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Maquipucuna Ecolodge

  • Ecuador – Mashpi – Maquipucuna – scientific station
  • Ecuador – Mashpi – Maquipucuna – room
  • Ecuador – Mashpi – Maquipucuna – Spectacled Bears
  • Ecuador – Mashpi – Maquipucuna – waterfall
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Maquipucuna was founded in 1988 as a non-profit organisation dedicated to conservation and has been functioning as a lodge for tourists since 1993.

Maquipucuna was founded in 1988 as a non-profit organisation dedicated to conservation and has been functioning as a lodge for tourists since 1993.

One of the most remote lodges in the Mindo Reserve, Maquipucuna is favoured by birdwatchers and other wildlife lovers, for its unique and tranquil riverside location where at least 340 species of birds have been identified. Rich in biodiversity, it is also home to 250 types of butterfly and 2000 species of plants, with 40km of trails offering opportunities to spot spectacled bears on specialised bear tracking tours (Aug-Nov), as well as rare species of frogs and pumas. Night hikes are available in the evenings to go in search of nocturnal creatures.

The accommodation is simple, but comfortable, with 10 rooms and a family cabin. All rooms are ensuite and have a terrace or balcony with seating area. Some have river views. The restaurant serves a fixed menu of locally sourced food, with views out over the lush forest-clad mountains. A rooftop relaxation area provides an excellent spot for reading a book, whilst the elevated dining area is popular with guests and hummingbirds alike.

Bartolome, Galápagos

What our clients say

  • From the moment we were picked up, (on time) from our hotel in Quito, to the moment we were left at the departure lounge in the airport in Baltra, the…

    TP, Lima Jun 2013
  • Two parts: Seeing cotopaxi and the surrounding area for the first time, and stepping off the boat onto floreana and having to avoid sea lions and iguana, magical.

    HT, Conwy Nov 2014
  • From the moment we were picked up, on time, from our hotel in Quito, to the moment we were left at the departure lounge in the airport in Baltra, the…

    TP, Lima May 2013
  • Probably the Tren Crucero (was the top experience) but too many highlights to mention.

    SB, Cambourne Feb 2020
  • It was all brilliant, we expected the Galapagos to be the highlight, but all the other trips were as good in different ways. All the Ecuadorians encountered at hotels, restaurants,…

    AH, Eastleigh Sep 2011
  • Ecuador Highlights: Seeing hummingbirds & humpback whales, summiting the Pasochoa peak with Kristian, Quilotoa Volcano Lake, Quito cable car ride, the Las Cajas Park walks with Wilson. 

    PJR Aug 2011
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Our Expert's Opinion

Sophie
Sophie Barber - Travel Expert

Sophie lived in Chile before joining us and has travelled extensively across Latin America, from Mexico to the furthest tip of Patagonia and beyond to Antarctica.

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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

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  • Sallly
    Sally Dodge - Travel Expert

    A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.

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    Finn Clennett - Travel Expert

  • Chris
    Chris Rendell-Dunn - Travel Expert

    Anglo-Peruvian Chris grew up in Lima and spent much of his adult life in between London and Cusco as a tour leader, before settling permanently in our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours sales team.

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    Paul Winrow-Giffin - Travel Expert

    After graduating in Computer Science, Paul spent seven months travelling from Colombia to Argentina and came home hooked on Latin America.

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    Rosie Kay - Travel Expert

    During a career break, Rosie embarked on an unforgettable year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. Now back in the UK, she is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others, helping them discover her favourite place in the world.

  • Kathryn
    Kathryn Rhodes - Travel Expert

    Kathryn backpacked across Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru before joining us. She has a degree in Philosophy and French and is a keen netball player.

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