Mashpi Lodge’s interactive space celebrates science, storytelling, and the discovery of 25 new species at
one of the world’s most biodiverse reserves

If you ever dreamed of becoming a biologist.  Mashpi Lodge in Ecuador offers a compelling second chance.

With the unveiling of its newly remodeled Biology Research Laboratory, guests are invited to step into the role of an explorer, an observer, and a curious mind, surrounded by one of the most biodiverse cloud forests on Earth. Here, science is not tucked away behind the scenes. It is part of the hotel experience.

Always More Than a Place to Stay

Mashpi story began with conservation long before it became a place to stay. In 2001, an initial 700 hectares were protected, followed by the hiring of the first Resident Biologist in 2010 as the lodge was taking shape. When Mashpi Lodge opened in 2012, research was already at its core. Today, the Mashpi-Tayra Reserve spans more than 3,000 hectares, and scientists working here have identified 25 new species to date.

The redesigned laboratory brings that spirit of discovery to life in a more engaging and playful way. The space has been thoughtfully reorganized, with a clear distinction between guest areas and the working laboratory used by biologists, allowing visitors to experience the world of research without interrupting it.

A Golden Beetle

Inside, guests can explore a refreshed insect collection that now includes newly curated specimens such as a luminous golden beetle, alongside an exhibition dedicated to the species discovered at Mashpi. A large screen brings the forest indoors through camera-trap footage, reserve insights, and presentations on subjects such as scorpions and spiders, offering a glimpse into the scientific team’s daily work.

For younger guests, 3D-printed beetle models invite hands-on exploration, allowing them to understand insect anatomy piece by piece. Illustrated guides to the region’s birds, butterflies, and plants add another layer, encouraging guests to take their newfound knowledge back into the forest.

An Invitation to Ask Questions

The space doesn’t feel like a traditional lab, but more like an invitation. An invitation to ask questions, to look closer, and to rediscover the thrill of learning something new about the natural world.

At Mashpi Lodge, research is not an add-on. It is the foundation. And with the unveiling of the new Biology Laboratory, guests are not just witnessing conservation in action. They are, in their own way, part of it.