Kapawi Eco Lodge in Ecuador

The Kapawi Amazon rainforest lodge offers a fantastic ecotourism adventure. The lodge is deep in Ecuador’s Amazonian region. Its isolation has help to protect the indigenous tribes as well as the wildlife of the area. The canopy is teeming with birdlife and the itineraries, tailored to suit your needs, range from short hikes to demanding treks and visits to the Achuar Indian communities. You choose your own itinerary from the many options available at the Kapawi.

The Kapawi Project began in 1993. The goal was to start a new trend in eco-tourism, providing a monthly means of economic support and jobs to the Achuar Indians.

Some 15 years from now, all installations of the lodge will belong entirely to the Achuar Indians. The lodge was built in accordance with the Achuar concept of architecture (not a single nail was used!). Environmentally friendly methods such as solar energy and rubbish recycling are also being used.

Kapawi is located in the most remote area of the Ecuadorian Amazon basin, in the province of Pastaza. Flights land at Sharamentsa, from where motorised dugout canoes will take you the hour and a half to Kapawi. Sometimes the weather in the tropical rain forest can cause minor delays. Our recommendation is for you to consider adding an extra day to your itinerary after visiting Kapawi to make sure you meet your connecting flights to your next destination.

Getting there There are two ways to Kapawi from Quito. First, a direct flight (1 hour). Secondly, a bus in from Quito to Shell, along Humboldt’s Avenue of the Volcanoes. The drive is 5 hours, and then there is a 50 minute flight on a small aircraft at the end. Once in Kapawi, you will be miles away from civilization - the nearest town is a 2 week walk through the forest. This remoteness is what makes Kapawi such a special and unique place. Please remember that because the only way in and out of the area is by air, we are 100% dependent on the weather. Kapawi offers many options for the visitor and is characterized by its flexibility. We do not offer fixed programs but you design, with your guide and your own group, the most suitable to meet your interests. In Kapawi you can do many activities including visits to the Achuar communities, sharing a day with an Achuar family, hikes in the rain forest, canoeing in rivers and lakes, swimming, watching piranias, pink dolphins, wildlife watching, and birdwatching (480 species have been found in the area). There are three alternative suggested programmes.

Easy Programs that include short hikes in the rainforest (up to 3 hours) on well defined trails, visits to the Achuar communities 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 and during overnight stays in the lodge/tents.

Moderate 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 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. Exploration journeys to virgin areas are occasionally offered. Trips on inaccessible rivers are done in inflatable rafts. Excellent physical fitness is required.

Birdwatchers Kapawi is a great place for birding. In a few days you can see as many as 400 species. The river islands often have Horned Screamers and Orinoco Geese. Muscovy Ducks are frequently seen. You may be lucky and be able to see and record new species on the islands.

This tour can be complemented by a cruise in the Galapagos Islands , a trekking trip in Ecuador’s mountains or coastal regions. During your time at the lodge you will be guided by a naturalist guide and an Achuar guide. You will enjoy visits to Achuar communities, rainforest hikes, river canoeing and bird-watching.

The area is home to: about 500 species of birds, pink dolphins, giant otters, caiman, tapirs, capybaras, and more. The rainforest hikes range from short easy walks to demanding treks of many hours (or days). Exploratory trips into virgin forest are occasionally offered.