KAPAWI ECOLODGE
This resort is considered the top jungle resort in Ecuador. Flying from Quito to the small town of Macas or sometimes to the small community of Montalvo you take a small
plane deep into the jungle, close to the border of Peru. Once at Kapawi you stay in a comfortable room with private showers and go on short expeditions close to the resort. Kapawi is considered one
of the best eco-tourist projects in South America.
Kapawi (and the Tropical Rain Forest) is as safe as a temperate forest where very few animals are dangerous. They are generally shy and prefer to run rather than attack (similar to poisonous snakes).
Kapawi has Achuar and naturalist guides who are well versed in the environment. They carry first aid kits and radios for emergency purposes. Life jackets, well-maintained paths and motorized canoes guarantee security for our visitors. An evacuation protocol is available upon request.
Near the Ecuadorian-Peruvian border and seen from a small aircraft, interrupted only by isolated communities, the Amazon appears to be a never ending carpet of trees. During your flight over Kapawi Ecolodge and Reserve, it will be difficult to differentiate the lodge from the local communities. The twenty thatch-roofed Cabañas (huts) that are aligned along a small lagoon look from the air like a rather unimpressive project. However, by combining the vernacular architecture, exogenous and low-impact technologies plus a unique and friendly working relationship with the Achuar it was possible to create what has been called "Ecuador's closest approach to the perfect eco-lodge".
Features
Rainforest Mammals
You have to understand that most rainforest mammals are hard to find because they are shy, nocturnal and well camouflaged. If you are searching for animals, some
patience, luck and a good guide will help you to see many, including monkeys, giant otters and fresh-water dolphins.
Rainforest Birds
In Kapawi, during the past three years, 520 species have been recorded. The number increases every season with migrants from Patagonia or North America. Everyone wants
to see toucans, macaws and parrots. These and other birds cannot be seen until they fly out across a river or forest gap. However, hawks, kingfishers, orioles, flycatchers and anis can be easily
spotted.
Rainforest Reptiles
Reptiles are relatively independent in open water with scaly skin and eggs that are waterproof enabling them to colonize in different areas and get all the water they
need from their food. Their slow metabolism allows them to reduce water and food requirements. Activity is limited because they are 'cold-blooded', when they need to warm up, they bask in the sun and
to cool down they seek shade (useful clues on when and where to look for them). You will find land reptiles such as snakes, lizards and tortoises. Aquatic reptiles like caimans (a type of alligator)
and river turtles can also be found in Kapawi.
Transportation:
Travel from Shell
- Shell - Kapawi - Shell: US$ 306 per person
Travel from Quito
- Quito - Shell* - Quito (overland transport) : US$ 60
ITINERARIES
ITINERARY 4 DAYS/ 3 NIGHTS
DAY 1
Guests will be picked up from their hotel in Quito beginning at 6:00 am
Lunch at Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve. After lunch guests will have the opportunity to relax, unpack, and situate themselves with the surroundings. Afternoon: we will have a quiet activity where guests can walk along one of the Pastaza River beaches. Here, our guides will give guests an introductory orientation session with information about the rainforest and the Achuar culture, while enjoying a beautiful sunset. At night after dinner, we will explore the Kapawari river in search of nocturnal animals such as monkeys, alligators and birds. All this coupled with a fantastic starry sky Kapawi.
DAY 2
Early morning: our guides will escort guests on a 30 minute motor boat ride to reach one of the best natural attractions, the Claylick, where guests will see different
species of parrots, macaws, and parrots such as the Cobalt-Winged Parakeet, Chestnut-Fronted Macaw, Yellow Crowned Amazon. After breakfast guests take a walk, approximately 2 hours with stops, where
they will learn about medicinal plants of the area and tropical forest ecology.
Lunch at Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve. Time to rest.
Afternoon: guests will be able to explore, via kayak, the Kapawari River and its connecting lagoons, while looking at local wildlife such as the pink river dolphin. As the river is quite calm, swimming is completely safe. After dinner: guests can partake in a spectacular night walk, observing the many different kinds of insects and amphibians that are found around the hotel.
DAY 3
Early morning: guests will have the opportunity to finding and spotting the great variety of birds that the southeast Rainforest of Ecuador offers like Hoatzin, Aninga,
Speckled Chachalaca, White Eared Jacamar, Cocoi Heron, Neotropical Cormorant, and the Great Egret.
Breakfast and departure for a full day activities: our guides will escort guests along the Pitzacocha or Pama trail. During this time guests can learn about the forest
and its benefits for the Achuar people. Our guides will also teach guests about Achuar hunting techniques and Arutam the spirit of the forest. Picnic lunch in the forest. After lunch: guests will
visit one of the Achuar communities that is located close to the lodge.
This is one of our most popular activities offered in Kapawi, because of the significant cultural contribution to the Achuar people. Guests will have a chance to see a community and its members and purchase some traditional handicrafts. Return to the lodge followed by dinner. After dinner: cultural activities (legends in hammock house, traditional greetings).
DAY 4
Early morning: our guides will bring guests to specific points near the hotel, in order to locate various species of birds. Breakfast and preparation for departure. In
the last few hours before departure from the Achuar territory, guests can participate in a blowgun contest to demonstrate who is the best hunter among the guides and guests. Guests will also be able
to learn the art of Achuar face painting and how it relates to their different activities.
ITINERARY 5 DAYS/ 4 NIGHTS
DAY 1
Guests will be picked up from their hotel in Quito beginning at 6:00 am
Lunch at Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve. After lunch guests will have the opportunity to relax, unpack, and situate themselves with the surroundings. Afternoon: we will have a quiet activity where guests can walk along one of the Pastaza River beaches. Here, our guides will give guests an introductory orientation session with information about the rainforest and the Achuar culture, while enjoying a beautiful sunset. Dinner.
DAY 2
Early morning: our guides will escort guests on a 30 minute motor boat ride to reach one of the best natural attractions, the Claylick, where guests will see different
species of parrots, macaws, and parrots such as the Cobalt-Winged Parakeet, Chestnut-Fronted Macaw, Yellow Crowned Amazon. After breakfast guests take a walk, approximately 2 hours with stops, where
they will learn about medicinal plants of the area and tropical forest ecology.
Lunch at Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve. Time to rest.
Afternoon: guests will be able to explore, via kayak, the Kapawari River and its connecting lagoons, while looking at local wildlife such as the pink river dolphin. As the river is quite calm, swimming is completely safe. After dinner: guests can partake in a spectacular night walk, observing the many different kinds of insects and amphibians that are found around the hotel.
DAY 3
Early morning: guests will have the opportunity to finding and spotting the great variety of birds that the southeast Rainforest of Ecuador offers like Hoatzin, Aninga,
Speckled Chachalaca, White Eared Jacamar, Cocoi Heron, Neotropical Cormorant, and the Great Egret.
After breakfast guests will take a walk, approximately 2 hours with stops, where they will learn about the benefits and uses of the palms to the Achuar and the important ecological role played by insects and animals in the forest. Lunch at the hotel.
In the afternoon some activities will be offered: including Fishing where you can fish for piranha or catfish. Also the guest will learn the art of making crafts with staff Achuar Hotel. At night after dinner, we will explore the Kapawari river in search of nocturnal animals such as monekys, alligators and birds. All this coupled with a fantastic starry sky Kapawi.
DAY 4
This day the guests could go to Bird watching upstairs Kapawari river to go to the clay-lick.
Breakfast and departure for a full day activities: our guides will escort guests along the Pitzacocha or Pama trail. During this time guests can learn about the forest and its benefits for the Achuar people. Our guides will also teach guests about Achuar hunting techniques and Arutam the spirit of the forest. Picnic lunch in the forest. After lunch: guests will visit one of the Achuar communities that is located close to the lodge.
This is one of our most popular activities offered in Kapawi, because of the significant cultural contribution to the Achuar people. Guests will have a chance to see a community and its members and purchase some traditional handicrafts. Return to the lodge followed by dinner. After dinner: cultural activities (legends in hammock house, traditional greetings).
DAY 5
Early morning: our guides will bring guests to specific points near the hotel, in order to locate various species of birds. Breakfast and preparation for departure. In
the last few hours before departure from the Achuar territory, guests can participate in a blowgun contest to demonstrate who is the best hunter among the guides and guests. Guests will also be able
to learn the art of Achuar face painting and how it relates to their different activities.
ITINERARY 8 DAYS/ 7 NIGHTS
DAY 1
Guests will be picked up from their hotel in Quito beginning at 6:00 am
Lunch at Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve. After lunch guests will have the opportunity to relax, unpack, and situate themselves with the surroundings. Afternoon: we will have a quiet activity where guests can walk along one of the Pastaza River beaches. Here, our guides will give guests an introductory orientation session with information about the rainforest and the Achuar culture, while enjoying a beautiful sunset. Dinner.
DAY 2
Early morning: our guides will escort guests on a 30 minute motor boat ride to reach one of the best natural attractions, the Claylick, where guests will see different
species of parrots, macaws, and parrots such as the Cobalt-Winged Parakeet, Chestnut-Fronted Macaw, Yellow Crowned Amazon. After breakfast guests take a walk, approximately 2 hours with stops, where
they will learn about medicinal plants of the area and tropical forest ecology.
Lunch at Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve. Timo to rest.
Afternoon: guests will be able to explore, via kayak, the Kapawari River and its connecting lagoons, while looking at local wildlife such as the pink river dolphin. As the river is quite calm, swimming is completely safe. After dinner: guests can partake in a spectacular night walk, observing the many different kinds of insects and amphibians that are found around the hotel.
DAY 3
Early morning: Our guides will escort guests on a 30 minute motor boat ride to reach one of the best natural attractions, the Claylick, where guests will see different
species of parrots, macaws, and parrots such as the Cobalt-Winged Parakeet, Chestnut-Fronted Macaw, Yellow Crowned Amazon. After breakfast: departure to Ishpingo trail beginning with a 30 minute
canoe trip to the beginning of the trail. Guests are kindly asked to be prepared for crossing some log bridges. This trip is combined with a canoe or kayaktrip up the Ishpingo river in order to
observe the local wildlife along the rivers shoreline. Lunch will be provided during the trip. Return to Kapawi for Dinner. After dinner: guests can partake in a spectacular nightwalk, observing the
many different kinds of insects and amphibians that are found around the hotel.
DAY 4
In the morning you can choose from a bird watching Activity or go to the Claylick. After breakfast guests will take a walk, approximately 2 hours with stops, where they
will learn about the benefits and uses of the palms to the Achuar and the important ecological role played by insects and animals in the forest. Lunch at the hotel.
After lunch: guests will visit one of the Achuar communities that is located close to the lodge. This is one of our most popular activities offered in Kapawi, because of
the significant cultural contribution to the Achuar people. Guests will have a chance to see a community and its members and purchase some traditional handicrafts. Dinner at the community provided by
Kapawi. Camping overnight in the community.
DAY 5
Early morning: guests are offered the unique experience of participating in a traditional ceremony involving the drinking of a local Achuar tea called guayusa. The
ceremony will begin at approximately 4am, where guests will drink the purifying tea around a campfire, while an Achuar man will interpret the dreams of the participants. Towards the end of the
ceremony, everyone will be able to enjoy the sunrise. Breakfast at Kapawi. After breakfast: various activities will be offered, including fishing and handicraft making. After lunch: guests can take
kayak and hiking trips to explore the surrounding areas.
DAY 6
After breakfast departure to the Pastaza-Kusutkao Trail. Guests will arrive at the trail after one hour motor canoe ride up the Pastaza River. Guests are kindly asked,
once again, to be prepared for crossing log bridges, as the trail can become quite swampy. At the end of the trail, guests will end at the Kusutkao River, where they will be met with lunch by the
Kapawi staff. After lunch: guests have the option of kayaking back down to Kapawi. The trip is approximately three hours. Dinner at Kapawi. At night after dinner the guest can choose from a night
walk in a different trail or go to a canoe ride.
DAY 7
After breakfast departure to Wayusentsa community. Guests will take a beautiful two hour in a canoe up the Kapawi River. Our guides will then bring guests on a 30
minute hike to a beautiful waterfall where they will then be taught about the Achuar’s importance of the waterfall. Lunch at the community (bring for the hotel). Visit to the Wayusenta Community:
this will be an opportunity for guests to learn more about the Achuar way of life. Return to Kapawi for dinner.
DAY 8
Early morning: our guides will bring guests to specific points near the hotel, in order to locate various species of birds. Breakfast and preparation for departure. In
the last few hours before departure from the Achuar territory, guests can participate in a blowgun contest to demonstrate who is the best hunter among the guides and guests. Guests will also be able
to learn the art of Achuar face painting and how it relates to their different activities.
Not Included: