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About this trip
Immerse yourself in the Amazon Rainforest with Kapawi Eco-lodge's 4-day trip itinerary. Kapawi is located deep in the Achuar indigenous territory, only accessible by air. The highlight of our travel experience is not only the remoteness of our nature sanctuary in the Amazon Rainforest, but the unique Achuar cultural immersion you will experience as our guest. Guests can customize their experience, with activities ranging from wildlife, birdwatching, relaxed or hard-core adventures, hiking and paddling, fishing, and cultural immersion. Guests can also, on special occasions, decide to spend the night in one of the neighboring Achuar communities.
Suggested packing list
Clothing
- 3 to 4 pairs of lightweight long pants; quick drying material preferred. Avoid jeans, as weather is hot, humid and wet.
- 4 long-sleeved shirts; quick-drying material preferred.
- 3 or 4 short sleeved t-shirts.
- 1 pair of hiking socks for each day in the rainforest.
- 1 light windbreaker, sweater or fleece jacket.
- 1-2 brimmed hats (suitable for both sun and rain).
- Bathing suits.
- 1 rain poncho.
Footwear
- 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes.
- 1 pair of sandals.
Equipment
- Sun block lotion. SPF 45 or higher is recommended.
- Insect repellent (plenty of, as also useful to spray directly onto clothing).
- After bite/itch relief
- Anti-malaria pills (please check with physician before).
- Small flashlight. Headlamp models recommended.
- Refillable Water bottle.
- Binoculars (optional)
- Diarrhea medication, rehydration sachets, probiotics and electrolytes.
- 1 quick drying towel
- Wet tissues or supplies of small tissue packs
- Light snacks/energy bars (just in case)
- Black bin liners/or zip lock bags to keep belongings dry
- Journal/camera/sunglasses etc
- Personal toiletries
* Please bring US dollars in small bills for purchases made in the communities (handicrafts, others).
What’s included
- TransportationChartered two-way flight Shell-Kapawi-Shell. Includes a 50-minute flight each way in a small 3-, 5-, or 9-seater plane over the Amazon basin.
- AccommodationPrivate accommodation.
- All meals
- GuidesLocal and naturalist bilingual guides
- All activitiesIncludes hikes, river activities, community visits and overnights.
- Boots and rain ponchoWe will require shoe size confirmation prior to the travel experience.
What’s not included
- International airfareInternational flights to and from Ecuador
- Alcoholic beveragesPlease bring cash for purchases at the bar. Unfortunately we cannot take credit card payments at the ecolodge yet...
- SouvenirsHandicrafts, ceramic, weavings
- Overland TransportationTo and from Shell, not included.
Available Packages
Itinerary
Kapawi visitors usually start their Amazon experience in Quito and drive along the “Avenue of Volcanos” before descending to the Amazon plateau following the Pastaza river. Kapawi Ecolodge is only accessible by air, so visitors fly for about 50 minutes in a chartered small 5-, or 8- seater plane from the town of Shell to the Achuar community of Kusutkau, and then take a small boat downstream the Capahuari river for a 30-minute ride to the ecolodge.
Upon arrival to the ecolodge, you will be taken to the main social and dining area, where we give you an introductory talk about the Ecolodge, the Achuar territory, and the different possibilities for activities, both natural and cultural. After the introductory briefing, you will be shown to your cabins, and lunch will be served in our dining area.
After lunch, you will choose, together with your guides, the best activities for the afternoon. Kapawi offers a wide range of activities in the trails surrounding the ecolodge, and also in the Capahuari river. We usually start with a hike in the forest, to understand the incredible ecology of the Amazon Rainforest. Some hikes start right from the lodge, while others start near the lodge a few minutes away by motorized boat.
Return to the lodge after the activity for some free time. Swimming in the river right from our dock is always available, as well as relaxing in our social areas by the river or in the main area where our dining area and bar are located. We will have dinner at the lodge at 7.30 pm, and after dinner you can go over the next day's plan and activities together with your guides. Overnight at Kapawi Ecolodge.