Kapawi Lodge

The Kapawi Project began in 1993. The goal was to commence a new trend in eco-tourism, in partnership with the OINAE, by providing a monthly means of economic support and jobs to the Achuar Indians located in Kapawi as well as in other communities. In 15 years, 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!).

Environmentally friendly methods such as solar energy and trash recycling are also being utilized.

Kapawi is located in the most remote area of the Ecuadorian Amazon basin, in the province of Pastaza. Flight destinations are to Sharamentsa from where motorised doughnut canoes will take you to Kapawi in a comfortable 1-hour and a half ride. We use the best aircraft, with very high standards. Nevertheless due to type of weather of the tropical rain forest some delays can be expected. Our recommendation is for you to please consider adding an extra day to your itinerary after visiting Kapawi to make sure you meet your connecting flights to your next destination!

Completed in 1996, Kapawi is the newest of the Eco-lodges in South America. Built in partnership with the indigenous organisation OINAE, and the private enterprise CANODROS, 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 utilised.

Achuar is the name of one of the four groups of the linguistic family Jivaro, (Achuar, Shuar, Aguaruna and Huambisa). With a global population of about 80.000 people, the Jivaro group is by far the most important homogeneous culture on the Amazon basin. Well known in the past for their internal wars, the Achuar they now live peacefully in small villages.

As suggested by the missionaries, they obtain their products in small plots -"chacras"- and from hunting, fishing and gathering in the rain forest.

At the beginning of the 1970's the Achuar were the only Jivaros who had not suffered any loss of culture due to contact with the Western world.

Important:

Once in Kapawi, you will be miles away from what you know as civilization, as the nearest town is 2 weeks walk away through the forest for the local people. This remoteness is what makes Kapawi such a special and unique place. Please remember that because the only way in and out of the area is by air, we are 100% reliant on the weather. We request that you leave an extra day after your stay at Kapawi as a buffer day in case an act of God prevents your departure.

Eco-Tourism in Kapawi:

Kapawi is a place of multiple choices and is characterized by its flexibility. We do not offer fixed programs, but you can design with your guide and your group, the most suitable one to meet your interests and physical condition.

In Kapawi you can do many activities and the most of the itineraries will include visits to the Achuar communities, you can share all of a day with the Achuar families, hikes in the rain forest, canoeing in rivers and lakes, swimming, watching piranhas, pink dolphins, see caimans and other animals of the area, as well as birdwatching, where there are 480 species.

There are three alternatives, according to your physical condition:

Programs that include short hikes in the rainforest (up to 3 hours) on well defined trails, visits to the Achuar communities as well as trips in canoes. Meals are served in the lodge or light meals are taken for the trip. Typical Achuar meals are also offered in their communities. And during overnight stays in the lodge or in tents.

Moderate:
Programs that include medium-distance hikes in the rain forest (up to 5 hours), sometimes crossing flooded areas. Trips in canoes and visits to the Achuar communities are also covered. Light meals are taken for the journey or typical Achuar dishes are served in their communities. Overnight stays include the lodge, in the Achuar communities and occasionally in tents.

Difficult:
Demanding hikes of many hours or days in poorly defined and often flooded trails. Porters will carry food and supplies. Overnight stays are in tents or in the Achuar communities. Exploration journeys to virgin areas are occasionally offered. Trips on inaccessible rivers are done in inflatable rafts. Excellent physical condition is required!

Kapawi is a great place for birding. In ten days you can get a list of almost 400 species. The river islands often have Horned Screamers and Orinoco Geese. Muscovy Ducks are more prevalent.
Other birds of exceptional interest featured in Kapawi are two species of Ant were recently discovered (Herpislochaus and Terenura, sp. Novum), Salvin´s Curassow, Buckley's Forest-Falcon, Sapphire Quail-Dove, Blue-winged Parrolet, Scarlet-Shouldered Parrolet, Black-billed Cuckoo, White Chested Puff bird, Spotted Puff bird, Tawney-throated Leaftosser, Black Bushbird, Amazonian Umbrella bird, Orange-eyed Flycatcher (Tolmomyas trailli, sp. Novum), Moriches Oriole and the most amazing thing is that you can see and record new species on the islands (like Arremonops, sp. Novum)!

TOUR TO CASA DEL SUIZO

La Casa del Suizo is a quiet Amazonian Lodge located on the shore of Ecuador's majestic Napo River and a stone's throw away from the eastern slopes of the Andes Mountains. Perched comfortably above the riverbank and the small Quichua Indian village of Ahuano, La Casa del Suizo overlooks vast expanses of the surrounding tropical rainforest environment.

Each of our modern rooms provides full electricity, hot water and ceiling fans to make your stay more comfortable in the jungle, and an exquisite view which may be peacefully absorbed from the privacy of one's own terrace. With a magnificent panorama of the Napo, our guests may enjoy our swimming pool, outdoor dining area and pool bar, which offers an array of delicious tropical drinks. The hotel's dining rooms offer a wide variety of both Ecuadorian and international dishes, and our buffets cater to vegetarians.
The Casa del Suizo gives you the chance to make your own tour and itinerary, depending on the time that you have.
The first day you will depart from Quito, you stop in the Papallacta's thermal waters, then you depart to the Casa del Suizo, during the way you will enjoy very nice landscapes . You arrive to Ahuano were you will take a canoe that will take you to the hotel. People from Casa del Suizo will be waiting for you with a delicious cocktail.

• A cultural visit to Pangayacu
• A cultural visit to Ahuano
• Adventure in Misococha
• The Island

INCLUDES:

TOUR JUNGLE LODGE THE JARDÍN ALEMÁN

Lodge facilities include 20 double rooms with private bathroom, restaurant and bar, jacuzzi with sun terrace, river beach, pool-billiard, satellite TV in the hall, chapel, laundry service, jungle tours in canoe and by foot. The Lodge is located on the banks of Misahuallí River, a tributary of Napo River , which forms after about 1400 km, in Peru, the Amazon River

The Jardín Aleman offers you tours to the jungle where you will have the chance to watch beautiful flowers and tropical trees. You will navigate through the Misahuallí and Napo rivers. You will walk inside of the rain forest, but the most important thing is that you will have the chance to share and to know more about native cultures.

INCLUDES: