roads, passing the archaeological site of Tulipe and various farming communities. We arrive at the Lodge at noon.
Your time with us at Mashpi is your own to experience. With the help of our expedition staff, you can choose from any of the activities on offer, always accompanied by a naturalist guide at your own pace. On your arrival day, you will plan your activities with the team and receive a talk about Mashpi and all its wonders.
After enjoying lunch you will be shown to your room for a rest, before heading out in the afternoon for your activity, which could include a hike through the forest followed by gliding above and through the forest canopy aboard our amazing and unique Dragonfly aerial cable car.
When darkness falls, a new troupe of creatures emerges: your guides will accompany you in search out tiny (and some transparent!) frogs, snakes, insects, and even tarantulas during a Night Walk.
- Itineraries are subject to change due to weather conditions, safety, and particular interests of guests and groups.
- Activities for each day will be choosing between the excursions and activities that are offered and adjust them to your particular needs, interests, and capacities.
- Note: Private transportation to and from Mashpi can be coordinated with an additional cost.
08:30
Pick up from the lobby
Activities at Mashpi Lodge
During your stay in Mashpi, an ample menu of touring options and activities is offered to the guests as part of the package to select from daily. You can choose between the excursions and activities that are offered and adjust them to your particular needs, interests, and capacities. Mashpi is a remarkable place for bird-watching, so most of the expeditions have a “birding” component, while others are specially designed for dedicated bird-watchers.
On the last day, you will return from Mashpi to Quito, arrival time to the capital city is usually around 17H00 PM after lunch at Santa Ana brewing located north of Quito. Afterward, transfer to your hotel for overnight.
Return from Mashpi Lodge to Quito, stop for Lunch at Santa Ana Brewing Company
At the appropriate time, our representative will pick you up from your hotel to provide the transfer to the airport for your domestic or Galapagos flight. Your guide will accompany you at the airport to help with your airline check-in procedures.
- Please consider that if you are departing from Quito, your transfer will take approximately 45 to 50 minutes; if you are leaving from an airport hotel time can vary from 15 to 30 minutes depending on your hotel location.
- We always suggest being at the airport 2 hours before your departure time for domestic flights.
- We offer shared transfers from many Colonial Quito hotels at reduced cost as well as private transfer.
