Quito's historical center has mesmerized travelers for centuries and was acknowledged as the inaugural city to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. The ancient town showcases cobblestone streets and Spanish-style residences with garden courtyards that date back centuries, making it the most extensive and best-preserved historical center in South America. Nearly every block in this area is adorned with colonial churches, which exhibit Baroque art, classic Catholic iconography, and exquisite Arabesque patterns and motifs. Noteworthy architectural marvels that must be seen include the breathtaking Iglesia de La Compañía and Iglesia San Francisco, both showcasing gold leaf, Christian symbolism, and the mastery of the Baroque style.
An unmissable attraction is the Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesus, located in Quito's historic center, and hailed as one of the most splendid and awe-inspiring churches in Latin America. Constructed by the Jesuits between 1605 and 1765, this church took nearly 160 years to complete. The interior of the church is a true masterpiece of Baroque art, with copious amounts of gold leaf adorning the walls, pillars, and ceilings. The decoration also boasts stunning paintings, sculptures, and intricate designs, which showcase the Jesuits' unwavering commitment to creating an astonishing temple.
Quito's Plaza Grande, also known as the 'large square,' is the heart of the city, where activity seems to converge from every corner. Some of the most renowned buildings, including the Presidential Palace, City Hall, the Archbishop's Palace, and Quito's Cathedral, as well as the Centro Cultural Metropolitano, surround this square. The square offers an ideal spot to unwind and appreciate the remarkable architecture and emblematic heritage trees, including endemic Andean palms. Colonial Quito presents captivating sights and panoramic vistas, providing ample opportunities for photography, particularly from the numerous towers overlooking the expansive plazas.
Apart from the architectural wonders and breathtaking views, Quito is also known for offering some of the world's finest premium dark chocolates. Ecuador is renowned for cultivating some of the planet's best cacao, and tours of the Colonial section often include visits to chocolatiers and shops. For an even more unforgettable experience, Quasar offers excursions to the domes of Santo Domingo Church & Convent or via an aerial tram to the summit of Pichincha volcano, offering one of the most comprehensive views of the renowned Avenue of the Volcanoes.
A Rainforest in the Clouds
Mashpi Lodge, one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World, is the place to encounter 400 species of birds, trees, and frogs found nowhere else in the world, complete with crashing waterfalls and incredible flora. Get ready to trek down hidden paths, splash through rivers, rise at dawn to spot rare birds, or fly high above it all aboard our Dragonfly canopy gondola.
At Mashpi Lodge, the world around us is alive and breathing, waiting for us to begin our descent into its magical embrace.
The Undiscovered Natual Side of Quito
It seems unfathomable that such a wild and remote site could even be associated with a city. Yet, Mashpi lies within the Metropolitan District of Quito – the capital of Ecuador. The lodge, which is only about 100 km (60 miles) northwest of Quito as the hummingbird flies, was built at 950 meters (3,117 feet) above sea level. The surrounding reserve ranges in altitude from 500 meters to 1200 meters (1,640 to 4,000 ft) above sea level. Despite its remote location, the lodge can be reached from Quito in around three hours.
Conservation and Confort
Mashpi Lodge was built using the latest techniques in sustainable construction, with much of the structure having been preassembled in Quito. It is designed to blend in perfectly with its natural environment, its glass walls making it virtually invisible at times. Stunningly contemporary and featuring modernist design and décor that mixes warm earth tones, steel, stone, and glass in striking perspectives, Mashpi Lodge makes for a real cocoon of luxury in the middle of the forest.
Enjoy the Magnificent View
With its pergola-style roof and outdoor seats and tables, the lodge’s open-air terrace provides a space for guests to enjoy splendid views and relax to the sounds of the forest and its inhabitants that flutter within touching distance.
The terrace is one of our favorite places for early-morning birdwatching. Grab your binoculars and scroll down to spot some birds from the terrace.
Spa
Offering a range of beauty treatments, massages, a hot tub, and a space for yoga, our resort allows you to indulge your senses and liberate your body from tension. It truly gives you a perfect chance to reconnect with the essence of nature right here among the forest and clouds. Our two massage rooms enjoy a backdrop of boundless beauty that can be admired through their glass windows, while our Samay Wellness Center close to the lodge is the ideal space to disconnect.
Boutique
Our small boutique sells a variety of books, guides, clothes, and souvenirs as well as toiletries and other essentials for guests. Treat yourself, friends, and family to fragrant essential oils, award-winning Ecuadorian chocolate, or a one-of-a-kind shirt.
Viewing Platform
Like a ship’s prow, our viewing platform juts out over the forest and provides the ideal space to immerse yourself in the world of Mashpi. You’ll be left in awe with the view and mesmerized by the calls of the birds and the dance of nearby butterflies.
Expedition Room
An extensive library of books awaits in the Expedition Room on the first floor. Our Naturalist Guides also use space for activity briefings and by our science team for presentations, the latter of which involve sharing discoveries about the forest and our conservation efforts.
Laboratory
Our laboratory is the home of investigation projects that are carried out within the Mashpi Reserve, manned by our resident Wildlife Project Coordinator. Here, both young and old can learn more about past and ongoing scientific projects that are carried out by our team and guest researchers. We even have a particular area here that’s designed for children, with several activities to engage young minds.
Life Center
Located an easy 20-minute walk from the Lodge, the Life Center is one of the most magical places in the Reserve. Watch tayras, and tropical birds come to feed as you relax or breakfast on the wooden deck, feeling at one with nature. You can also learn about the metamorphosis of the different species of butterflies that inhabit the reserve.
As previously described
