Explorer’s Journal: Exploring Ecuador with Destination Expert Renata and Her Niece

Join SA Explorer Renata on an unforgettable journey through Ecuador. Traveling with her nine-year-old niece, Renata ventured from the lively streets of Quito into the heart of Mashpi Reserve, where butterflies fluttered through the canopy and waterfalls shimmered beneath the clouds. Together, they explored trails alive with wildlife, soared above the treetops on the Dragonfly Gondola, and discovered the magic of nature through every shared moment. This family adventure through Ecuador is a reminder that travel isn’t just about the places we go—it’s about the connections we make along the way. 

Hola from Ecuador! I’m Renata Ferreira, a Destination Expert with SA Expeditions, and I’ve recently embarked on an unforgettable adventure with my 9-year-old niece, Maria. Our first stop: the magical cloud forest of Mashpi, a remote, biodiverse haven nestled about three hours northwest of Quito. 

The Journey to the Cloud Forest 

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Renata and her niece take in the breathtaking views of Ecuador’s cloud forest before setting off on their Mashpi adventure (Photo: Renata Ferreira).

The journey here is part of the experience. After leaving the bustling streets of Quito, our private transfer carried us through the scenic highlands, where the landscape slowly shifted from Andean valleys to lush, mist-covered hills. We passed several small villages along the way, each offering a glimpse into daily Ecuadorian life. From the car, we watched children playing soccer at the local school, stray dogs trotting down quiet roads, and locals chatting outside corner shops or carrying bundles of firewood home. It was a peaceful contrast to the capital and gave Maria her first taste of life beyond the city. 

As we descended into the cloud forest, the road turned to gravel, and the air grew cooler and damper. The final stretch was a bit bumpy, but it only added to the feeling that we were heading somewhere truly remote and special. By the time we arrived at Mashpi Lodge, we were already fully immersed in the rhythm of the forest. Mashpi offers an incredible experience in such a remote location—all you need to bring is your sense of adventure. 

Exploring Mashpi’s Wild Side 

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From treetop bridges to the sky bike, every adventure at Mashpi was a thrill (Photo: Renata Ferreira).

Once we settled into our room at Mashpi Lodge, it was time to hit the trails. We met our guide and naturalist, who helped us plan our activities for the next three days—tailoring them to fit both my and Maria’s energy levels and interests. 

We kicked things off with a guided walk along one of the forest’s lush trails, where we spotted butterflies, birds, and even heard howler monkeys in the distance. Maria was captivated by the colors and sounds—there’s something magical about being in a forest where the clouds literally brush past you. 

One of the day’s highlights was pedaling the sky bike, which glides over the canopy and offers a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding forest. We also climbed the observation tower for sweeping views and ended the day with a misty hike to a secluded waterfall. 

Mashpi is the perfect mix of adventure and comfort—it’s wild yet accessible, luxurious yet deeply connected to nature. 

Soaring Above the Canopy 

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Chasing waterfalls and soaking in the beauty of Mashpi’s cloud forest (Photo: Renata Ferreira).

The next morning brought even more adventure. As we set out on a misty hike through the rainforest, light rain filtered through the canopy, and the forest seemed to come alive in a new way. Along the trail, we came across the Magnolia tree—native to this region and a symbol of Mashpi’s deep connection to its environment. Its fragrant bark and leaves are used to create the lodge’s signature scent, found in their eco-friendly bath products. This natural aroma gently lingers throughout your stay, creating a sensory link to the forest itself. Our reward at the end of the trail was one of Mashpi’s hidden waterfalls, where the cool, crystal-clear water made for a refreshing dip after the trek. 

Later that day, we soared above the forest on the Dragonfly Canopy Gondola. Floating peacefully over treetops, winding rivers, and distant cascades, we took in the breathtaking beauty of the Chocó Biosphere. From forest floor to treetop, Mashpi invites you to connect with nature in every moment. 

Science, Discovery, and Sweet Farewells 

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From holding giant forest snails to learning about rainforest insects in the Mashpi Lab, Maria discovered that adventure isn’t just about exploring—it’s about understanding the world around us (Photo: Renata Ferreira).

On our last day at Mashpi, we visited the Life Center and the Lab—two special places that highlight how the lodge helps protect nature. The Life Center sits on a hill with sweeping views of the forest. There, we saw butterflies up close, learned about their fascinating life cycle, and watched colorful toucans fly by. 

Next, we explored the Lab, where scientists study the animals and plants of the cloud forest. We examined insect collections, watched videos from camera traps, and discovered how the team works to protect the region’s incredible biodiversity. It was both fun and inspiring to see what happens behind the scenes. 

Mashpi was the perfect place to introduce my nine-year-old niece to the magic of nature. She was amazed by everything we saw and learned. We ended our stay with a final delicious lunch and one last round of desserts—a sweet and relaxing way to close a trip full of wonder and adventure. 

This journey through Ecuador was truly special. From exploring Quito’s lively streets to discovering the magic of Mashpi’s cloud forest, every moment was filled with curiosity, laughter, and connection. Family travel has a way of deepening our bonds and creating memories that last a lifetime. I’m so grateful to have shared this unforgettable adventure through Ecuador together!