Kapawi Eco Lodge

Location:
Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve is located in one of the most remote and well protected parts of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Deep in the nearly two million acres of the Achuar people’s territory, Kapawi is accessible only by air-flying in small planes over an unbroken green expanse of rainforest. Kapawi Ecolodge and ReserveIn addition to consistently receiving high praise for its gracious hospitality, creature comforts, excellent cuisine, and complete menu of activities, Kapawi is also an award winning Ecolodge noted for its ecological design and sensitivity, and for its abundance of wildlife and rich biodiversity.
Located in the territorial lands of an indigenous nation (6,000 people in 64 communities) still living as they have for generations and in intimate harmony with nature, Kapawi provides guests a range and depth of cultural experiences unmatched by any other rainforest lodges.

Facilities:
20 Double cabins with private bathroom and hot water and a balcony with hammocks. Electricity is provided. Social area with bar-restaurant, lounge, library and souvenir shop.

General info:
Kapawi was built by the native Achuar community using traditional techniques, combined with low-impact technologies (solar energy, biodegradable soaps, 4-stroke and electric outboard motors). Each room has its private bathroom, sun-heated shower, and electricity is provided by a photovoltaic system. Besides this, there is a private balcony in each room, where the passengers will be able to relax and observe the daily visitors (ducks, hummingbirds, parrots, among others). The dining room is assisted by a renowned culinarystaff who prepares a daily fare of Ecuadorian and classic light cuisine, as well as special dietary requests, all combined with traditional products of the area. In the main lounge, people will find a library for their convenience where paperbacks, magazines and books are available. A small boutique stocks essential items, as well as handicrafts and souvenirs.

Logistics:
Due to the Lodge’s location, getting there requires a great logistic effort, the Community has a small aircraft that flies from and to Shell’s airport. The Lodge provides overland transportation from and to Quito passing through the Avenue of volcanoes.

Departure days:
4D/3N Programs: FRI-MON
5D/3N Programs: MON-FRI
8D/4N Programs: MON-MON / FRI-FRI

LODGE ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS:
During each program, passengers can choose from several activities during their stay at Kapawi Eco-Lodge, which are defined on the Lodge with your Guide:

Easy Activities:
These are programs that include short hikes in the rainforest (up to 1 � hours) on well defined trails, visit to the Achuar community as well as trips in canoes. Meals are served in the lodge or light meals are taken for the trip. Typical Achuar meals are offered when visiting a community. Overnight stays can be at the lodge or in tents in the communities.

Moderate Activities:
These programs include medium-distance hikes in the rain forest (up to 3 � hours), sometimes crossing flooded areas. Trips in canoes and visit to the Achuar community are also covered. Light meals are taken for the journey or typical Achuar dishes are offered when visiting a community. Overnight stays can be at the lodge or in tents in the communities.

Diffiuclt Activities:
Demanding hikes of many hours or days in poorly defined and often flooded trails. Porters will carry food and supplies. Overnight stays are in tents in the jungle or in the Achuar communities. Exploration journeys to virgin areas are occasionally offered. Trips on inaccessible rivers are done in inflatable rafts. Excellent physical condition is required!

Among the most attractive excursions during your Jungle Program, we can mention:

Hiking Tours:
Easy, moderate or difficult, in tropical rain forest visiting Achuar Communities.

Bird-Watching Tours:
Approximately 2 hours long, generally begins very early in the morning around 06h00.

Kayaking and Canoe Tours:
Canoe trips can be done along short rivers like the Capahuari or some lagoons near the lodge. Kayaking trips can be taken along larger rivers as the Pastaza River.

Fishing Tours:
You can practice fishing near the Lodge: “catch & release” piranhas, cat-fish and carpas

Camping Tours:
This activity depends on the guests choice: our staff carries food and equipment to the camping area; we will try to give our guests the same services as they were staying at the lodge. Please notify us in advance if you wish to participate this activity.

Achuar Community Tours:
One of the most popular activities offered in Kapawi, because of the significant cultural contribution to the Achuar people. We give our guests a briefing about the Achuar Culture, their ethics codes and some suggestions about how to behave during the visit. You will have the opportunity to see a community and its members and purchase some traditional handicrafts.

Self-Guided Paths:
You can choose to venture inside the deep jungle in the surrounding areas of the Lodge accompanied by a native guide that will show the spectacular wildlife and plant life of the zone. There is also the possibility to take night-hikes inside the jungle; this will give you a different perspective of jungle life by encountering a great number of insects, spiders and snakes that rule the dark-humid jungle nights.