Kapawi Lodge (4D/ 3N)

Accommodation in the lodge, all meals and guided excursions in the rain forests, visits to Achuar communities, trips in motorized canoes or excursions on inflatable kayaks or rafts. Birdwatching activities and lectures are also offered.

Cost of transportation from Quito - Kapawi- Quito (Approx $224 per passenger), Achuar community fee: US$10.00 per passenger, any other National or International tax, soft beverages, alcoholic drinks or souvenirs. Government taxes are not included.

Awards and International recognitions received by Kapawi:
1998 – Tourism for tomorrow, British Airways
2000 – Ecotourism Excellence Award, Conservation International
2002 – Ecotourism Award, Skal International
2004 - Conservation Category - Sustainable Tourism Award for Conservation (STAC) (Third place).

Transportation is not included but must be purchased from provider

In October of 2004 Canodros S.A. signed an agreement with AEROMASTER AIRWAY S.A. for the air transportation of our passengers to and from Kapawi, this agreement allows us to offer a regular air transportation on Mondays and Fridays to our guests.

The regular route to Kapawi is:
Quito – Shell - Kapawi on a Twin Otter aircraft (19 passengers capacity) property of AEROMASTER.

This plane is a Twin Otter DHC-6-300 model, twin-engine airplane with a capacity for 19 passengers with STOL capacity. It is not pressurized and doesn't have a bathroom.

Small airplane

The lodge accommodates up to 50 guests and was built in accordance to the Achuar concept of architecture. We offer 20 double and triple rooms with private bathrooms, sun heated showers and electricity provided by a solar panel system. Every room has a wide terrace. One thing you should kept keep in mind during your stay here at Kapawi is that you are in the “jungle”. Insects are by far the most numerous form of life in this habitat, even though the rooms are screened through the walls and floors, you may have some unwanted “guests” in your cabin.

3 Nights Jungle Lodge

Kapawi Lodge

Kapawi, developed together with the Achuar community itself, is the largest community-based project developed in Ecuador.

The goal of Kapawi is to provide a monthly means of economic support and jobs to the Achuar located in Kapawi as well as in other communities. In 2008 all installations will belong entirely to the Achuar Indians. The lodge accommodates up to 40 visitors and was built in accordance to the Achuar concept of architecture (not a single nail was used!).

Kapawi utilizes environmentally friendly power sources and waste management systems such as solar energy, biodegradable soaps, and trash-recycling systems.

Our canoes are equipped with four-stroke outboard engines, which reduce noise and pollution considerably. Electric outboard motors for small and sensitive rivers are also available. The entire lodge is powered by solar energy. Seventy-two 75 watt solar panels cover 80% of all the lodge's energy needs. Our solar-heated showers provide 5 gallons of hot water per person each day.

• The lodge was built at the edge of the Kapawi Lagoon. The houses were built on stilts in order to minimize the impact caused to the surrounding vegetation.
• Sewage goes through a three-step drainage process and pumped onto the forest floor. The sewage drains into a cesspool and the excess of water runs into a second cesspool and then into the last from which it is pumped onto the forest floor. Yeast is spread on the ground to accelerate decomposition.
• Garbage is sorted into three types: plastics, glass and metal, paper and biodegradable garbage.
• Our canoes are equipped with four-stroke outboard engines, which reduce noise and pollution considerably. Electric outboard motors for small and sensitive rivers are also available.
• The entire lodge is powered by a hybrid system of solar energy and a diesel generator .
The 75 watts obtained from the solar panel cover 60% of all the lodge energy needs.
• Our solar-heated showers provide daily 5 gallons per person of hot water depending on weather conditions.

At the lodge our naturalist guides are Spanish and English speaking, if you required a different language, you need to specify this once you confirm your reservation.
* Groups of 10 or more passengers, we will warranty a bilingual guide.
* Groups of less than 10 passengers, check with the Reservations Department if it is possible to join your reservation to another group of passengers in need of the same language.
* We can provide a translator for groups with less than 10 passengers at an additional cost of US$70.00 per day per reservation (not per passenger), this extra charge will be paid previous to the excursion departure date.
* We are also able to provide groups with less than 10 passengers, bilingual guides who can offer the tour explanation to the group in the different languages requested, for example, a tour in English and in German.
* Birding Specialist Guides*
At the lodge we have Achuar guides that are birding specialist, this guides are not always available so we need to know in advance if you will like a birding guide for your excursion at Kapawi, this needs to be inform at the time of the confirmation of your program. If you will like an English speaking birding specialist guide for your group during your excursion, below please find the conditions:
* Groups of 10 or more passengers, we will warranty a bilingual guide.
* We can provide a bilingual birding specialist for groups with less than 10 passengers at an additional cost of US$100.00 per day per reservation (not per passenger).
* The Achuar guides are part of our staff, if you inform in advance we will make the arrangements at no additional charge.

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Kapawi is situated in the Tropical Moist Forest Life Zone. The average temperature is about 25°C (77° F), and relative humidity is close to 90%. Being at the equator, Kapawi doesn't have any yearly seasons as in temperate areas, yet it presents a rainy and a "less rainy" pattern. Normally, the temperature is slightly lower during the rainy season and higher in the "less rainy season". We don't have temperature registers in Kapawi, but we do have rain fall records. The rainiest, months are February, March, April, and May and the driest and warmest are December, January and August. In June and July the "cold spell" occurs in Kapawi, where cold masses arrive from Antartica dropping the temperatures in Kapawi to 15ºC (59° F). Rainiest months are from February to May. During this period, we recommend longer programs. The less rainy season is from June until January, when the water in the rivers goes down, which is also good to watch certain wildlife that get closer to river edges to obtain water.
Remember that Kapawi is located in the Tropical Rain Frorest and the rain could arrive suddenly even if it is the less rainy season.

Canodros

Through the years we have acquired a great prestige for excellent service to our passengers, creating a familiar atmosphere inside our locations. Our purpose is to promote Ecuador as a privileged destination for tourism, we offer innovative and high quality products while maintaining a permanent practice of business ethics and respect for mankind and the environment.

What does my excursion rate include?
The excursion rate includes accommodation in the lodge, all meals and guided excursions in the rain forests. Visits to Achuar communities, trips in motorized canoes or excursions on inflatable kayaks or rafts. Birdwatching activities and lectures are also offrered.The transportation rate includes transportation Quito-Kapawi-Quito and baggage handling.
What does my excursion rate do not include?
Achuar Community fee $10. Any airfare, whether on schedule or charter flights; government taxes (including departure tax), charges for excess of baggage and all items of personal nature such us laundry, personal purchases, drinks or gratuities.
How to get there?
Despite its isolation, Kapawi offers one of the easiest access of all lodges in the Amazon.
Where is Kapawi located and how far is it from populated towns?
Kapawi is located near the Ecuadorian and Peruvian border in the Southern Ecuadorian Amazon Basin, on the Pastaza River, a major tributary of the Amazon. Kapawi is one of the most pristine and isolated places in the Amazon Basin and is accessible only by air. The closest town is within ten days walking distance.
What may I expect to see in Kapawi?
• Many, many birds (more than 540 species in the area).
• Many species of insects, including brightly colored butterflies; many of which have not been identified by scientists.
• Several thousand plant-species, many used for medicinal purposes by the Achuar.
• Mammals such as fresh water dolphins, monkeys, bats and several kinds of rodents (including capybaras) that you may see depending on the time of year. Since they are mainly nocturnal, mammals like jaguars, ocelots, jaguarundis and other cats are difficult to spot. It is common to find animal tracks.
• It is possible to see amphibians and reptiles such as frogs, caimans and snakes. Certain reptiles like snakes are rather hard to find because they run away when they feel ground vibrations.
What kind of programs does Kapawi offer and which one should I choose? The great advantage of being in Kapawi is that you do not have to adjust your interests to fixed programs. In company of your group and with the advice of your guide, you can decide what to do every day.
How safe is the Lodge and its programs?
Kapawi (and the Tropical Rain Forest) is as safe as a temperate forest or walking in a big city. Very few animals are dangerous. They are generally shy and prefer to run than attack (like the poisonous snakes). This is why it is so hard to see them in the forest. Kapawi has Achuar and naturalist guides who are well versed in the environment. They have first aid training and carry first aid kits for emergency purposes. Life jackets, well-maintained paths and motorized canoes guarantee security for our visitors. An evacuation protocol is available upon request.
Is there any possibility of getting malaria or any other disease due to mosquito bites? As in nearly every tropical country, there is a risk of getting malaria. However, mosquitoes are uncommon in the lodge and the use of provided mosquito nets reduce the risk. The use of repellent is also encouraged. While the risk is low here, prophylaxis is essential and we recommend that you visit a physician for advice.
What is the minimum and maximum age requirement to go to Kapawi? It is not recommended to come with children under three years old, but there is no upper age limit. The oldest person to visit Kapawi was 85 years old and thoroughly enjoyed her stay!
Can I go to Kapawi if I am disabled? Yes , it is possible. Nevertheless, it is necessary to confirm your reservation and necessities 30 days in advance so the Lodge can arrange a suitable logistic for you.
How should I act when I visit a community? There are some rules to follow when you visit a community. For example, photographs are not allowed of either the Achuar people or their homes. It is necessary to respect their corporal and visual space. Your guide will provide more information before visiting a community.
Do the Achuar still wear their traditional clothes? They presently wear western-style clothing. The Achuar still use many of their traditional accessories like necklaces, headbands and bracelets, and paint their faces for special occasions. They live in traditional houses and use blowguns for hunting.
Which day of the week can I travel to Kapawi? The scheduled days to travel to Kapawi are Mondays and Fridays.
If I cannot travel one of the scheduled days, could I get to Kapawi on my own? Yes you could, but special arrangements should be made in advance. Note: There is an additional price for flight expenses.
How many visitors per guide normally form a group? Our policy is to have a maximum of 10 visitors per guide.
Can I go fishing in Kapawi?Yes, though it can be very challenging. Please remember that the Achuar do not accept "catch and release" practices. This means that if you catch it you eat it, or give it to your guide.
What is the best time of the year to go to Kapawi? It always rains in the Tropical Rain Forest: However, the rainiest months are from February to May. During this period, wildlife sightings are increased and this is why we recommend longer programs.
What makes Kapawi so special? Kapawi is different from other ecotourism projects for many reasons:
• With an initial investment of two million dollars, it was built to be operated by Canodros S.A. for fifteen-years
• By the year 2011, Kapawi will belong entirely to the Achuar. In the meantime, they are being trained in different areas like management, house keeping, mechanics, maintenance, etc. .
• Kapawi incorporates low impact technologies such as solar energy, trash management and waste water treatment.
• Kapawi accommodates seventy people, including guests and employees, making it like a regular sized Achuar community!

Since we use a small aircraft to fly to Kapawi, it is imperative to limit your luggage to a basic minimum as listed below. We recommend backpacks instead of suitcases. Maximum weight allowed is 25 pounds per person.

The following conditions are to confirm a Tour Guide in a specific language or a naturalist bilingual guide specialist in birding programs:
Language Guide At the lodge our naturalist guides are Spanish and English speaking, if you required a different language, you need to specificy this once you confirm your reservation.* Groups of 10 or more passengers, we will warranty a bilingual guide.* Groups of less than 10 passengers, check with the Reservations Department if it is possible to join your reservation to another group of passengers in need of the same language.* We can provide a translator for groups with less than 10 passengers at an additional cost of US$70.00 per day per reservation (not per passenger), this extra charge will be paid previous to the excursion departure date.* We are also able to provide groups with less than 10 passengers, bilingual guides who can offer the tour explanation to the group in the different languages requested, for example, a tour in English and in German.* Birding Specialist Guides* At the lodge we have Achuar guides that are birding specialist, this guides are not always available so we need to know in advance if you will like a birding guide for your excursion at Kapawi, this needs to be inform at the time of the confirmation of your program. If you will like an English speaking birding specialist guide for your group during your excursion, below please find the conditions: * Groups of 10 or more passengers, we will warranty a bilingual guide.* We can provide a bilingual birding specialist for groups with less than 10 passengers at an additional cost of US$100.00 per day per reservation (not per passenger).* The Achuar guides are part of our staff, if you inform in advance we will make the arrangements at no additional charge.
This alternative is not available once the passenger has arrived at Kapawi, you must request this special service to our reservation department, and the additional cost will be billed with your excursion package.