The Kapawi Amazon rainforest lodge offers a fantastic ecotourism adventure.
The lodge is deep in Ecuador’s Amazonian region. Its isolation has help to protect the indigenous tribes as well as the wildlife of the area.
The canopy is teeming with birdlife and the itineraries, tailored to suit your needs, range from short hikes to demanding treks and visits to the Achuar Indian communities. You choose your own itinerary from the many options available at the Kapawi.
Background information – the lodge
The Kapawi Project began in 1993. The goal was to start a new trend in eco-tourism, providing a monthly means of economic support and jobs to the Achuar Indians located in Kapawi as well as in other communities nearby. Some 15 years from now, all installations of the lodge will belong entirely to the Achuar Indians.
The lodge was built in accordance with the Achuar concept of architecture (not a single nail was used!). Environmentally friendly methods such as solar energy and rubbish recycling are also being used.
The region and its people
Kapawi is located in the most remote area of the Ecuadorian Amazon basin, in the province of Pastaza. Flights land at Sharamentsa, from where motorised dugout canoes will take you the hour and a half to Kapawi. Sometimes the weather in the tropical rain forest can cause minor delays. Our recommendation is for you to consider adding an extra day to your itinerary after visiting Kapawi to make sure you meet your connecting flights to your next destination.
Achuar is the name of one of the four groups of the linguistic family Jivaro - Achuar, Shuar, Aguaruna and Huambisa. With a population of about 80.000 people, the Jivaro group is by far the most important homogeneous culture in the Amazon basin. Well known in the past for their internal wars, the Achuar now live peacefully in small villages.
They are small scale farmers and also hunt, fish and gather fruits etc. in the rain forest.
At the beginning of the 1970's the Achuar were the only Jivaros who had not suffered any loss of culture due to contact with the Western world.
Getting there
There are two ways to Kapawi from Quito. First, a direct flight (1 hour). Secondly, a bus in from Quito to Shell, along Humboldt’s Avenue of the Volcanoes. The drive is 5 hours, and then there is a 50 minute flight on a small aircraft at the end.
Itineraries
Once in Kapawi, you will be miles away from what civilization - the nearest town is a 2 week walk through the forest. 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% dependent on the weather.
Kapawi offers many options for teh visitor and is characterized by its flexibility. We do not offer fixed programs but you design, with your guide and your own group, the most suitable to meet your interests.
In Kapawi you can do many activities including visits to the Achuar communities, sharing a day with an Achuar family, hikes in the rain forest, canoeing in rivers and lakes, swimming, watching piranias, pink dolphins, wildlife watching, and birdwatching (480 species have been found in the area).
There are three alternative suggested programmes.
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/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 fitness is required.
Birdwatchers
Kapawi is a great place for birding. In a few days you can see as many as 400 species. The river islands often have Horned Screamers and Orinoco Geese. Muscovy Ducks are frequently seen.
Other birds of exceptional interest featured in Kapawi are two species of Antwren recently discovered (Herpislochaus and Terenura, sp. Novum), Salvin´s Currasow, Buckley´s Forest-Falcon, Sapphire Quail-Dove, Blue-winged Parrolet, Scarlet-Shouldered Parrolet and Black-billed Cuckoo.
There are also the White Chested Puffbird, Spotted Puffbird, Tawney-throated Leaftosser, Black Bushbird, Amazonian Umbrellabird, Orange-eyed Flycatcher (Tolmomyas trailli, sp. Novum), and Moriche Oriole.
You may be lucky and be able to see and record new species on the islands.
This tour can be complemented by a cruise in the Galapagos Islands, a trekking trip in Ecuador’s mountains or coastal regions.
Included Charter flight Quito-Macas-Kapawi-Macas-Quito, all meals from lunch on arrival day to breakfast on departure day, English-speaking guide, accommodation in double room.
Not included Achuar community fee USD 10 per person, national and international tax to be paid at the airport when arriving or departing Ecuado, drinks, tips and personal items, international flights, insurance.
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