Back

Maquipucuna Ecolodge

  • Ecuador – Mashpi – Maquipucuna – scientific station
  • Ecuador – Mashpi – Maquipucuna – room
  • Ecuador – Mashpi – Maquipucuna – Spectacled Bears
  • Ecuador – Mashpi – Maquipucuna – waterfall
0 1 2 3

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

  • Hard to pick one highlight when there were so many superlatives. The scenery in Ecuador was spectacular. The Devil's Nose train ride was great fun. Snorkelling with sea turtles, penguins,…

    JB, Newcastle Mar 2019
  • We had a wonderful time… we thought the guides we had were among the best we have known anywhere; we went for the Galápagos and would admit to mainland Ecuador…

    PW, Lambeth Jan 2026
  • Ecuador was a fantastic adventure: welcoming friendly people, beautiful landscapes and amazing wildlife. To fit in two cities, the Andes, the Amazon, the cloud forest and the Galapagos Islands into…

    GE, Glasgow Jun 2012
  • Most Memorable Moment?: Very hard to say! Loved Hacienda Venecia, and Napo, and Bellavista, and the Avenue of the Volcanoes. 

    DL, London May 2017
  • Probably the Tren Crucero (was the top experience) but too many highlights to mention.

    SB, Cambourne Feb 2020
  • It was all amazing to use an overworked word, but (i) the Cotopaxi days (train plus condors plus steaming volcano) was extraordinary, and (ii) encountering the Galapagos Islands and their…

    JL, Winchester Jul 2015
0 1 2 3 4 5

Our Expert's Opinion

Hannah
Hannah Donaldson - Travel Expert

Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

View Extraordinary Inspiration
Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Carrie
    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

  • Hannah
    Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

    Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.

  • Heloise
    Heloise Buxton - Travel Expert

    Heloise started her Latin American journey as an exchange student in Santiago, Chile. With extended summer holidays this was the perfect opportunity to backpack through Bolivia, Peru, Argentina and Brazil.

  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

  • Lina
    Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

  • 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.

0 1 2 3 4 5