ECUADORIAN RAINFOREST Kapawi Trip Tips About Kapawi About Kapawi EcoLodge About the Achuar Indians Trip Tips Location Map Trail Map

SOME SUGGESTIONS - IN THE WORDS OF KAPAWI:

• Remember that we are guests of a very different culture. Some of their traditions may appear quit odd to us, but it does not means that we are in a position to criticize them. Please, follow the rules imposed by the Achuar communities and respectfully try to learn about this extraordinary culture.
• Be careful with photographs or video recordings. Ask your Ashuar guide first if it's possible to photograph or to make video recordings in Achuar communities. Avoid close up shots and never remunerate people with money for a photograph.
• The Achuar are very pleased when you buy their handicrafts. They have a fixed price which is similar in each community. You can exchange some of your personal items (flashlights, batteries, etc) for handicrafts if the Achuar are interested in doing so.
• Please do not buy handicrafts made of feathers, animal skins or insects.
• Avoid any physical contact with members of the communities.
• Please do not give money, presents, or sweets to the kids. If you have educational material (pens, note-books, colored pencils, etc) that you would like to donate, please give them to the resident manager. He is in charge of distributing to the different schools of the area.
• Please do not enter an Achuar house without an invitation.
• The Achuar are very jealous. If you are a man, you should never look directly at a woman's face.
• Remember that the Achuar house has a sexual division. Please, do not go to the ekent or female area.
• Nijiamanch, the manioc beer is always offered and refusing it might be considered an insult. If you do not like this drink, you should at least pretend to drink it.
• Do not go out alone. The chances of getting lost are very high. The only exception is the self-guided trail. During the hikes, never leave the trails and stay with the group at all times.
• It is essential to wear rubber boots during the hikes - sizes between 6 and 11 are available at the lodge.
• Drink plenty of liquids during your stay.
• Keep at least one set of dry clothes at the lodge.
• Fishing is allowed.
• Please, do not take any animals or plants out of the area. Hunting is not permitted.
• Please do not use audio gear without personal earphones.
• Donations to the FINAE, the Achuar Federation or to the different sustainable projects or scientific researches can be coordinated through The Pachamama Alliance.
• Tips can be given at the end of the trip to your guide ($10 to $20) and the staff that works at the lodge to be divided amongst them ($10 to $20). You can leave the tips for the staff in the designated tipping box.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Where is Kapawi located and how far is it from populated towns?
  Kapawi is located near the Ecuadorian and Peruvian borders, in the Southern Ecuadorian Amazon Basin on the Pastaza River, a major tributary of the Amazonas. Kapawi is one of the most pristine and isolated points in the Amazon Basin, accessed only by air. The closest town is within 10 days walking distance.
• What may I expect to see in Kapawi?
  More than 500 birds species are in the area.
  Many insect species including bright colored butterflies most of which have not been identified by scientists.
  Several thousand plants species, many used for medicinal  purposes by the Achuar.
  Mammals such as fresh water dolphin, monkeys, bats and capybaras
  Amphibians and reptiles such as frogs,caimans and snakes.
• 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 to 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 carry first aid kits and radios for emergency purposes. Life jackets, well-maintained paths and motorized canoes guarantee security.
• 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 area of the lodge. Beds have mosquito nets which helps reduce the risk. The use of insect repellent, and long sleeve shirts and long pants will also help in minimizing the risk. Prophylaxis is a personal choice and it is recommend that you visit a physician for advise.  (PLEASE NOTE: The original text provided by Kapawi has been edited and up-dated February 2002 to better clarify the fact that malaria is uncommon in the area of lodge, prophylaxis is not required and is indeed a pesonal choice.)
• How many visitors per guide form a group?
  The policy is to have  a maximum of 10 visitors per guide.
• Can I go fishing at Kapawi?
  Yes, it is very challenging. Please remember that the Achuar do not accept "catch and release" practices. This means that if you catch it you eat it.
• What is the best time of the year to go to Kapawi?
  It always rains in the tropical rainforest. However, the rainiest months are February to May. During this period, wildlife sightings are increased and this is why we recommend longer programs.
• Do the Achuar still wear their common clothes?
  They presently wear common clothes. The Achuar still use some 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.