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ECUADORIAN RAINFOREST Kapawi Ecological Reserve About the Lodge About the Achuar Indians What to do-activities Trip Tips

ABOUT KAPAWI - in the words of the Achuar:

"We the Achuar were born in the forest. Our traditions are still intact, our land untouched by logging or oil companies and our skies covered by flocks of colorful Macaws. Kapawi is an important part of our plans to preserve our culture and conserve the rainforest for our children and grandchildren. We want a sustainable future, and we invite you to be part of it."

Germán Freire
Achuar President

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. In addition to consistently receiving high praise for its gracious hospitality, creature comforts, excellent cuisine, and complete menu of activities, Kapawi is also an award winning Ecolodge noted for its ecological design and sensitivity, and for its abundance of wildlife and rich biodiversity. Located in the territorial lands of an indigenous nation (6,000 people in 64 communities) still living as they have for generations and in intimate harmony with nature, Kapawi provides guests a range and depth of cultural experiences unmatched by any other rainforest lodges.

Kapawi is one of the most remote, ecologically responsible and culturally sensitive ecolodges in the world.

Your visit helps the Achuar people in their work to preserve their nearly two million acres of pristine rainforest in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon.

GETTING THERE - truly part of the experience:

Kapawi Ecolodge is situated deep in the nearly two million acres of the Achuar people's traditional territory near the confluence of the Pastaza and Capahuari Rivers-the former a major, the latter a minor tributary of the Amazon-near the border between Ecuador and Peru. This area is one of the most remote and well-protected parts of the western Amazon Basin. It is a remote and pristine region, untouched by logging, mining or petroleum extraction.

The closest road is a ten-day walk from the lodge. The rivers are not navigable to the lodge from the nearest outposts of civilization. Kapawi is accessible only by air. The entrance to the lodge and to Achuar territory, flying in a small plane over the uninterrupted vastness of green triple-canopy rainforest, is one of the unique highlights a visit to Kapawi provides.

As of 2009, travel options are:

Your official Kapawi Ecolodge excursion begins in Shell, near the Amazonian frontier town of Puyo. This is the headquarters for the Achuar people outside of their rainforest territory.

Shell can be reached overland from Quito in about four and one-half hours by public bus, or by private car, van or motor coach. The route from Quito travels south through the spectacular "Avenue of the Volcanoes", then descends to the important tourist center of Banos. Shell is then an hour away, down the majestic Pastaza River canyon, filled with waterfalls and a beautiful entrance to the Amazon rainforest.

We offer overland transportation between Quito and Shell for our guests on the day of your excursion for a charge of $30 per person each way. You will be picked up at your hotel at approximately 6:30am and you will be accompanied by a trained English-speaking guide who can educate you about the fascinating landscapes you will travel through on your way to Shell.

We also encourage guests to create their own itineraries to and from Shell that can offer more time to see and get to know Ecuador. There are many beautiful and interesting places to stop, spend the night, and explore between Quito and Shell. We would be happy to introduce you to professional tour operators who can help you plan an itinerary that will complement your trip to Kapawi and enhance your experience of the beauty and magic of Ecuador.

Arriving at Shell
The meeting point in Shell is Aerotsentsak, the Achuar air-service hanger. Aerotsentsak is located near the western end of the Shell airport, closest to Banos. At Aerotsentsak you will be met by a Kapawi representative who will assist you in transferring to the airplanes that will take all guests into the rainforest.

You will normally be expected to arrive in Shell by 11:00am the day of your excursion. The departure time of your flight from Shell will generally be within an hour of your arrival; however, depending upon weather conditions in Kapawi and at Shell, flights can be delayed and so your flexibility and patience will be important.

Arriving at Kapawi
Following a one-hour flight over miles and miles of untouched rainforest you will arrive in Achuar territory and be welcomed by your Kapawi guides. They will escort you on the final leg of your journey, a 30-minute canoe ride into the beauty and tranquility of this remote part of the world. You will travel up the broad expanse of the Pastaza River, then into the smaller Capahuari River and moments later you will arrive at your destination, the Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve. Once at the Lodge, you will be welcomed by our staff who will help you to settle into the Kapawi experience.

Leaving Kapawi
On your departure day, your journey will be reversed and you should arrive back in Shell by around 2:00pm. If you choose our overland transportation option back to Quito you should be in the city by early evening; however, once again weather conditions will determine our actual travel schedule.

NOTE:
Because of the use of small aircraft, it is imperative to limit your luggage to only the essentials. Plan to leave suitcases in Quito and bring only a duffel-style bag and a day-pack. Check Rainforest Basics and Kapawi Trip Tips to make sure you are properly prepared.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Also because of its remote location and total dependence on air service to get to and from the Lodge, it is highly recommended that you budget an extra day after your stay just in case weather prevents departure from Kapawi as scheduled.

What to do at Kapawi: Click here for details

Peoples of the Rainforest: The Achuar Indians

HOW TO INCLUDE KAPAWI ECOLOGICAL RESERVE IN YOUR ECUADORIAN VISIT:

IMPORTANT: Remember to leave a free day after the end of your visit to Kapawi just in case your departure is delayed due to weather.

There are two packages available:

• 4-days/3-nights Friday to Monday
• 5-days/4-nights Monday to Friday