Kapawi Eco Lodge in Ecuador

Explore some of the Amazon's most pristine rainforest and river systems, while discovering the lifestyle and culture of the local Achuar Indian communities, with this exciting ecolodge stay.

Fly into the rainforest from Shell River canoe ride to your ecolodge accommodation Parrot clay lick Guided forest walks Kayak on the Kapawari River Amazing wildlife and birdwatching opportunities throughout Meet the local Achuar Indian communities and learn about their ways of life

Price

£1408 including domestic flights only

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Duration

5 Days

Reviews

More info

4 days: GBP 1,184 pp., based on 2 sharing Includes: domestic flights, meals, excursions, English-speaking guide, Community fee.
Quito-Shell-Quito land transfer approx $220 pp Price fixed in USD, GBP price may vary

Description of Kapawi Eco Lodge in Ecuador

This trip, based at Kapawi Ecolodge in the Achuar territory, combines wildlife observation, rainforest activities and cultural experiences in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The lodge is powered by solar energy and is owned and operated by Achuar communities, providing local employment and income. Its buildings were constructed using traditional Achuar architectural techniques and materials - without the use of a single nail!

Your adventure begins with a drive from the capital Quito along Humboldt’s Avenue of the Volcanoes, before a 50-minute small aircraft flight into the rainforest, then a 90-minute river ride on motorised dugout canoes to the Kapawi lodge, for an introduction to your trip watching the sun go down from a river beach.

Days here begin with bird-watching forays in search of winged rainforest denizens including brightly coloured parakeets and macaws plus Hoatzin, Aninga, Speckled Chachalaca, White Eared Jacamar, Cocoi Heron, Neotropical Cormorant, and the Great Egret.

There are also day and night treks with local guides to discover local medicinal plants, rainforest ecology and Achuar hunting techniques – with a chance to show off your blow gun skills at the end of the trip! You'll also sample foraged food on a rainforest picnic, and spend time with Achuar communities close to the lodge.

There are watery forays too – again, both day and night - on the Kapawari River and its connecting lagoons, home to pink river dolphin and caiman. By night, meanwhile, you can reflect beneath the soul-stirring shimmer of countless stars.

Price information

£1408 including domestic flights only

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Contact Us

If you'd like to chat about this holiday or need help finding one, we're very happy to help

01273 823 700

Call us after 10am

Calling from outside the UK rosy@responsibletravel.com

Check dates

This trip can be tailormade at a time to suit you and can be adapted to suit your interests, budget and requirements as necessary

Contact Us

If you'd like to chat about this holiday or need help finding one, we're very happy to help

01273 823 700

Call us after 10am

Calling from outside the UK rosy@responsibletravel.com

Travel guides

2 minute summary Best time to go

The world’s largest rainforest hosts the richest biodiversity of any ecosystem on earth.

2 minute summary Best time to go

Ecuador may be a tiny country, but it packs an enormous punch when it comes to biodiversity. Read on in our guide.

Holiday information

Dietary requirements:

We can cater for vegetarian and vegan diets.

Indigenous communities:

This trip benefits Achuar communities by employing local guides and creating job opportunities based on existing skills like hunting. The lodge is entirely run and staffed by the local Achuar community, ensuring all employees are paid fair wages.

Renewable energy:

100% of the energy used at the lodge is generated by solar photovoltaic panels.

Community-based tourism:

On this holiday you stay in an Amazon lodge owned and managed by surrounding Achuar communities. It's mission is to be a source of economic development for the Achuar Indigenous Nation and preserve the surrounding rainforest.

Reviews

1 Reviews of Kapawi Eco Lodge in Ecuador

5 out of 5 stars

SHOW

Reviewed on 28 Feb 2024 by Kathy Kachele

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

It was very relaxing. The getting to and leaving the lodge was the most memorable, as it’s about 3.5 hours long on a kind of unusual river in a narrow motorized boat.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

It’s very oriented to bird watching, we are NOT bird watchers but many jungle animals live high up in the trees also so it was okay.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

The lodge is owned and operated by the local Kichwa people, and included a visit to their local community center.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

We had a great time. Our guide, Olger, was excellent…fun and knowledgeable. There were planned activities (mainly various hikes or boat trips), but the length was up to the guest.

Responsible Travel

As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your holiday to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.

Planet

Kapawi Ecolodge is owned and operated by Achuar communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The lodge provides employment and training opportunities for local residents, while surrounding communities can also benefit by supplying food and other products and selling handicrafts to visitors. Tourism therefore provides an additional source of income for participating Achuar communities alongside other local economic activities.

The lodge was developed using traditional Achuar architectural styles and materials, reflecting local building practices. It also uses solar energy to provide electricity for the property.

The organisation also supports community and education projects through charitable partnerships, including contributions to projects providing educational and community support.

People

Tourism at Kapawi provides opportunities for members of the Achuar communities to work at the lodge, develop tourism-related skills and participate in the local supply chain.

Visitors can also engage with Achuar communities and learn about local traditions, livelihoods and knowledge as part of their stay.

Kapawi Eco Lodge in Ecuador