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Learn about the night walks at Mashpi Lodge

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Night time activities at Mashpi Lodge

Night time activities in the Mashpi Reserve transform the dark hours into a period of extraordinary exploration and wonder. While the night is rarely seen as a great time for outdoor activities, the moonlit hours in this biodiverse haven tell an entirely different story. Surprisingly, the forest that bursts with life at daybreak doesn’t quiet down after dusk; instead, it becomes a lively stage for countless incredible nocturnal plant, animal, and insect species. These creatures, elusive during the daylight, emerge under the cover of night, creating a mesmerizing orchestra of sounds and a vibrant tapestry of visual splendor beneath the equatorial stars. So, how can guests at Mashpi Lodge immerse themselves in these unique night time adventures and explore the forest’s nocturnal wonders?

Discover the Enchantment: Night Time Activities in the Mashpi Reserve

Nightwalk
Nightwalk

Equipment and other recommended items

First things first – wandering into the cloud forest in the dark of night is not something to do at the drop of a hat. There is some crucial equipment you need to take with you and some items we can recommend based on our personal experience. Fortunately, all equipment necessary is provided by Mashpi Lodge, including:

  • Rubber boots
  • A powerful flashlight with adjustable settings
  • A water canteen

We also highly recommend the following items:

  • Insect repellent
  • Long pants and a long-sleeve shirt
  • Hat
  • Small backpack to carry your water bottle
  • Walking stick (available at the departure point)
  • Camera
Mashpi's iconic nightwalks
Mashpi’s iconic nightwalks

Night walk destinations

While most of the trails around the Mashpi reserve can make for fascinating night walks, there are two options near Mashpi Lodge, where guests can see a surprising number of nocturnal species: Torrenteer Lagoon and the path to the Life Center.

Torrenteer Lagoon

Torrenteer Lagoon is found just a short walk up the access road to Mashpi Lodge, and there is a lot to see as you walk this trail! On a clear evening, given the lack of air pollution in the reserve, guests are treated to a sky filled with countless stars and a bright moon. It quickly becomes apparent that, despite the relative darkness, the forest is teeming with life – with different species than during the day. The Lodge’s experienced naturalist guides quickly notice rare species, their seasoned eyes picking up on birds, animals, and insects that would otherwise go unnoticed. Using the flashlights provided by the Lodge, guides and guests shine a light on the slopes of the forest and its canopy, carefully watching for the reflection in the eyes of its nocturnal residents. The guides, many photographers at heart, are intimately familiar with the areas where species are often found and can quickly identify them for guests and help them take spectacular photos.

While many species can be found on the walk to Torrenteer Lagoon, there is, even more to be found in the vegetation surrounding the lagoon itself. A detailed description of some of the more fascinating species is found here. Still, the absolute star of the night is the Mashpi Torrenteer, a new species of tree frog discovered at this very place. While they are not overly plentiful, the naturalist guides expertly zone in on them, giving guests a good chance of seeing and hearing them in their natural habitat.

Path to the Life Center

The path to the Life Center makes for another fascinating night walk, and many species can be seen along the way. While seeing the Mashpi Torrenteer is less probable, guests are more likely to spot some of Mashpi’s elusive mammals, such as armadillos, silky anteaters, and capuchin monkeys, and, for the luckiest of guests, the reserve’s elusive ocelots! Once guests arrive at the Life Center itself, the powerful spotting scopes on its panoramic deck allow them to pick out nocturnal species on the distant moonlight-bathed mountain ridges.

Anderson Medina, Nightwalk
Anderson Medina, Nightwalk

Night walks cannot be missed

The night walks and activities at Mashpi Lodge cannot be missed. Not only can you observe wildlife during your night walks, but you will also learn about the fascinating ecosystem in which they live. The Choco cloud forest at night is just as lively as it is during the day, but the species are entirely different. The vegetation and geology of the reserve are also stunningly beautiful, making night walks an altogether new and incredibly fascinating adventure. Enjoy an unforgettable evening with a night walk at Mashpi Lodge and come away with a greater appreciation of the natural world and its incredible inhabitants!

Tourists observing a yellow land iguana in its natural habitat at Finch Bay, Galapagos, included in Mashpi package tours.
Our Premier Ecuador Experience: The Golden Triangle
A Complete Experience that brings you the very best of Ecuador and The Galapagos Islands. With a stint in the Heart of Quito, The Mashpi Reserve, and a stay at The Galapagos Islands most lauded Hotel, Finch Bay.

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