The Kapawi Project began in 1993. The goal was to commence a new trend in eco-tourism, in partnership with the FINAE, by providing a monthly means of economic support and jobs to the Achuar located in Kapawi as well as in other communities. Since January 1st 2008, all installations belong entirely to the Achuar Indians. The lodge accommodates up to 38 visitors and was built in accordance to the Achuar concept of architecture (not a single nail was used!).
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, pinks dolphins, see caimans and other animals of the area, as well as bird watching, where there are more than 530 species.
Awards and International recognitions received by Kapawi: 1998 – Tourism for tomorrow, British Airways 2000 – Ecotourism Excellence Award, Conservation International 2002 – Ecotourism Award, Skal International 2004 - Conservation Category - Sustainable Tourism Award for Conservation (STAC) (Third place). 2009 – PRODUCT Awarded Top 50 Eco-Lodges 2009 by the Editors of National Geographic ADVENTURE Magazine
Activities al Kapawi There are three alternatives, according to your physical condition (not your age):
Easy: Programs that include short hikes in the rainforest (up to 1 hour 30 minutes) on well defined trails, visit to the Achuar community 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. During overnight stays can be in the lodge or in tents.
Moderate: Programs that include medium-distance hikes in the rain forest (up to 3 and a half hour), sometimes crossing flooded areas. Trips in canoes and visit to the Achuar community are also covered. Light meals are taken for the journey or typical Achuar dishes are served in their communities. Overnight stays include the lodge, 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 (previous notification to our Sales Department). Exploration journeys to virgin areas are occasionally offered. Trips on inaccessible rivers are done in inflatable rafts. Excellent physical condition is required!
Groups are always lead by one Naturalist Guide and one Native guide. Some of the possible activities that can be done at Kapawi are:
Hiking.- Easy, moderate or difficult, a long the tropical rain forest visiting Achuar Communities.
Bird watching.- It can take 2 hours approximately, generally this activity starts early in the morning, at 6 a.m. approx. There have being seeing more than 530 bird species round the area.
Kayaking & canoe trips.- this activity can be done a long short rivers as the Capahuari or some lagoons near the lodge. The canoe trips can be taken along rivers as the Pastaza. Canoe trips are part of the regular activities in companion of the naturalist and local guides.
Fishing.- Catch and release prohibited.
Camping.- this activity depends on the guests decision. Part of our staff takes the food to the camping area, we will try to give our guests the same services as they were staying at the lodge. This activity should be require in advance.
Achuar Community visits.- This is one of our best activities offered in Kapawi, it is because of the significant cultural contribution to the Achuar people. We give our guests a briefing about the Achuar Culture, their ethics codes and some suggestions about how to behave during this activity.
Self-guided path.- it can take 45 min approximately round the lodge.
Caiman watching.- This activity is done during the nights because these reptiles are nocturnal animals.
Night Hikes.- A very nice activity because it offers the opportunity to see a different perspective of the Rain Forest.
Note: Children under 7 years old we highly recommended to hire a private guide for the group.
TRAVEL TO AND FROM KAPAWI
How to get there One of the most unique and attractive things about the Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve is its remoteness. This remoteness both adds complexity and challenges to the travel arrangements to reach Kapawi, and also provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a unique part of Ecuador and to see the tropical rainforest from the air, flying in small planes, low over a vast expanse of green. We will endeavor to make your journey to Kapawi as easy and rewarding as possible and to embrace you in Achuar hospitality from the moment your journey begins in Quito.
From Quito to Kapawi Once in Shell, you will be met by a Kapawi representative who will assist you boarding to smaller airplanes able to operate on the shorter dirt airstrips in Achuar territory. In Shell, the waiting time is approximately an hour, depending on the number of guests flying into, and returning from, Kapawi. Our representative will arrange a variety of activities for you and snacks or lunch depending on the anticipated waiting time. The flight from Shell is a 50 minute flight over miles and miles of unbroken pristine rainforest, arriving at the Achuar community of Wachirpas, located on the banks of the Pastaza River. There you will be welcomed by your Kapawi guides who will escort you on the final leg of your journey, a beautiful 30 minute canoe ride into the majesty and tranquility of this remote part of the world. You will travel up the broad expanse of the Pastaza River, then into the smaller Capahuari River, and moments later arrive at your destination, Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve. Returning to Quito
The travel process is reversed and you will normally leave the lodge mid-morning by canoe, then fly by small plane from Achuar territory to Shell and there transfer to your private overland transportation in order to start your comfortable trip back to Quito accompanied by one of our tour guides. The transport to Quito is planned to arrive by mid or late afternoon depending. Your entire return journey will provide one final opportunity to experience the beauty of this unique part of the world.
Please note: Our scheduled travel days to and from Kapawi are each Monday and Friday. If you are unable to travel on these days, we may be able to arrange special charter flights to accommodate you.
However, weather conditions in the Amazon are unpredictable and can change quickly so please bear with us as at times we will need to change itineraries on the day of travel or even in-route.
Note 1: In the event that weather conditions prevent us from getting all guests into Kapawi on the scheduled day, we will provide accommodations at a comfortable hotel in Puyo (a 10 minute drive from Shell) and reschedule the flights to Kapawi as early as possible the next morning.
Note 2: No later than the day before your journey to Kapawi begins, we will deliver a packet of information to you at your hotel, or wherever you are staying in Quito, telling you exactly where to be at when in Quito and at what time, on the morning of your travel. If you have any questions about the travel itinerary, you can call our operations staff (593 9) 8344 032 (from within Ecuador dial 098 344 032 ).
Note: Please be aware that from May 4th 2009 to July 17th 2009, due to the temporarily closure for extension and maintenance works on the landing strip of the domestic airport we have been using in the Jungle region, we will be operating the overland transportation only for the route Quito to Shell and vice versa. After this maintenance works are done we will open the air option for this part of the trip to Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve.
The Planes Whichever route we take, we always use small aircrafts to land on the airstrips in the jungle either at Kapawi or Wachirpas communities. We use a combination of smaller planes for example, Islander (9 seater), or Cessna 206 (5 seater) or a Helio (5 seater) or Piper (5 seater), or Cessna172 (3 seater). For your information about the aircrafts that we use please check the information bellow:
New “Achuar” Islander Aircraft (9 passengers – 1600 pounds max capacity)
IMPORTANT: Due to the 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 (Galapagos Islands, etc.)
We appreciate that as part of the confirmation of your reservation and in order to provide you the best service, you must provide us of the following passenger´s information:
Complete names of the passengers coming
Passport numbers
Arrival date to Ecuador
Address
Telephone number
Land Operator in Quito (if the passenger has one, if he/she doesn´t, we can assist him/her with that) or how do you plan to go to the airport (hotel shuttle, taxi, etc)
Hotel in which the passenger will stay in Quito (if he/she doesn’t have one yet, We can help him/her regarding that)
Diet or medical requirements
He highly appreciate that you will provide us the approximate weigh of each passenger in order to coordinate with anticipation our logistic that is specifically based by weights (included carry on luggage and checked luggage).
HOTEL SERVICES
Energy The lodge is powered by solar energy. Sixty four solar panels of 75 watts each cover 60% of all the lodge’s energy needs. Every room has 3 lamps: 1 in the bathroom and 2 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 ozone. Bottled drinking water is available in your room. Solar showers provide 5 gallons of hot water each day, remember this system work only with the sun light, if you observe a cloudy day we will not be able to provide you hot water. For your convenience we recommend that you take showers at the end of the day.
Rain An umbrella is provided in each room that you can use to go to different areas of the lodge.
Night No artificial illumination exists along the boardwalks since it could modify the behaviour of nocturnal animals. You should carry a flashlight with you at all times.
Swimming Swimming can be safely done in lakes and calm rivers. Nevertheless, as the water level goes down in the dry season, this activity is not always available.
Bar A very well supplied bar is opened until 10:00 p.m.
Meals A variety of international and traditional cuisine is offered to our guests.
Breakfast: Starting at 5:00 a.m., a light breakfast is provided to birdwatchers (available upon request) . A full breakfast is available from 6:30 a.m.
Lunch: Is provided in the dining room from 1:00 p.m. Boxed lunches are provided to visitors taking full day trips.
Dinner: Is served from 7:30 p.m.
Library Our library is open all day long. Paperbacks, magazines and books are available.
Boutique A small boutique that 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. Please do not use non biodegradable soaps.
Trash Trash is sorted into four classes: biodegradable, paper, non biodegradable (metal, plastics, glass, etc.) and batteries in the central area of the lodge. Please deposit garbage in the appropriate trash containers which you will find in your room.
Satellite Communication We have available the satellite phone that can be use 24 hours a day, the 7 days of the week, this service is available for use of all guests who visit lodge for international calls, the cost is $2,30 + 12% IVA per minute.
WHAT TO BRING: Because of the size of the aircraft it is imperative to limit your luggage to a basic minimum weight; the maximum allowed is 25 pounds (11 kilograms) per passenger including hand luggage,. We strongly suggest traveling with backpacks instead of suitcases.
PLEASE TAKE A PHOTOCOPY OF YOUR PASSPORT, AS IT WILL BE REQUIRED AT THE AIRPORT. YOUR ORIGINAL PASSPORT WILL BE ALSO REQUIRED.
LUGGAGE: One large backpack or one duffel bag. One small daypack.
CLOTHING: 3 lightweight -cotton or other fast drying material- long pants. Avoid blue jeans. 4 or 5 long-sleeved cotton shirts. 1 pair of knee-high cotton socks for each day in the rainforest. Underwear (avoid synthetics). Shorts. 1 light wind-breaker. 1 light sweater or jacket. Brim hat. 1 water-proof poncho (available in the lodge) or a water-proof parka. Bathing suit. Sunglasses with a strap.
FOOTGEAR: 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes. 1 pair of thongs or Tevas. 1 pair of rubber boots (available in the lodge).
MEDICINE: Extra eye glasses/contact lenses. Sunblock lotion (at least protection 8). Insect repellent. Toilet kit. Personal first aid kit. Antimalaria pills. Tampons or sanitary napkins.
EQUIPMENT: Plastic water bottle. Flashlight (headlamps models are better). Alkaline batteries. Self sealing plastic bags. Dry bags (available in the lodge). Swiss Army knife. Reading material (available in the lodge). Small note-book and pencil. Personal sewing kit. Snacks: chocolates, candies, etc.
CAMERAS AND BINOCULARS: Camera gear. High speed films or fine-grain, high resolution and relatively slow color transparency (this last one to be used with electronic flash. Binoculars. This is an essential item, even if you are not a birdwatcher. The best ones are the waterproof models with high light transmission. An excellent size: 10 X 40. Films.
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 criticize 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.
THE ACHUAR and KAPAWI VISITORS BEHAVIOR REQUEST
In Order to reduce social impact and the reserve where Kapawi is located, we encourage our passengers to respect the following requests made by the Achuar natives:
Though Achuar culture and traditions may appear odd, please do not criticize them. Follow the Achuar community rules and learn about their extraordinary culture.
No photography is permitted in any of the communities, Neither of Achuar people nor of their houses.
Achuars are very pleased when you buy their handicrafts. They have a fixed price which is similar in each community.
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 local kids. If you have educational material (pens, note books, colored pencils, etc.) that you would like to donate, please hand them to the resident manager.
Please do not enter to an Achuar house without an invitation.
Achuars are very jealous. If you are a man, you should never look directly at a woman’s face.
Remember that Achuar house has a sexual division. Please, do not go to the ekent or female area.
Nijiamanch, the manioc beer, is always offered. If you do not like it, you should at least pretend to drink it. Refusing could be considered as an insult.
Do not go out alone. The chances of getting lost are very high. The only exception is the self guided trail.
It is essential to wear rubber boots during the hikes.
Keep at least one set of dry clothes in the lodge.
Fishing is allowed.
Please, do not take any animals or plants out of the area.
Do not leave any trash in the forest.
Please do not use audio gears without personal earphones.
The harvesting of species animals and vegetables is prohibited in the area of Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve, this is part of the territory of the Achuar Nationality who jealously defend the intellectual property on the resources of their forest.
It is prohibited to feed the wild animals.
It is prohibited the introduction of foreign animals or foreign plant species to the humid tropical forest, for the protection of the native species.
Under no circumstance it is not allowed the consumption, sale or traffic of products or species in danger of extraction or proceeding of not sustainable practices.
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Explore
Explore Ecuador's Rainforest World "The big trees of the forest are very powerful," claims my Achuar guide Gilberto, standing in the shadow of a mammoth ceiba tree. "All plants and trees are people, but you can't see them normally. The tall ceiba earns great respect, but is also dangerous for newly born children. It whispers to them and makes them ill." He pauses and arches his neck back to look at the tree's top, some 40 m (130 ft) up in the canopy.
Walking through the forest with Gilberto, the green and brown morass of decay and destruction in turn comes alive. After an hour on a trail, his knowledge of plants, flowers, animals, myths and customs turns what seems like an impenetrable mass of life and death into a forest of revelation.
Dream world In common with many other Amazonian peoples, the Achuar, who are part of the jívaro linguistic family, don't separate the waking world from the dream world, the "real" from the "spiritual." They use hallucinogens such as naatam, known more commonly as ayahuasca, or "the truth vine" Banisteriopsis caapi, under the guidance of a shaman for ritual trance purposes, a practice not recommended for the uninitiated.
"When you take naatam, the forest comes alive." For most people, the forest itself is hallucinogen enough. Although the missionaries have done their best to banish shamanism and prohibit the use of the forest's hallucinogens, both practices are still integral to the older generation of Achuar.
Further on, Gilberto points out an arrow-leafed plant carpeting the forest floor. "The shishin speaks kind words while you are in a trance. It is very friendly. The shamans brush it over the body of a patient, chasing bad spirits." Another plant, chirikiaspi, gives the hunter strength and fortifies the lungs to be able to shoot monkeys high in the canopy with a blow pipe. "It also anaesthetizes the body," explains Gilberto, "making you feel numb and able to walk for days without much food," which is exactly what the Achuar use it for: their territory is the size of Belgium or Maryland.
During the afternoon we sit on a little wooden bench drinking nijiamanch, a slightly acidic, yeasty, milky-white broth. It is made by one the village women by chewing up manioc and spitting it into a big, earthenware pot where it ferments for a few days. It is said that this "beer" or chicha as it's known in most of the country after its Quechua name, tastes of the woman who makes it. As practiced beer drinkers, we had no trouble quaffing it down from bowls continually refilled by the local shaman's first wife. Following Achuar custom, we carefully avoided looking her in the eye as she served us.
The Amazon Experience Drinking strange beer, taking herbal teas, eating new foods, and learning about the day-to-day lives of the Indians of Ecuador's rainforest is a worthwhile and humbling experience. It is worthwhile as an opportunity to glimpse a way of life different in almost every respect to that with which we are familiar. Also because revenues from tourism undoubtedly play a part in protecting the fragile forests. Humbling because we are confronted with a totally alien environment which most of us would be unable to cope with alone and unaided. Most people come away from meeting jungle peoples in awe of their self-reliance and their apparently simple, uncluttered lives. Most regard their jungle trips as among their most lasting memories.
The Ecuadorian Amazon options One of the most positive developments in the last years in Ecuador has been the development and consolidation of community-based and community-benefiting tourism. There are several excellent initiatives that Metropolitan Touring works with.
We also take guests to lodges that have large nature reserves where the chances of spotting the rainforest's elusive creatures are high. Sacha Lodge's canopy walkway, for instance, is an amazing structure that young and old enjoy no end, allowing one to appreciate the forest from a unique perspective. We also arrange tours aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer boat, which takes passengers on cruises of varying days along the Napo River, an Amazon tributary, offering yet another perspective on this region's great riches.
Amazon Rainforest - Ecuador
Ecuador's rainforest is located in the heart of the world's largest and most famous tropical rainforest, the Amazon Basin. A short flight, or a descent by road down the flanks of the Andes, leads modern explorers and adventurers along the same routes the first Spanish Conquerors ventured through in their search of El Dorado or the land of Cinnamon... and found the mighty River Amazon instead.
Accessibility Ecuador's portion of the Amazon is regarded as the most accessible of all the countries that share the Basin. Leaving Quito in the morning, you can be swinging in a hammock at your chosen lodge by lunchtime. The country is also a continent-leader in nature- and community-based tourism initiatives, where the value of the forest and of its inhabitants' heritage has been recognised and prized above its short-term exploitation. By visiting the rainforest and staying at responsible lodges, you are actively contributing to its conservation for future generations - and of course, exploring one of the planet's most fascinating ecosystems.
Explorations and Discoveries Our Ecuadorian Amazon itineraries offer environmentally-conscious programs for all ages, enjoyed in safety and comfort with reliable operators and experienced naturalist guides: explore the rain forest on treks on terra firma forest beneath the gigantic Amazon trees, along boardwalks crossing palm swamps and up observation towers for a close look at the forest canopy. Take to native dugout canoes to paddle up rivers and creeks, or start early for birdwatching outings. Climb canopy towers or walkways for wonderful perspectives of the forests and its denizens... A new, green world awaits.
Metropolitan Touring is currently developing a new lodge, Mashpi Rainforest Biodiversity Reserve, located on the western, Pacific, slopes of the Andes. The reserve harbours some 1,000 hectares of cloud- and rainforest, and is located a mere two hours' drive from the capital, Quito. Find out more here.
Metropolitan Touring is one of South America’s best-known and most-respected travel companies. It has provided unrivalled service to guests for over five decades. The company runs its own ground operations in Ecuador, Peru, Argentina and Chile, and owns and operates the finest ships for expedition cruises in the Galapagos Islands, the M/V Santa Cruz, Yacht Isabella II and Yacht La Pinta, as well as the Finch Bay Eco Hotel. Come explore with us!
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