Kapawi Eco Lodge Tour

Information

Kapawi is located in the most remote area of the Ecuadorian Amazon basin, in the province of Pastaza. Flight destinations are to Sharamentsa from where motorized doughnut canoes will take you to Kapawi in a comfortable 1-hour and a half ride. We use the best aircraft, with very high standards. Nevertheless due to type of weather of the tropical rain forest some delays can be expected. Our recommendation is for you to please consider adding an extra day to your itinerary after visiting Kapawi to make sure you meet your connecting flights to your next destination!

Prices 2009

4 Days Tour USD 695
5 Days Tour USD 895
7 Days Tour USD 1395

The Lodge

Kapawi was built in partnership with the indigenous organization OINAE, and the private enterprise CANODROS, Kapawi is a State-of-the-art-project. The lodge was created in accordance with the Achuar concept of architecture without a single metal nail. Environmentally friendly methods such as solar energy, biodegradable soaps, and trash-recycling systems are also being utilized.
Achuar is the name of one of the four groups of the linguistic family Jivaro, (Achuar, Shuar, Aguaruna and Huambisa). With a global population of about 80.000 people, the Jivaro group is by far the most important homogeneous culture on the Amazon basin. Well known in the past for their internal wars, the Achuar they now live peacefully in small villages.

Access

In general, we offer two different possibilities to reach the Kapawi Lodge. This depends on your departure day.

Departure Day Monday Quito - Shell - Kapawi (bus, flight)

• Bus Quito-Shell along the "Avenue of Volcanoes" and via Baños (app. 5 hours), departure at about 6h in the morning

• Flight from Shell to Kapawi (app. 45 min.)

Departure Day Friday Quito - (Shell) - Kapawi (flight)

• Either direct flight Quito-Kapawi (app. 1,5 hours)

• Or flight with stopover at Shell (app. 40 min., 45 min.)

Return Day Monday Kapawi - Shell - Quito (flight, bus)

• From Kapawi to Shell by plane (app. 45 min.)

• Bus Shell-Quito via Baños and along the "Avenue of Volcanoes" (app. 5 hours)

Return Day Friday Kapawi - (Shell) - Quito (flight)

• Either flight with stopover at Shell (app. 45 min., 40 min.)

• or direct flight Quito-Kapawi (app. 1,5 hours)

Important

Once in Kapawi, you will be miles away from what you know as civilization, as the nearest town is 2 weeks walk away through the forest for the local people. This remoteness is what makes Kapawi such a special and unique place. Please remember that because the only way in and out of the area is by air, we are 100% reliant on the weather. We request that you leave an extra day after your stay at Kapawi as a buffer day in case an act of God prevents your departure.

Eco-Tourism in Kapawi

Kapawi is a place of multiple choices and is characterized by its flexibility. We do not offer fixed programs, but you can design with your guide and your group, the most suitable one to meet your interests and physical condition.
In Kapawi you can do many activities and the most of the itineraries will include visits to the Achuar communities, you can share all of a day with the Achuar families, hikes in the rain forest, canoeing in rivers and lakes, swimming, watching piranhas, pink dolphins, see caimans and other animals of the area, as well as birdwatching, where there are 480 species.

There are three alternatives, according to your physical condition (not your age)

Easy

Programs that include short hikes in the rainforest (up to 3 hours) on well defined trails, visits to the Achuar communities as well as trips in canoes. Meals are served in the lodge or light meals are taken for the trip. Typical Achuar meals are also offered in their communities. And during overnight stays in the lodge or in tents.

Moderate

Programs that include medium-distance hikes in the rain forest (up to 5 hours), sometimes crossing flooded areas. Trips in canoes and visits to the Achuar communities are also covered. Light meals are taken for the journey or typical Achuar dishes are served in their communities. Overnight stays include the lodge, in the Achuar communities and occasionally in tents.

Difficult

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 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!

Services

Energy

The lodge is powered by solar energy. Sixty-four solar panels of 75 watts each cover 80% of all the lodge's energy needs. Every room has 4 lamps 1 in the bathroom and 3 in the bedroom. We kindly request you to conserve energy by using no more than three lamps at a time.

Water

The tap water is filtered through charcoal filters and purified with UV rays. Bottles of drinking mineral water are available in your room. Solar showers provide 5 gallons of hot water per person each day. For your convenience we recommend that you take showers at the end of the day.

Night

No artificial illumination exists along the boardwalks since it could modify the behavior of nocturnal animals. You should carry a flashlight with you.

Swimming

Swimming can be safely done in lakes and calm rivers. Nevertheless, as the water level goes down in the dry season, this activity can is not always available.

Meals

We serve a combination of international and traditional food. A wide variety of exotic fruits are also available. Soft drinks, snacks and hot water for coffee and tea are available all day.

Library

A well-endowed library is open all day long. Paperbacks, magazines and books are available.

Boutique

A small boutique stocks essential items you may have forgotten (film, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sunscreen, insect repellent, hats etc.), as well as handicrafts and souvenirs.

Soap

All soaps used in the lodge are biodegradable. In the shower as well as in the sink you will find shampoo and soap dispensers. Please do not use non-biodegradable soaps.

Trash

Trash is sorted into two classes biodegradable (food, paper, etc.) and non-biodegradable (metal, plastics, glass, etc.). Please deposit garbage in the appropriated trash containers, which you will find in your room.

Tour Includes

• Accommodations during the program according to specifications.
• All meals during the program.
• Land and river transportation .
• English speaking  Naturalist guide and native guide services during the program.
• Visits and excursions according to the program.

 Tour does not Includes

• Charter flight Quito-Macas-Kapawi-Macas-Quito.
• Achuar community entrance fee USD 10per passenger.
• Drinks.
• Tips.
• Personal expenses.   
• Services not specified.