I explored Ecuador’s Cloud Forest. Here are 7 incredible things to do there.

Adventure awaits you in the Cloud Forest.

Why do people endure an increasingly bumpy three-hour ride from Quito, Ecuador, to visit an ecolodge out in the boonies? Because the stunning Mashpi Lodge sits in the middle of the glorious wet and wild cloud forest. Guests come to explore the 6,177-acre private reserve, which features a staggering amount of plants and wildlife, from over 400 bird species to six kinds of wild cats.

It all starts with the boot station. When you arrive at Mashpi, you’ll be issued a pair of rubber waders and a long, hooded rain jacket. Now you’ll fit in and be ready for the forest activities.

A wooden shed area with a row of boots.
Rubber boots, the foundation of all activities at Mashpi. / Photo by Teresa Bergen