Kapawi Lodge
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!
PAST CLIENTS FEEDBACK
"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)
"Kapawi was wonderful! The service
was outstanding - everyone was well
trained and couldn't have been more
pleasant, professional and helpful.
The food was great also. We all loved
the whole experience and made memories
that will last a lifetime" (Arlene
Wallace)
"Wonderful lodge, people and food - a unique experience. Unforgettable!" (Jan Thiecke)
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.
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/TRANSPORTKapawi 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 via the small town of Shell in a small 3, 5 or 7 person light aircraft. Note that due to the nature of this small-aircraft flight it is not uncommon for delays to occur to the flight times due to weather conditions etc.
