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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

  • 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
  • Most memorable experiences: Galapagos snorkeling at Devils Crown and the inland lagoon; walk on Fernandina; mountain bikes and trek at Cotopaxi.

    JG, Sevenoaks Aug 2015
  • Quito is a fabulous city with residents that seem to be pleased to see you, really helpful if you make just a little effort to address them in Spanish. Ecuador…

    DW, Lingfield Jun 2010
  • Ecuador is a wonderful country with much to see and do so often overlooked by those seeking to visit South America and that I now know is a big mistake. 

    DW, Lingfield Jun 2010
  • Highlight?: The Napo Lodge experience.   It exceeded our expectations and we were very lucky to have dry weather.

    HB, Todmorden Aug 2018
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Our Expert's Opinion

Paul Winrow Giffin
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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Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Rosie profile
    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.

  • 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!

  • Finn Clennett
    Finn Clennett - Travel Expert

  • 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.

  • 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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