Mashpi Lodge is offering a new family-friendly program enabling its younger guests to become stewards of the forest and learn about Ecuador's biodiversity.
The hotel has a large biology department with a staff of nine as well as visiting scholars from around the world and, now, families can more deeply engage with these researchers and learn about the 3,200-acre Mashpi Reserve and the fragile ecosystem of the cloud forest.
Through the Forest Steward Program, guests ages six years and older can become stewards of the cloud forest and raise their awareness of best practices for protecting the biodiversity of forests around the world.
Mashpi's team of native rangers, who are from local communities in the area and make an enormous contribution to the preservation of the reserve, lead the program. The hands-on experience takes young protectors-in-training and teach them techniques for walking safely through the forest; using tree leaves as whistles for bird calls; and illustrating the best ways to camouflage special waterproof hats with paint so that they don't startle forest dwellers on sight.
The rangers also teach young guests how to use field guides to identify insects, how to hook snakes for observation, the anatomy of various animal species and the specifics of leaf prints and patterns of various plants.
All of these skills are learned through exciting activities such as day hikes to waterfalls and swimming holes, night walks to tune into the sounds of the forest, visits to the butterfly farm and Sky Bike rides through the lush forest canopy.
The Kids' Corner in the Lab is a space for these young naturalists to make their own personal discoveries with kid-friendly tools and participation and guidance from adult experts to awaken children's love of science and nature.
Participants who complete the Forest Steward Program become "Young Mashpi Rangers" and are given special recognition to honor their service.
Older participants are also recognized as protectors of the forests and families are given the honor of becoming Mashpi Stewardship Families" together.
Mashpi Lodge is located about a three- to four-hour drive from Quito, although just under 40 miles from the city. Opened in 2012, the lodge offers space for 47 guests, with 20 Wayra Rooms, three Yaku Suites and one Wawa room.
Rates at Mashpi Lodge start at $1,098 plus taxes per room, per night. That includes shared transfer from main hotels in Quito, all meals, all guided activities and excursions within the reserve (walks, bird watching and nature encounters, Sky Bike, Life Center, waterfalls and Hummingbird Garden), Wi-Fi, soft drinks and the use of rubber boots and rain ponchos.
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