The lush jungles of South America are arguably some of the most incredible parts of nature in the entire world. The forests of Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, and Columbia contain some pretty amazing and diverse species of plants, insects, and animals. Many travelers from around the world often come to South America to experience these forests for what they area: mother nature in one of her most beautiful forms. However given the nature of these locations, typically you would have to deal with staying in a small hut or camping in tents when visiting these remote, hard to reach areas. There aren’t luxury hotels out in the middle of the jungle right? As it turns out, there actually is.
The Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve is a protected area of the Ecuadorian rainforest that encompasses some 3,200-acres in total. It’s a fairly remote area to travel to, however in it we find the award-winning Mashpi Lodge. It’s probably the most luxurious hotel that you’ll find in a jungle like this one, and it’s pretty spectacular. You’d expect to be staying in a hotel that was “rough” around the edges in a remote area like this, but the Mashpi Lodge rivals hotels found in major cities of the world. It’s a bit of a journey to get all the way out here, but many would argue that it’s worth the trip. One minute you’ll find yourself traveling through the rainforest, then the next minute you are approaching this structure that’s a modern architectural masterpiece. It looks promising from the outside, and it’s equally as beautiful on the inside.
As soon as you step through the main entrance of the Mashpi Lodge, you will soon realize that this is not your average hotel. If this were a hotel found in cities like Los Angeles or London, you would be impressed. But given the location of this hotel, jungle accommodations really don’t get any better. The lodge itself is extremely modern, stylish, clean, and minimalistic in design. Floor-to-ceiling windows are found throughout the property, providing guests with great views of the surrounding mountains and the forests. This hotel is after all an award-wining property, one that has even been recognized by the likes of National Geographic. Guests can enjoy all the hotel has to offer in terms of luxury amenities. While it doesn’t have a mini-shopping mall or a class-leading spa, it has plenty of other things to keep you entertained. Besides the real reason you come here is for a remote vacation in the jungle without having to make many compromises.
The rooms, like the rest of the lodge, are also very simple and modern, yet still very luxurious. Accommodations here are either offered in the form of the basic rooms that offer either two full-sized beds or one king-sized bed, or the larger suites that have more space and a significantly upgraded bathroom. You cannot go wrong with either one, as both options are nice. It is also important to mention that there are only just 22 rooms in total here at the Mashpi Lodge. So not only is it luxurious and remote, it is also very intimate as well, making this an attractive hotel for many seeking an adventurous getaway.
Still as incredible as the hotel is, the real reason you come here is for the nature. As guests of the lodge, you will have access to over 3,200-acres of a virtually untouched rainforest. The lodge offers a range of activities from taking hikes and exploring waterfalls to things like bird watching or participating in conservation projects. The reserve is absolutely filled with all different kinds of life. Over 500 different species of birds and 200 different species of butterflies have been observed within the reserve’s ground, for example. You really cannot expertise nature like this elsewhere in the world, and you definitely cannot do it nicer than this.
So while there may be more luxurious and larger hotels out there in the world, you’re not going to find any hotel that is quite like the Mashpi Lodge. Given its remote location that is found deep within the mountainous rainforests of Ecuador, it’s truly quite remarkable what the Mashpi Lodge has to offer. You can effectively experience the jungles of Ecuador by hiking and exploring the area during the day. But in the evening when you’re tired and dirty, instead of having to return to a tent in the woods to sleep in a hammock, a luxurious hotel is waiting for you, and that’s the real treat of the Mashpi Lodge.
Photos from mashpilodge.com
