How do I get to Mashpi Lodge on my own?
Mashpi Lodge offers some of the most unique experiences anywhere on the planet and the trip can be an adventure all on its own! First and foremost, be advised the closest city is Quito and all trips to Mashpi include some layover time in this wonderful city. With that in mind, the following set of instructions assume you have your own set of wheels and a willingness to follow very precise instructions, seeing as a good part of the trip will go through unmarked roads.
Due to the status of the roads, the set limit time to arrive at Mashpi Lodge is 3PM. Please plan accordingly if you prefer to arrive on your own.
If you’re traveling from abroad, please make sure you fly to Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) in Quito.
To get to Mashpi Lodge on your own, we’ll use El Condado Shopping Mall (located over on the northern end of Quito) as our departure point. Please be sure to view our instructional video and map (located at the end of this blog) below to complement these directions.
IMPORTANT:
If you wish to use a navigation app such as Google Maps, it won’t take you directly to the Lodge due to its remote location. Google maps can take you to the Mashpi Comunity Observation Deck (“Mirador Mashpi“). When you’re about to reach the Observation deck, you need to be on the lookout for this sign, located at your left:
From that point on, it’s very easy to get to the Lodge, you just need to follow this path until you reach our gate.
Keep in mind that, due to organizational and conservation factors, there are no “walk-in” tours at Mashpi. All activities are reserved for guests, so you need to book a reservation in order to have access to all the activities.
How to get to Mashpi Lodge on your own
Getting to Mashpi Lodge is an entirely doable and even fun experience. However, given its rather isolated location on the outskirts of Quito, it requires careful preparation and planning in order to not get lost along the way. In this blog, you’ll be provided with directions and a video of the journey itself to help you plan your trip to Mashpi Lodge.
Turn-by-turn Directions for Getting to Mashpi Lodge
At the roundabout by El Condado Shopping Mall, take the exit onto Manuel Cordova Galarza (also known as Highway E28) that heads to Pomasqui/Mitad del Mundo.
1. First roundabout (11.8 kilometers)
At the following roundabout, take the 3rd exit and stay on E28.
2. Second roundabout in front of Mitad del Mundo (after 1.6 kilometers)
At the next roundabout (located right in front of Mitad del Mundo and an eccentric-looking, polygonal building), take the 2nd exit and stay on E28 for the next 29.7 miles (47.9 kilometers), passing the town of Nanegalito along the way, until you reach the next exit.
3. After 29.7 miles (47.9 kilometers)
Turn right onto the road “Via a Pacto” (otherwise noted on the sign as “El Chontal”), at which point you will need to turn right and stay on the main, paved road (Via a Pacto) for 14.1 miles (22.8 kilometers).
4. After 14.1 miles (22.8 kilometers)
You’ll reach the town of Pacto. Head into the town and then turn left, then head straight and, once you’ve passed the plaza, take the first left and then the first right. Head straight.
Once through the town of Pacto you’ll continue straight for another 3.1 miles (5 kilometers).
5. After 3.1 miles (5 kilometers)
You’ll reach the town of La Delicia, passing the small town of Pactoloma along the way. Following La Delicia, stay true and head straight down the dirt road until you come upon the small sign at a fork in the road indicating the way to Mashpi Lodge. Head left here and follow along until you reach the large wooden gate that interrupts the roadway.
Alternate route (Quito-Nono-Tandayapa)
Do you need assistance navigating this alternate route?
In the roundabout to the side of Condado Shopping, take the southwest exit that puts you on Antonio José de Sucre y and then head towards Av. Machala.
1. Avenida Machala (1.6 km)
Turn to your right and take Av. Machala to N69 and Calle E. Take El Camino a Nono.
2. Nono (17kms)
Take El Camino a Nono until you get to Calle A. Take your first left on Calle A and head to Vía Nanegalito.
3. After 29.7 miles (47.9 kilometers)
Turn right onto the road “Via a Pacto” (otherwise noted on the sign as “El Chontal”), at which point you will need to turn right and stay on the main, paved road (Via a Pacto) for 14.1 miles (22.8 kilometers).
4. After 14.1 miles (22.8 kilometers)
You’ll reach the town of Pacto. Head into the town and then turn left, then head straight and, once you’ve passed the plaza, take the first left and then the first right. Head straight.
Once through the town of Pacto you’ll continue straight for another 3.1 miles (5 kilometers).
5. After 3.1 miles (5 kilometers)
You’ll reach the town of La Delicia, passing the small town of Pactoloma along the way. Following La Delicia, stay true and head straight down the dirt road until you come upon the small sign at a fork in the road indicating the way to Mashpi Lodge. Head left here and follow along until you reach the large wooden gate that interrupts the roadway.