Hikes & Rainforest Waterfalls

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Rainforest Waterfalls

Nowhere on Earth is the power of water more tangible than in Mashpi. The mist rolls back over the forest in the morning to reveal the greenery below. There’s the rain, barely there at times, torrential at others, bouncing off the leaves and into the ground. There are the rivers: grand River Mashpi and the dozens of creeks splintering off and crisscrossing the Reserve.

Though there are just under 30 rainforest waterfalls around Mashpi, only four are accessible to guests, the others visible only from the heights of the Dragonfly. With temperatures between 18 and 20 °C (64° F and 68° F), these magnificent waterfalls are waiting for you. Water is key to life in Mashpi, and there’s nothing like a refreshing dip at the end of a hike

Lush green leaves against a dark background, highlighting the rich flora at Mashpi Lodge.
Fresh green leaf, exemplifying the lush flora at Mashpi Lodge in the Ecuadorian cloud forest.
Lush green leaf from Mashpi Lodge's surrounding cloud forest, symbolizing rich biodiversity.

Mashpi Lodge Waterfalls

As dawn breaks and the sun comes up, the morning mist gracefully retreats, unveiling the verdant tapestry of the forest below. Delicate drizzles of light morning rain drop across the canopy of brilliant leaves, and trickle down to replenish the Earth below. Amidst this, the mighty Mashpi River and its intricate web of tributary creeks and ravines weave their way throughout the Reserve.

Of the nearly 30 cascading waterfalls that grace the Mashpi Reserve, only four are accessible to our Guests, while certain others can be admired at a distance from the comfort of the Dragonfly Canopy Gondola. With cascading waters that range from 64 °F to 68 °F (18 °C to 20 °C), Mashpi’s four accessible waterfalls invite you to safely indulge in their cleansing and invigorating embrace. After all, there’s nothing like a refreshing dip at the end of a hike!

Majestic waterfall at Mashpi Lodge
Majestic waterfall at Mashpi Lodge
Mashpi's Waterfall Observation
Fresh green leaf, exemplifying the lush flora at Mashpi Lodge in the Ecuadorian cloud forest.

Copal Waterfall

Activity Description

This medium-difficulty trail takes us on a magical walk through the primary forest where many of the centenarian trees of the Reserve survived logging, with the copal tree (Dacryodes cupularis) being the most symbolic. It leads us down to a waterfall, whose rocks conjure an enchanting curtain of mist all around. The resin from this tree is used as an anaesthetic and for burning as incense; it’s also combustible. The water temperature is between 18 and 20°C (64 and 68°F). Don’t forget your swimsuit!

Copal Waterfall
Copal Waterfall
Fresh green leaf, exemplifying the lush flora at Mashpi Lodge in the Ecuadorian cloud forest.

Magnolia Waterfall

Activity Description

Several rivers cross the Mashpi Reserve close to the hotel, many forming beautiful small waterfalls, cascades and pools. This trail drops down right from outside the Lodge to the Magnolia River below. It’s steep in parts, with a stunning viewing platform about half-way, and a beautiful waterfall and with an all-natural Jacuzzi at the bottom! The waterfall and trail’s name come from the tallest tree in the Reserve, that grows abundantly in this area, the species is heavily logged outside the reserve for its valuable timber.

Magnolia Waterfall
Magnolia Waterfall
Fresh green leaf, exemplifying the lush flora at Mashpi Lodge in the Ecuadorian cloud forest.

The healing Waterfall

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

It’s challenging to reach the Healing waterfall, but undeniably worth the journey. One of the most beautiful in the Reserve, the waterfall has an amazing setting, and what’s more, a special place to sit and meditate. The walk starts from the hotel and takes four hours there and back, covering 3 km (2 miles). There are several options to reduce hiking time, including taking a vehicle part of the way, walking to the Sky Bike Station, crossing to the other side and walking the trail to the waterfall, or combining the walk with the Dragonfly on the return

The Healing Waterfall
The Healing Waterfall
Colorful butterfly, emblematic of the ecological diversity at Mashpi Lodge, poised elegantly.

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Vibrant toucan at Mashpi Lodge

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