Kapawi Ecological Reserve
Kapawi is located in the remotest area of the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin. The Kapawi Lodge, built in 1993, lies in the heart of Achuar Indian Territory, and accommodates up to 40 visitors in single and duplex cabins with private facilities and hot water. All cabins are constructed according to Achuar architectural style and while they are rustic, they are elegant and luxurious. Each cabin has a view of the Kapawi lake through screened windows and a covered porch. Three large buildings form the centre of the complex - a separate hammock building, a lecture hall, library, lounge and bar, and a kitchen-dining room. They are all connected to the cabins by raised board walks. A biological research station was also built in the area. Four naturalist-biologists serve as guides along with an Achuar Community member. Excursions can be chosen from a variety of easy to moderate or difficult hikes and canoe trips.
Fly from Quito to Sharamentsa from where motorised dugout canoes will take you on a comfortable 1 hour ride to Kapawi. Excursions vary from 1 to 7 nights at Kapawi. However, we do suggest a minimum of 3 nights to fully enjoy this tropical rain forest.
Day 1 - Monday
Quito - Kapawi
This morning, fly to KAPAWI, here motorised dugout canoes will take you on a comfortable ride to Kapawi Lodge, your base for the next four nights as you explore the jungle. LD
Day 2 to 4 - Tuesday to Thursday
Kapawi
The Lodge provides multiple activities in programs that are characterized by their flexibility: we allow you to design day by day, with the rest of your group and your guide, the most suitable program for your interests and desired activity level. Most itineraries include visits to the Achuar communities, hikes in the rain forest, canoeing, bird watching, and other activities. According to your interests and physical condition (but not your age!), we offer three alternative programs: easy, moderate, and difficult. These programs depend mainly on the distance and time you would like to spend on our trails; all other activities can be included in any program. A day in Kapawi starts at 6:00, hot drinks and a light snack will wake you up, for a short hike in the forest or an early morning canoe trip for bird watching in the banks of the Capahuari river or to visit the parrots salt lick. Passengers will be back for breakfast at 8:00 o clock, at 9:00 approximately passengers depart for a morning activity which will take you back to the lodge at 13:00 or you can take the lunch along with you and enjoy a beautiful picnic in the forest and be back to the lodge at 17:00 approximately. For the passengers who decide to have lunch at the lodge they will start they afternoon activity at 15:00. At 19:00 a briefing with the guides will be scheduled every day. Dinner is served at 19:30. At 8:30 passengers will have the opportunity to do a night hike, caiman watching or receive a lecture about the rainforest or Achuar life. Overnight in the community or camping is also available upon request to the guides. BLD
Day 5 - Friday
Kapawi - Quito
Morning departure by dugout canoe back to the airport for your return flight to Quito. BL
