Ecuador – Kapawi Eco-Friendly
Jungle Lodge
Completed in 1996, Kapawi is the
newest of the eco-lodges in the Ecuadorian rainforest. It is located on the
Pastaza river, in a very remote area of the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin.
Accessible only by light aircraft, Kapawi is in a most spectacular
place within the rainforest. Built in partnership with the indigenous
organization OINAE, Kapawi is a state of the art project in the middle of
the jungle.
The lodge accommodates up to 40 visitors and was built according to the
Achuar's (the indigenous group) concept of architecture (not a single nail
was used!). Isolation from the rest of the world doesn't mean a lack of
comfort, at least not in Kapawi. We offer 20 double rooms, each with a
private bathroom, solar heated showers, and electricity provided by a
photovoltaic system. Environmentally friendly systems are also used
for rubbish recycling. A research station is being considered as a data
centre for Achuar culture as well as a biological field station.
The most environmentally friendly option of travel to the lodge is to take a
5 hour bus ride (or private car) along the "Avenue Volcano"
from Quito to Shell Mera and then by light aircraft on a spectacular 20
minute flight to the reserve. The not quite so friendly way to reach
Kapawi is to fly in a Boeing 727 from Quito to Macas, from where a light
aircraft will take you on a spectacular 50 minute flight to the reserve.
The options
Easy Activities
- Programs that include short hikes in the rainforest (up to 3 hours) on
well defined trails, visits to the Achuar community as well as trips in
canoes. Meals are served in the lodge or light meals are taken on the trips.
Typical Achuar meals are also offered in the community. Overnight stays are
mainly in the lodge, some may be in tents.
Moderate Activities
- 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 Achuar
community homes and in tents.
Demanding Activities
- Demanding hikes of maybe up to 7 or 8 hours over multiple days on 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 remote rivers
are offered using inflatable rafts. Excellent physical condition is required
for the Difficult Path!
Price Indications per
person:
3
nights / 4 days
Double room - USD620 S
ingle room
- USD1090
4
nights / 5 days
Double room
- USD735 Single
room
- USD1199
7
nights / 8 days
Double room - USD1140 Single room
- USD1778
Plus Internal flights
- Quito / Kapawi / Quito - USD230 per person approx
Basis is sharing a double cabin. Single supplements may apply.
What is Included
Achuar community fee of US$13 per person. All meals and none
alcoholic drinks during your stay.
What is not included
Beverages, alcoholic drinks, tips and personal expenses.
Operational days:
Program 4 days/ 3 nights: From Friday to Monday
Program 5 days/ 4 nights: From Monday to Friday
Program 8 days/ 7 nights: From Monday to Monday or Friday to Friday
Some Suggestions
Remember that we are guests of a very different culture. Some of their
traditions may appear quite odd to us, but it does not mean that we are in a
position to criticise them. Please, follow the rules imposed by the Achuar
communities and respectfully try to learn about this extraordinary culture.
Be careful with photographs or video recordings. Ask your Achuar guide first
if it is possible to take photographs or to make video recordings in Achuar
communities. Avoid close up shots, and never remunerate people with money
for a photograph.
The Achuar are very pleased when you buy their handicrafts. They have a
fixed price which is similar in each community. You can also exchange some
of your personal items (flashlights, batteries etc.) for handicrafts if the
Achuar are interested in doing so.
Please do not buy handicrafts made of feathers, animal skins or insects.
Avoid any physical contact with members of the communities.
Please do not give money, presents, or sweets to the kids. If you have
educational material (pens, note-books, colored pencils, etc.) that you
would like to donate, please give them to the resident manager. He is in
charge of distributing to the different schools of the area.
Please do not enter an Achuar house without an invitation.
The Achuar are very jealous. If you are a man, you should never look
directly at a woman's face.
Remember that the Achuar house has a sexual division. Please, do not go to
the ekent or female area.
Nijiamanch, the manioc beer is always offered, refusing might be considered
an insult. If you do not like this drink, you should at least pretend to
drink it.
Do not go out alone. The chances of getting lost are very high. The only
exception is the self-guided trail. During the hikes, never leave the trails
and stay with the group at all times.
Quito Hotels
We have not included any hotel accommodation in this itinerary for
flexibility reasons, but we are able to arrange this for you once we know your
requirements. Please ask for details.
Visas
A visa is not currently required for UK / USA passport holders.
Personal
Insurance
Comprehensive personal insurance, including search and rescue is required on
this trip.
