A Seattle Duo's Rainforest Retreat: Our Mashpi Lodge Experience
Join us, Marlie and Anthony, as we swap Seattle's urban charm for the lush, biodiverse Chocó rainforest in Ecuador. Our stay at Mashpi Lodge was a breathtaking mix of luxury, nature, and thrilling adventures, from the Sky Bike to the enchanting Hummingbird Viewpoint.
Hey everyone, Marlie and Anthony here, coming to you with an amazing story from our latest adventure! Moving from the bustling cityscape of Seattle, we ventured into the heart of Ecuador's Chocó rainforest for an unforgettable stay at Mashpi Lodge. This place is truly a gem for anyone looking to experience the magic of a rainforest, and we're thrilled to share every bit of our journey with you.
Right off the bat, the Chocó rainforest captivated us with its unique blend of ecosystems - from cloud forests to coastal lagoons. The high rainfall here makes it one of the wettest places on the planet, contributing to its status as one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. As Seattle dwellers, we were awestruck by this dramatic shift in environment – it was like stepping into another world.
Mashpi Lodge itself is an incredible, beautiful building perched on a scenic plateau. The architecture is stunning, with floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass windows allowing uninterrupted views of the forested mountains. Our room was a dream, offering luxury in the midst of this wild, natural paradise. And let's not forget the delicious meals and amazing cocktails that were part of our stay.
The journey to Mashpi, arranged by Metropolitan Tours, was an adventure in itself. It took us about three hours from Quito, with a bumpy and quite thrilling ride on remote roads. We even had the chance to stop by the monument center of the world, marking Ecuador’s location on the equator – a neat addition to our travel tale.
The Sky Bike at the Mashpi Lodge
Once at Mashpi, we were eager to dive into the various activities. Our first day was about settling into our incredible room and soaking in the unbelievable view. We soon embarked on our first Mashpi adventure, which started with a hike to one of the lodge's main attractions - the Sky Bike. This two-person bike stretched 655 feet across a gorge above a flowing river, offering a unique way to explore the forest canopy. For us, this was a mixture of excitement and conquering fears, reminiscent of our past experiences kayaking on the Puget Sound or zip-lining through Belize.
Our adventures didn’t stop there. The Observation Tower, a metallic structure climbing about eight-stories high, offered an exciting bird’s-eye view of the surrounding forest. We also participated in night talks led by Mashpi’s resident biologist, where we learned fascinating facts about the local wildlife and conservation initiatives.
Our second day was packed with activities, including a long hike through the forest, leading to a serene waterfall and a rejuvenating swim. The highlight, however, was the Dragonfly – an open-air gondola that glided us through the treetops, offering a peaceful immersion in nature.
We ended our stay with a visit to Mashpi’s Hummingbird Viewpoint, a serene spot surrounded by bird feeders, where we even got to feed hummingbirds from our hands. It was an extraordinary end to our trip, leaving us with a comfortable stay, enriched knowledge, and a deep love for nature’s abundance.
For anyone in Seattle craving a unique adventure, we can’t recommend Mashpi Lodge enough. It’s a place of beauty, adventure, and profound connection with nature.
Watch our experience on YouTube below!
The Black Experience in Ecuador's Enchanted Forest: Our Stay at Mashpi Lodge
Follow our journey as a Black couple to Mashpi Lodge, where we found a unique blend of adventure, cultural insight, and comfort. From night walks revealing the forest's active wildlife to meaningful insights into the lodge's conservation efforts, our experience was both enriching and empowering.
Hey again, it's Marlie and Anthony! We want to dive deeper into our experience at Mashpi Lodge, focusing on what it means to travel there as a Black couple. Traveling While Black often adds unique layers to our journeys, and Mashpi Lodge was no exception. It offered us a blend of adventure, comfort, and cultural insights that deeply resonated with us.
From the moment we arrived, the staff at Mashpi Lodge made us feel extremely welcome. The service was top-tier, creating an environment where we felt totally engulfed in nature's peace. It’s a place where hospitality, friendship, and comfort come together in a beautiful harmony, something we highly value as Black travelers.
Our adventures at Mashpi were not only fun but also insightful. The night walks, in particular, stood out. Hiking a trail back to the lodge at night, we saw the forest come alive with its most active wildlife – bats, toads, snakes, and more. It was an exhilarating experience, adding a thrilling dimension to our stay.
The conservation efforts at Mashpi also caught our attention. The lodge’s mission to protect the forest and lift the local Ecuadorian community out of poverty resonated with us. Knowing that we were staying at a place that was built on top of an old sawmill to avoid cutting down trees, and that former local loggers were retrained into conservation careers, added a layer of respect and admiration for our surroundings.
Each activity, from the Sky Bike to the Dragonfly ride, pushed us out of our comfort zones, reminding us of the empowering aspect of travel. Being in a place so different from our usual surroundings, yet feeling so connected and welcomed, was a unique experience.
For Black travelers looking for destinations that offer adventure, learning, and a sense of belonging, Mashpi Lodge is a perfect choice. It's a journey that goes beyond just sightseeing, offering a deeper connection with nature and a thoughtful approach to cultural and environmental preservation.
Watch our full experience on our YouTube episode below!
From Seattle to Quito: A Travel Adventure
On our latest adventure of "Traveling While Black," we went from Seattle to the vibrant city of Quito, Ecuador. Of course the episode was not just about the destination but also the journey, which was an experience in itself.
