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ABOUT MASHPI RAINFOREST ITINERARY - in their own words:

ITINERARY: 4 days / 3 nights
Transportation to activities on the rserve is by electric buggies.

Day 1
Depart from Quito to Mashpi, with a stop at the Tulipe Observatory, an ancient astronomical and solar observatory. The pre-Hispanic Yumbo culture (800 to 1660 AD) honored the Sun, the greatest deity in the Andean world. Tulipe was an important ceremonial center and features various stone structures, including pools used as water mirrors. Arrival to the entrance of Mashpi Reserve, where guests board the buggies to the lodge. After lunch, visit the Butterfly Vivarium and birdwatch at a lek. Return to the lodge for special spa treatments and dinner. (L/D)

Day 2
In the morning, explore the rain forest canopy with the Aerial Tram; options include a jungle walk and/or a dip in the Mashpi River. Visit plantations and harvest regional produce, which will be prepared for lunch at Casa Campesina by a local family. In the afternoon, back to the lodge via the Aerial Tram. Leisure time before dinner. (B/L/D)

Day 3
A guided nature walk in the morning and back to the lodge for lunch. The afternoon is dedicated to rainforest fauna, with visits to the serpentarium and saparium (snake and frog vivariums). Leisure time and a nocturnal rainforest safari adventure before dinner.   (B/L/D)

Day 4
Depart the lodge via the electric buggies to visit the community-run Tree Nursery before leaving the reserve. Then board the vans to the Pululahua Crater and lunch. Just north of the Equator, the natives considered the crater of Pululahua (“cloud of water”) Volcano to be the navel of the Earth. Standing at the rim of the crater of this dormant volcano, you can feel the energies that account for Pululahua's quasi-mystical power of attraction. The huge crater is large enough to have its own microclimate and has been inhabited for centuries by farmers who till its rich soil in colorful patches. As the clouds stream over the mountain, the serene, surreal landscape comes and goes like a summer dream. Continue on to visit the Center of the World:  The Equator makes water spin in different directions in different hemispheres...right? The dividing line between the northern and southern hemispheres has fascinated people for centuries, resulting in an over-abundance of myth, legend and hearsay. Stand with one foot in each hemisphere and find out for yourself.   After your visit, continue on to Quito with drop-off at your hotel. (B/L)