Kapawi Lodge

Kapawi Lodge is probably the most ecologically and culturally sensitive lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon. The lodge was built on the edge of the Kapawi Lagoon and the houses were built on stilts in order to minimize the impact caused to the surrounding vegetation.
Sewage goes through a three-step drainage process and pumped onto the forest floor. The sewage drains into a cesspool and the excess water runs into a second cesspool and then into the last from which it is pumped onto the forest floor. Yeast is spread on the ground to accelerate decomposition

Our canoes are equipped with four-stroke outboard engines, which reduce noise and pollution considerably. Electric outboard motors for small and sensitive rivers are also available.

The entire lodge is powered by solar energy. Seventy-two 75 watt solar panels cover 80% of all the lodge's energy needs. Our solar-heated showers provide 5 gallons of hot water per person each day.

· With an initial investment of two million dollars, it was built to be operated by the investors for fifteen-years. By the year 2011, Kapawi will belong entirely to the Achuar Indians. In the mean time, they are being trained in different areas. For example: management, house keeping, mechanics, maintenance, etc. The Kapawi project facilitated the Achuar's initial request for partnership with the outside world; thus, creating the Pachamama Alliance, a USA based foundation, committed to halting the destruction of the rain forests and the loss of its indigenous cultures and wisdom.

Kapawi is located near the Ecuadorian and Peruvian border, in the Southern Ecuadorian Amazon Basin on the Pastaza River, a major tributary of the Amazon. Kapawi is one of the most pristine and isolated points in the Amazon Basin, accessed only by air. No logging or oil drilling have been done here. The closest town is within ten days walking distance. A private plane will take you from Quito to the Kapawi Reserve in less than two hours. An additional canoe ride (1 1/2 hours) is necessary to reach the lodge.

The area of Kapawi EcoLodge is home to 600 known species of birds (and continues to grow). ; That’s four times the species in all the broad-leaf forests of North America and more than in all of Europe….in an area no larger than Manhattan.
Ecuador’s tropical rain forests contain more than 20,000 plant species, some 7,000 more than throughout all of Europe;
Many insect species including bright colored butterflies most of which have not been identified by scientists. One tree may contain more ant species than in all of England.
Several thousand plant-species are used for medicinal purposes by the Achuar.
There are 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.
Since they are mainly nocturnal, mammals like jaguars, ocelots, jaguarundis and other big cats are difficult to spot. It is common to find animal tracks.
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.
In our log book, there are several sightings of monkeys, Capybaras, tapirs and many other Mammals. However the most common ones are pink dolphins during the river experience. Last February some of our guests saw a melanic jaguar (black jaguar) on the beaches of the Capahuari River. We've also registered a young manatee in the Oxbow Lake near the lodge, and it was the first sighting ever in this area of the Achuar territory. We have several reports of Giant Otters in the Capahuari River close to the lodge. We also have some sightings of Crested and Harpy Eagles for this year.

The great advantage of being in Kapawi is that you do not have to adjust your interests to fixed programs. We offer customized programs according to your interests and physical abilities. Most programs will include visits to Achuar communities, treks in the rainforest, canoeing and birdwatching. Camping and fishing (you have to eat what you catch) are also available.

The lodge can host 40 people in 20 double rooms with private bathrooms, sun heated showers, and electricity provided by a photovoltaic system and wide terraces where guests can observe the myriad daily visitors: ducks; hummingbirds; egrets; parrots and a varied assortment of more than a dozen others. There is also a bar, library and boutique. The meals are one of the best things about the lodge - great Ecuadorian and international food is served daily.

"About my trip , simply perfect. Kapawi people are really kind , are great naturalists, and the lodge is an incredible place, where we spent three great days. The only thing that went wrong was that it was too short, but that was my fault. I'll try to fix that next time, as I am sure this wont be the last. Thanks for everything." - Alberto

2007-2008 Rates per person.: (see special rate departures at bottom of page)
3 nights / 4 days (Friday to Monday) = US$670 per person double, $935 single or $570 triple + $6 service fee
4 nights / 5 days (Monday to Friday)= US$895 per person double, $1250 single or $760 triple + $8 service fee
7 nights / 8 days (Mon.-Mon. or Fri.-Fri.) = US$1405 per person double, $1970 single or $1195 triple + 14 service fee

Not included: Achuar community fee: US$10.00 per passenger. Any other National or International tax. Soft beverages, alcoholic drinks or souvenirs. Government taxes are not included.

Notes: Transportation to Kapawi per passenger. Single Rate is available for passengers without sharing option. Due to varied weather conditions, it is recommended that you entertain the idea of adding an extra day to your itinerary after visiting Kapawi to make sure you meet your connecting flights to your next destination. Children under 7 years of age pay half price when accompanied by an adult in the same cabin. Children under 3 years of age pay half price for the transportation rate Quito-Kapawi-Quito. These rates are subject to change without prior notice. Other transportation routes can be arranged upon request and per Operation Department written approval.

SPECIAL RATES ---We have special rates for the following dates:
3 nights/4 days -
4 nights/5 days -
Rates per person, double occupancy- 3 night/4 days = US$490, 4 nights / 5 days = US$650, 7 nights / 8 days = $1005 (regular fees and transportation costs apply). Single and triple rates available.

The route between Quito to Coca is operated on a ICARO's commercial flight and the Coca - Kapawi route on a Twin Otter aircraft property of AEROMASTER. Luggage capacity is 25 pounds per person. Extra weight is charged at the rate of $1.40 per pound, payable at the Quito airport. This charge will have to be paid in cash to the Aeromaster Representative at the Aeromaster Counter in the Quito Airport, the day of the passenger's departure to Kapawi.

QUITO - KAPAWI
Between 07h30 to 10h00 (depending on the flight departure time) the passengers should be at the Icaro's private hangar where our representative will give them the excursion vouchers and the final information of the transportation to the lodge. The passengers are carried to the main airport where they will take the flight to Coca; this flight has a length of 30 minutes approximately. At Coca, passengers board the flight to Kapawi, which has a length of an hour approximately. This flight lands on the Kapawi's Achuar Community airstrip where our guides and native staff will be waiting to receive our guests and help them to carry their luggage. Then, passengers will have a short hike of 10 minutes through the village followed by a canoe ride of 15 minutes approximately: during this journey passengers can appreciate part of the Amazon Nature wonders, for example some species of birds, butterflies and dolphins. In Kapawi an introductory talk will be giving by our Resident Manager.

KAPAWI - QUITO
Starting at 09h30, the passengers are transported in motored canoes to the Kapawi Community where they will take the flight to Coca, which will last about an hour approximately. At Coca, our delegate will give them their tickets already checked for the returning flight to Quito. The departure time of this flight depends on the number of passengers checked for the flight and the weather conditions. Passengers could arrive in Quito between 13h00 and 17h00. A lunch in Coca will be offered before taking the afternoon flight.

Note 1: The detailed hours could be modified because of climatic or operational conditions. It is very important for us to know in advance the name of the hotel where our guests will stay before their Kapawi excursion; our representatives will contact them in order to advise the final flight itinerary for their transportation to Kapawi. At the return of the excursion the person who handle the passengers transfers in Quito between the airport to the hotel will have to contact our representative who will advise the confirmed arrival time of the Coca - Quito flight.

Note 2: Just in exceptional cases due to weather conditions we will operate the Quito - Shell land route and the Shell - Kapawi air route.

WAITING TIMES
In cases of delayed flight due to operational or climatic conditions and the passengers can not take the flight at the programmed time, we will offer them the following activities:

At Coca, we will take the passengers to the Mision Hotel where they will have the opportunity to appreciate different animals as parrots, toucans, etc. A lunch or a snack will be given. This activity will be offered for passengers going in or departing from Kapawi. If the climate conditions do not allow the take off of the flight at the programmed day, we will offer accommodation on the Auca Hotel for our passengers.

HOTEL LA MISION
It is located in the riverside of the Coca's river, this hotel has wide spaces and balconies where the guests can contemplate the river and its fauna, this is also a perfect place for relaxing while waiting.

HOTEL EL AUCA
It lies on the main strip of Coca. It has a modern design, in its gardens you can appreciate diverse vegetation with a courtyard with some hammocks. Each room has a private batch with semi-warm water, the floor, walls and ceiling are made of wood panels and a fan mounted on the ceiling.

ICARO: Fokker MK 4000 model, pressurized airplane with bathroom. Capacity for 80 passengers (Flight Quito - Coca - Quito)
AEROMASTER: Twin Otter DHC-6-300 model, twin-engine airplane with a capacity for 19 passengers with STOL capacity. It is not pressurized and doesn't have bathroom. (Flight Coca - Kapawi - Coca)

Our delegates will be in permanent contact with the passengers during the days of entrance and departure from Kapawi. For your information the emergency contact numbers are:

The passengers will be informed about the final route and departure times the night before of their Kapawi excursion date. Our Kapawi Operational Department will contact the passengers at the hotel in order to inform the final details of the operations.