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 RUMBLE IN THE JUNGLE!
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Kapawi really is the pinnacle of Ecuadorian jungle lodges for an in-depth wildlife and cultural experience!!!
It's location brings new meaning to the phrase "deep jungle experience" as it is 10 days walk away from the next nearest rainforest community - hence it surrounded by pristine primary forest. It is the only place in the Ecuadorian rainforest that has not been reached by oil exploitation.
The cultural element is unqiue too as the lodge is set deep within Achuar territory, and in fact the lodge itself is due to be handed over at no cost to the Achuar community in 2011, hence providing a realistic sustainable alternative to oil exploration to the community.
So Kapawi is tough to get to, and it is expensive, but in terms of rainforest experience this is as good as it gets!
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| "It was genuinely moving to see the inspired vision of Kapawi in action first-hand. The trip was wonderful for our group from start to finish and I wish future success to this incredible project" (William Bright, UK) |
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ITINERARY |
The beauty of the Kapawi itinerary is that it is entirely flexible. You can design the most suitable program for your interests and fitness level when you are there. Activities range from a low physical level, to medium and high and are specially tailored for your group by the guide.
Maximum group size is 10 people, and groups are led by 2 guides - 1 naturalist, 1 Achuar local guide.
Some of the potential options include:
- visit to the Achuar communities
- treks in the rainforest - short hikes on well-defined trails or demanding hikes through poorly defined trails
- canoe / kayak trips
- bird-watching
- wildlife-spotting
- fishing
- optional overnight camping in Achuar community (advance reservation required)
- night safari
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| ECO-TOURISM
Kapawi represents a genuine alternative to the Achuar people against destructive deforestation practices. At present up to 70% of the workforce at the lodge are from the Achuar community, and up to 60% of local Achuar income comes from tourism.
The lodge itself is also built with ecological equilibrium in mind - built on stilts to minimise impact on surrounding vegetation, powered by a hybrid solar energy/diesel energy system, using biodegradable soaps and detergents, ecological sewage and waste disposal systems, and recycling of plastic/glass/metals.
As such Kapawi is the largest and most successful community based project ever developed within Ecuador. Internationally recognised tourism awards that the lodge boasts include: British Airways tourism for tomorrow 1998, Conservation international excellence award, 2004 sustainable tourism awards finalist, Skal international ecoutourism awards 2002. |
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LODGE BACKGROUND
Kapawi is the largest community-based project ever developed in Ecuador and sets a new trend in eco-tourism - providing a monthly means of economic support and jobs to the Achuar tribespeople, as well as a high standard of service in one of the remotest and most pristine areas of Ecuadorian rainforest away from oil exploration and other destructive practices. 70% of lodge employees are from Achuar communities, and in 2011 all installations will be transferred at no cost from the lodge owner to the Achuar people.
The lodge is set within a 5000 sq. km reserve and accommodates up to 50 guests and was built in accordance to the Achuar concept of architecture. All rooms have private bathroom, terraces, sun heated showers, and electricity provided by a solar panel system.
The are embodies different landscapes and vegetation types such as big and small rivers, lakes and lagoons, flooded forests, terra firma forest as well as 8 different Achuar communities.
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ACCOMMODATION
| Cabins: single, double, twin, triple |
| Private bathroom: yes |
| Showers: yes - sun heated |
| Mosquito nets: yes |
| Electricity: yes - solar panels |
| Boots / Rain ponchos: provided by lodge staff |
ACCESS/TRANSPORT
Kapawi is located close to the Ecuador/Peru border on the Pastaza River.
Due to its remote location the lodge can only be reached by air from Quito via the small town of Shell in a small 19-person twin otter aircraft. Note that due to the nature of this small-aircraft flight it is not uncommon for delays to occur to the flight times.
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Inclusions:
- Lodge accommodation based on double occupancy
- 3 meals per day whilst at lodge
- English-speaking guide
- All activities in flexible itinerary
- Transfer between airport and lodge
Exclusions:
- Entrance fee to Achuar community ($10)
- Flight Quito/Kapawi/Quito ($224 subject to change)
- Single supplement
- Tips / drinks from bar / other personal expenses
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Contact us to book this trip
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