West Coast of South America: Ecuador, Peru, Andes, Atacama, Chilean Coast

Optional Pre-Voyage Extension: Mashpi Reserve

Sunday, October 6 – Wednesday, October 9

The wonders awaiting you on the Mashpi Reserve pre-voyage extension are the perfect entrée to your West Coast of South America expedition. Perched amid rain- and cloud-forest in the private 3,000-acre Mashpi Biodiversity Reserve, the Mashpi Lodge is surrounded by a profusion of plant species, from ferns and bromeliads to hundreds of orchid species, many newly-discovered. A staggering 500 species of bird—including some 36 endemics—are estimated to inhabit the forest. Monkeys, peccaries, and even puma make their homes inside the Reserve crisscrossed with waterfalls between dramatic, verdant hills.

The Lodge itself is sustainably-built and designed to blend beautifully with its surroundings; it offers contemporary décor, five-star amenities, and locally-sourced cuisine. You may explore the lodge’s lush environs by way of nature trails, canopy gondola, and even sky bike, during your time here.

Sunday, October 6
USA / Quito, Ecuador
Depart on your independent flight to Quito. Transfer to the JW Marriott for dinner and overnight.

Monday, October 7
Quito / Mashpi Lodge
Depart the hotel early this morning for our drive to the Masphi Lodge. En route visit the open-air Tulipe Archaeological Site-Museum which showcases the ceremonial pools and ruins of the Yumbo people. Arrive at the Mashpi Lodge in time for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. This evening we take a short walk to the lodge’s butterfly house for refreshments, returning to the lodge as daylight disappears for an opportunity to observe the nocturnal rain forest. Dinner and overnight at Mashpi Lodge.

Tuesday, October 8
Mashpi Lodge
This morning we enjoy coffee on the hotel terrace while observing the local avian cast going about their sunrise routine. After breakfast, we venture out for a rain forest walk with the opportunity to swim in the many small waterfalls on our way to climb up the reserve’s 85-foot observation tower. Return to the lodge for lunch via the canopy gondola for impressive views of the verdant landscape below. On our afternoon rain forest walk, we will seek out the magnificent Andean cock of the rock, among other colorful characters. Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight.

Wednesday, October 9
Mashpi Lodge / Quito
After breakfast, we return to Quito for lunch, afternoon city tour, and welcome dinner with fellow travelers. Overnight at the JW Marriott.

• Price: $2,360 single occupancy, $1,380 double occupancy