GALAPAGOS
MASHPI LODGE
Sleeping in the jungle canopy Tarzan and Jane-style sounds romantic, but deep down we know it would result in mosquito bites in all the wrong places, if not injury and divorce. Mashpi Lodge provides the closest thing, but with air-conditioning, power showers, gourmet food and nice thick glass between you and the creepy-crawlies while you sleep. A 70-mile journey from Quito, the strikingly modern
glass and steel eco-lodge sits in its own private reserve. Technically, the canopy that guests see through the floor-to-ceiling glazing in the 22 rooms is not jungle, but primary Choco cloud forest, some of the most bio- diverse habitat on earth. The lodge itself combines low environmental impact with high design standards – it’s minimalist, but tasteful. Mashpi is a real hideaway. The reserve is only open
to guests, so as you wander the paths among birds and butterflies you rarely spot another soul. Functioning like a safari lodge, packages include full-board accommodation and all activities, including what the lodge believes to be the world’s only ‘skybike’, a contraption suspended 60 metres up in the canopy that you pedal through the leaves, past brightly-coloured bromeliads and orchids sprouting far from the ground. Guides are of exceptional quality, with highly-qualified
naturalists – ours had worked with David Attenborough – accompanied by spotters from the nearby village. Nothing was too much trouble, even setting up a surprise cheese and wine picnic by a remote waterfall for a fellow guest’s birthday.
MASHPILODGE.COM MUST-SEE: The Old Town in Ecuador’s capital Quito has been beautifully restored
passengers aren’t regular cruisers, but independent travellers who have chosen a cruise as the best way to see the islands, excursions are even more vital. Here, La Pinta excels too, with good quality snorkel gear and kayaks, and even a glass-bottomed boat for those who want to see underwater without getting wet – particularly useful for guests at the higher end of the age range. Our guides’ expertise is truly impressive, their in-depth knowledge on topics from flora and fauna to history and geology meaning they’re rarely stumped by a question. And with a maximum of 16 guests per guide – more National Park regulations – it’s easy to hear the answers. Excursions head out two or three times each day, a combination of slow-paced rambles on land and snorkelling from the shore or the Zodiacs, and though passengers are welcome to stay on the ship if they wish, few do – we’re all keen
80 — aspire september 2014
to see as much as we can. To sneak in an extra bit more Galapagos magic without committing clients to an extra stretch on board, suggest a few nights at one of the few land- based lodges. Most, including Metropolitan Touring’s lovely Finch Bay Eco Lodge, are on the central island of Santa Cruz. From here, guests can explore the island independently on foot, mountain bike, or by kayak, organise a scuba dive or two, or take a day excursion to one of the central islands they’ve missed on their cruise itinerary. Even if they choose to decompress and simply relax by the pool, they’ll have to share it with a feathered friend or two – blue herons turn up regularly to bathe. At least they don’t hog the sun-loungers…
FIND OUT MORE:
metropolitan-touring.com
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