Kapawi is a beautiful eco-lodge situated in Achuar territory by a lake near the Pastaza river, in one of the most remote areas of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Accessible only by air, Kapawi has great wildlife: pink dolphins, macaws and a plethora of other species of birds and mammals.

The Lodge offers 20 comfortable double rooms, each with private bathroom and heated showers. Built according to special architectural concept based on Achur design (no metal nails), the lodge is very conscious of ecological principles: solar energy, biodegradable soaps and garbage recycling systems, make this eco-lodge one of the best in South America. Visitors have numerous choices with regards to the activities offered at the lodge, which they can customize and arrange according to their own interests. Guides are at hand to help the group or visitors to design the most suitable program to meet individual interests and physical conditions.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Monday:

Flight from Quito to Kapawi, arrival at the Kapawi Community where a guide will introduce you to the cultural diversity of this place: you will meet Quichuas people and Achuar people. To get to the lodge you will take a ride in a canoe. During the trip you will be briefed on the services and facilities at the lodge. Lunch at the Lodge. In the afternoon your guide will take you birdwatching by the Pastaza river. After dinner you can go on an optional nocturnal walk to see frogs, insects and nocturnal animals, or relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere deep in the jungle as you listen to the evening sounds of wildlife.

Tuesday:

If you like to rise early, you can take an optional birdwatching hike at 6h30 am, to see parrots and guacamayos in a special place called Saladero. Return to the lodge for breakfast. At 9h30 join an ethnobotanical walk and learn about the many ways in which the Achuar people use palms. Box lunch in the forest. Your guide will give you an introduction to Achuar behavioural codes and ettiquette and the rules that you have to follow in Achuar Community. He will also explain to you how chicha, a typical beverage, is prepared. In the afternoon visit the Wachirpas Community to meet and share with an Achuar family, visit the chacra (place where they live and cultivate their produce). Return to the hotel for dinner. After dinner chat about Achuar Cosmovision.

Wednesday:

At 5h00 participate in Wayusa ceremony, another typical beverage used to interpret dreams. After breakfast, take a walk with the guide to practice hunting skills. Return for lunch. In the afternoon visit Kusutkau, where you will meet and talk with an Achuar family. Here women will go to the chacra and men will do the activities of the moment. At 17h00 you will set up camp, or if you prefer, you can spend the night in an Achuar house. At 17h30 enjoy a refreshing splash in the river. You will have dinner in the community. This meal will be prepared by the natives with typical ingredients (alternatively, if you don't want to eat this, you will receive a dinner prepared by the lodge)

Thursday:

Return to the lodge, breakfast, walk to a lagoon where you will learn about medicinal and edible plants. Box lunch and return to the lodge, paddling in quillas or canoes. During the trip you can stop to fish. Free afternoon to explore the trails (optional). Enjoy a typical Achuar dinner. At night join the circle around the bonfire to learn about Achuar mythology and history.

Friday:

At 6h30 am take a trip to Capahuari river for birdwatching. Return for breakfast at 8h00 am. Practice your blowgun skills, learn about basket-making and have your face painted with achiote.

Departure by canoe to Wayusentsa where you will take a small aircraft to return to Quito.

PRE-DEPARTURE INFORMATION

What to bring:

RATES for 2008

Regular Rates per person:

Available programs:

4 days tour: From Friday to Monday
5 days tour: From Monday to Friday
8 days tour: From Monday to Monday

NOTES: Transportation to Kapawi net rate per passenger. Children under 12 years of age and under pay half price when accompanied by an adult in the same cabin, discount applied on double occupancy rate only. These rates are subject to change without prior notice Other transportation routes can be arranged upon request and per Operation Department written approval. Service charge is per person. Children under 3 years of age pay half price for the transportation rate Quito Kapawi Quito.

Due to the type of weather of the tropical rain forest some delays can be expeted, 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 (Galapagos Islands, etc.)

Prices subject to US$20 handling fee

For terms and conditions click here.

For booking inquiries and further information please contact Sacred Earth