Kapawi ecolodge in the Amazon rainforest

country:	Ecuador
price:	Prices per person, based in double accommodation: 5 days/4 nights: US$ 728 + US$ 150 air ticket + US$50 per group
vouchers:	Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday

introduction to Kapawi ecolodge in the Amazon rainforest

Kapawi is a beautiful ecological place located in Achuar territory on a lake near the Pastaza river in one of the most remote areas of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Accessible only by air, Kapawi has a great wildlife like pink dolphins, macaws, a lot of species of birds and mammals. It offers 20 double rooms, each with private bathroom and heated showers. Special architecture accordance with the Achuar concept (no metal nails), solar energy, biodegradable soaps and garbage recycling systems, make this eco-lodge one of the best in South America. A place of multiple choices characterized by its flexibility. With the guide, the group can design the most suitable program to meet their interests and physical condition.

day-by-day itinerary

Day 1:	Flight from Quito to Kapawi, arrival to the Kapawi Community where a guide will explain you about Cultura diversity of this place, here you will meet Quichuas people and Achuar people. After that riding in a canoe to arrive to the Lodge, while the trip you will receive a brief explanation about services and installations of the lodge. Lunch in the Lodge. In the afternoon bird watching in Pastaza river. Dinner and optional nocturnal walk to see frogs, insects and nocturnal animals.
Day 2:	At 6h30, optional bird watching to see parrots and guacamayos in a special place called Saladero. Breakfast, at 9h30 a walk where you will learn about Achuar palm uses. Box lunch in the forest, then you will have a conversation about the rules that you have to follow in Achuar Community and how to prepare the chicha, a typical beverage. At afternoon visit Wachirpas Community to share with an Achuar family to visit the chacra (place where they live and cultivate their products) Return to the hotel. After dinner chat about Achuar Cosmovision, overnight.
Day 3:	At 5h00 Wayusa ceremony, another typical beverage used to interpret dreams. Breakfast, a walking with the practice of hunting traditions. Lunch. In the afternoon visit Kusutkau, where you will have a talk with an Achuar family, here women will go to the chacra and men will do the moment activities.You will install the camp or if you prefer you can spend the night in an Achuar house and then you can enjoy a shower in the river.Dinner in the community, this meal will be prepared by the natives with typical ingredients (if you don`t want to eat this, you will receive a dinner prepared in the hotel)
Day 4:	Return to the hotel, breakfast, walk to a lagoon where you will learn about medicinal and eatable plants. Box lunch and return to the hotel paddling in quillas or canoes during the trip you can stop to fish.Free afternoon to walk around the trail (optional). Typical Achuar dinner. At night a bonfire to exchange Achuar Mythology and histories.
Day 5:	At 6h30 trip to Capahuari river for birdwatching. At 8h00 breakfast and a practice of Cultural activity using blowgun, learning about make baskets and make up the face with achiote. Departure by canoe until Wayusentsa where you will take a small aircraft to return to Quito

how this holiday makes a difference

By the year 2011, Kapawi will belong entirely to the Achuar community. In the mean time, they are being trained in the different areas. For example: management, house keeping, mechanics, maintenance, etc. The Kapawi project facilitated the Achuar's initial request for partnership with the outside world; thus, creating the Pachamama Alliance, a USA based foundation, committed to halting the destruction of the rainforest and the loss of its indigenous cultures and wisdom. Achuar community receive an amount per month for the rent of their territory

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