The road to paradise isn’t always paved. Sometimes, it’s a rugged, winding path that tests your stomach before rewarding your soul. Our recent adventure to Mashpi Lodge in Ecuador began exactly this way—a journey that started with nausea but ended in pure wonder.
Hidden deep within the Andean cloud forest, Mishpi Lodge is a sanctuary for nature lovers. It offers a blend of luxury and raw wilderness that is hard to find anywhere else. If you are looking for an escape that disconnects you from the world and reconnects you with the earth, this is it. Here is a look inside our incredible few days in the clouds.
The Journey In: A Bumpy Beginning
Let’s be honest about the arrival. Getting to Mishpi isn’t a smooth highway cruise. The road leading up to the reserve was incredibly bumpy—a jarring ride that left us feeling a bit nauseated. The vehicle tossed us around as we climbed higher into the mountains, the air growing cooler and the vegetation denser.
But the moment we arrived, the discomfort faded. We were greeted warmly, checked in efficiently, and given a brief but essential orientation. The staff made it clear immediately: we were now guests in the jungle’s home.
First Encounters: Walking on the Wild Side
We didn’t waste any time. Right after settling in, we were given rain boots to wear for our first nature walk. The forest here felt alive in a way that’s hard to describe. The air was thick with oxygen, and the distant calls of birds and insects created a constant, humming soundtrack. It was an incredible introduction to the area’s biodiversity.
The Jungle After Dark
Some of the magic happened after the sun went down. That evening, we ventured back out for a night walk. If you think the forest is busy during the day, you should see it at night.
We waded through a stream, our flashlight beams cutting through the mist. As we spotted frogs of every variety—tiny glass frogs, tree frogs, and others, we also saw fascinating insects that only emerge when the sun sleeps.
At one point, we all turned off our flashlights. The darkness was absolute. It was pitch black, a heavy, velvet darkness that you never experience in the city. Standing there in the silence, surrounded by the forest’s unseen life, was a humbling experience.
The Dragonfly Tram: A Glide Through the Canopy
The next morning started with an amazing breakfast—fresh fruits, strong coffee, and hearty local dishes to fuel us for the day. We needed the energy because the Dragonfly tram was next up.
This open-air cable car system glides silently through the canopy, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the forest. The ride took about 90 minutes, and it was simply gorgeous. You don’t realize how many shades of green exist until you see them layered over the mountainsides here.
Embracing the Rain
This is a rainforest, after all, so we weren’t surprised when the skies opened up. It poured during our hike and throughout the Dragonfly ride. But getting wet is part of the fun. The lodge provided us with sturdy raincoats and rubber boots, so we stayed relatively dry and comfortable. Watching the rain mist over the mountains, suspended high above the trees, added a moody, atmospheric beauty to the ride.
Hummingbirds and Happy Hours
After a delightful lunch back at the lodge, we had some downtime. It was the perfect chance to clear out a few emails and recharge before our next adventure: the hummingbird park.
“Wow,” was the only word to describe it.
We spent an hour there, mesmerized. Dozens of hummingbirds zipped around us, their wings blurring with speed. The colors were vibrant—iridescent blues, greens, and purples flashing in the air. Our guide, Santiago, was fantastic. He walked us through the different species, highlighting behaviors and details we would have missed on our own.
The ride back to the hotel was another 20 minutes of bumps, but by now we were used to the road’s rhythm.
Evening Connections
Back at the lodge, my husband and I unwound with a couple of drinks at the bar. The atmosphere at Mishpi encouraged connections. We ended up having dinner with six other couples we had met during our stay. We were so lucky to meet such wonderful people!
There were eight of us altogether, sharing stories of our travels. The dinner presentation was stunning—they laid the food out beautifully. While the taste didn’t quite match the spectacular visuals, the company and setting made it a memorable meal.
A Relaxing Farewell
Our final morning began early with one last look at the birds. The morning activity in the cloud forest is frantic and beautiful, a final reminder of the teeming life surrounding the lodge.
To cap off the trip, we had scheduled massages. After days of hiking, bumpy rides, and exploring, it was the perfect way to finish. We left Mishpi Lodge feeling physically relaxed and mentally refreshed.
Despite the nauseating road in (and out) and the rain, this trip was incredible. Mishpi offers a window into a world that feels untouched and ancient. If you can handle a few bumps in the road, the destination is absolutely worth it.
