There is a new destination for experiencing natural beauty, biodiversity and eco-adventure in the Ecuadorian Andes: the Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve. Mashpi Lodge, a luxury cocoon in the clouds a mere three hours northwest of Ecuador?s capital Quito, opened its doors last April to receive its first guests, following four years of construction and 14 years since the land was first acquired. The lodge ranks among the most exciting hotel openings in South America this year. It has already garnered international media attention, featuring in Wallpaper* magazine?s Design Awards as well as Outside magazine?s inaugural annual Travel Awards as Best Eco-Lodge.

Mashpi Lodge?s stunning ?canopy gondola? or aerial tram will be ready to glide guests on extended explorations of the forest in September. In the meantime, they will be able to explore the bio diverse world of the Reserve by climbing the Observation Tower, pedaling through the forest on an aerial bicycle, bathing in rivers and waterfalls, discovering the Life Centre with its butterfly farm and terrariums, and of course, hiking along trails through the forest in the company of expert naturalist and local guides.