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.
