Kapawi Ecolodge

If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable adventure in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest, Kapawi Ecolodge is the perfect destination for you. Kapawi Ecolodge is an award-winning indigenous community ecotourism enterprise that offers conscious and responsible travelers the opportunity to engage in authentic cultural experiences with the Achuar people, one of the most ancient and intact cultures in the Amazon basin. You will also enjoy the comfort and convenience of a modern ecolodge, while directly supporting the sustainable development and conservation of the Achuar territory and culture.

Kapawi Ecolodge is located in a remote and pristine area of the Amazon rainforest, about 300 km south of Quito, near the border with Peru. The lodge is only accessible by a 50-minute flight from Shell, followed by a 30-minute canoe ride along the Pastaza and Capahuari rivers.

The lodge is surrounded by a vast expanse of primary rainforest, home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, toucans, macaws, caimans, dolphins, and more. You can even spot the elusive jaguar or anaconda if you are lucky.

Kapawi Ecolodge Facilities

The lodge consists of 20 spacious and comfortable bungalows, built with traditional Achuar architecture and materials. Each bungalow has a private bathroom with hot water, a balcony with a hammock, and a stunning view of the lagoon and the forest. The bungalows are designed to blend with the environment and minimize the impact on nature. Furthermore they also provides biodegradable soap and shampoo, as well as mosquito nets and repellent for extra protection.

The common areas of the lodge include a dining room, a lounge, a bar, a library, and a gift shop. The dining room serves delicious meals prepared with fresh and organic ingredients from the region, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.

The lounge has a cozy fireplace, and multimedia area. The bar offers a variety of drinks, including local beer and wine. The library has books and magazines about the Amazon rainforest and the Achuar culture. The gift shop sells handicrafts and souvenirs made by the local community.

Kapawi Ecolodge Activities

The lodge offers a variety of activities and experiences for guests to explore the Amazon rainforest and learn about the Achuar culture.

You can choose from different itineraries ranging from 4 to 8 days, depending on your preferences and interests. Some of the activities include:

• Hiking through different trails in the forest, guided by expert naturalists and Achuar guides.
• Canoeing or kayaking on the lagoon and the rivers, observing the flora and fauna along the way.
• Visiting an Achuar community, sharing their daily life, traditions, ceremonies, and worldview.
• Participating in an Achuar ritual called Wayusentia (dream interpretation), where you drink a special tea made from guayusa leaves and share your dreams with an Achuar elder.
• Learning how to use a blowgun, make pottery, weave baskets, or paint your face with natural colors.
• Enjoying a relaxing massage or yoga session in the wellness center.
• Watching the sunrise or sunset from a viewpoint or a tower.
• Stargazing at night from your balcony or from a canoe.

Kapawi Ecolodge Enviromental Projects

The Kapawi Ecolodge is an ecotourism destination that supports various social and environmental projects in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. According to the web search results that I found, some of these projects are:

• Forest and wildlife monitoring: The Kapawi Ecolodge works with local communities and partner organizations to conduct surveys and assessments of the biodiversity and health of the rainforest and its wildlife. This helps to identify and protect endangered species, prevent illegal hunting and logging, and promote conservation education and awareness.
• TUNA School: The TUNA School is a bilingual and intercultural school that serves the children of the Achuar communities in the Kapawi region. The school aims to provide quality education that respects and integrates the Achuar culture, language, and worldview, while also incorporating modern knowledge and skills. The school also fosters environmental stewardship, community participation, and leadership among the students.
• English teaching opportunities: The Kapawi Ecolodge offers volunteer opportunities for individuals who want to teach English to the Achuar staff, guides, and community members. This helps to improve their communication skills, & enhance their professional development.
• Community development: The Kapawi Ecolodge supports various community development initiatives that benefit the local Achuar people, such as health care, sanitation, infrastructure, microfinance, handicrafts, and cultural preservation. The lodge also provides employment, training, and income for the Achuar communities, as well as a platform for them to share their culture and worldview with visitors.

Kapawi Ecolodge Project

The Kapawi Ecolodge is not just a place to stay. It is an invitation to journey to the heart of the world, to connect with nature and yourself, to discover new perspectives and possibilities, and to contribute to a better future for the Amazon rainforest and its people. Kapawi is owned and managed by the Achuar people, one of the most ancient and intact cultures in the Amazon basin.

The lodge was built with traditional Achuar architecture and materials, using sustainable practices that minimize the impact on nature. Other efforts by the lodge include support to various social and environmental projects that benefit the local community and protect their territory and culture.

By visiting the Kapawi Ecolodge, you will have the opportunity to engage in authentic cultural experiences with the Achuar people, learn about their daily life, traditions, ceremonies, and worldview.

All the while enjoying the comfort and convenience of a modern ecolodge, which directly supports the sustainable development and conservation of the Achuar territory and culture.