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!
Navigating the Streets of Quito - A Black Traveler's Perspective
In this installment of "Traveling While Black," we delve into our recent travel vlog experience in Quito, Ecuador's enchanting capital. As Black travelers, our journey through this historically rich city was filled with eye-opening discoveries and valuable insights.
“Traveling While Black: Our Experience in Quito, Ecuador’s Enchanting Capital”
In this installment of "Traveling While Black," we delve into our recent travel vlog experience in Quito, Ecuador's enchanting capital. As Black travelers, our journey through this historically rich city was filled with eye-opening discoveries and valuable insights.
Our adventure began with a walking tour through Quito's Old Town, guided by locals. This initiative, designed to support grassroots organizations, allowed us to delve deep into the heart of Ecuadorian culture.
We navigated through vibrant markets, met local artisans, and even indulged in a chocolate-making experience that included tasting.
One striking aspect of Quito is its Roman Catholic influence, visible in its majestic churches that have stood since the 16th century. These architectural marvels are not just religious landmarks but also symbols of the city's deep-rooted history.
The Basilica and Convent of San Francisco Square, Quito, Ecuador
As Black travelers, our interactions in Quito were overwhelmingly positive. The warmth and hospitality of the locals were evident in every smiling face and welcoming gesture. Whether it was shopkeepers, tour guides, or fellow diners, we felt an immediate sense of belonging.
However, our experience wasn't without its challenges. During our stay, we encountered a moment of unease with the local police at the Quito airport, highlighting the complexities of traveling while Black. Despite this, our overall experience in Quito was incredibly fulfilling.
