Kapawi

Kapawi is the newest of the eco-lodges in South America. It is located on the Pastaza River, on the most remote area of the Ecuadorian Amazon basin. Accessible only by small aircraft, Kapawi is the most spectacular place in the tropical rain forest. 

Built in cooperation with the indigenous organization OINAE, Kapawi is a state of the art project. The lodge was created in accordance with the Achuar concept of architecture without a single metal nail. Environmentally -friendly methods such as solar energy, biodegradable soaps, and trash recycling systems are also being utilized.

Located on the Ecuador-Peru boarder on the Pastaza River (a major tributary to the Amazon), Kapawi is reached by an (1 1/2 to 2 hour) private plane flight to the Amazon region and an additional 1 1/2 hour canoe ride up river to the lodge.  The closest town is a 10-day walk from the lodge. 

Kapawi is home to:

• More than 500 bird species
• Many insect species including bright colored butterflies most of which have not been identified by scientists
• Several thousand plant-species, many are 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
• Animal tracks from mammals like jaguars, ocelots and jaguarundis and other big cats. (since these cats are mainly nocturnal, mammals like they are difficult to spot)
• 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.

Itinerary

Eco Tourism

The entire eco tourism operation takes place within a 300 sq. Km. area between the Pastaza, Ishpingo and Capahuari rivers. The area embodies different landscapes and vegetation types such as big and small rivers, lakes and lagoons, flooded forests, Terra Firme forest as well as six Achuar communities.

Due to the system of hikes and river trips, extensive and varied, we have four big advantages:
1. Avoid overuse of the trails, due to the possibility of alternating hikes.
2. Offer appropriate activities to all kinds of clients according to their physical condition and specific interests.
3. Reduce the cultural impact in the communities.
4. Provide opportunities in all communities for being visited by tourists.