Jungle in Ecuador

Jungle photo, great photo Kapawi Jungle Lodgekapawi-jungle-ecuador

“One of the most remote, ecologically sound and culturally sensitive ecolodges in the world.”

Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve is located in one of the most remote and well protected parts of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Deep in the nearly two million acres of the Achuar people’s territory, Kapawi is accessible only by air—flying in small planes over an unbroken green expanse of rainforest. Kapawi is an award winning eco-lodge noted for its comfort and quality of service, for its ecological design and sensitivity, and for its abundance of wildlife and rich biodiversity.

 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

 

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.

Mode of 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.

What’s included?

• Lodge accommodation based on double occupancy

  1. 3 meals per day whilst at lodge

  2. English-speaking guide

  3. All activities in flexible itinerary

  4. Transfer between airport and lodge

• Exclusions

• Entrance fee to Achuar Community ($10)

• Quito-Shell-Quito (overland): $60 per person

• Shell-Kapawi-Shell (flight): $274 + 12% tax per person

• Tips / drinks from bar / other personal expens