Kapawi

The Kapawi project was initiated in 1993 by Carlos Perez Perasso, founder of Canodros and leader of the Ecuadorian journalism through El Universo, the major newspaper in Ecuador, through his vision and passion to nature his goal was to commence a new trend in ecotourism, in partnership with the FINAE, Federation of Achuar Indigenous People in Ecuador, by providing a monthly means of economic support and jobs to the Achuars, superior to the relatively limited lifestyle in an area of 5.000 square kilometers with a population of 4,500 people in 56 communities. In 2011, all installations will be transferred at no cost to the Achuars.

The lodge accommodates up to 50 visitors with double and triple accommodations and was built in accordance to the Achuar concept of architecture.
Kapawi is the largest community-based project ever developed in Ecuador. It was developed and built in co-ownership with the private enterprise, Canodros S.A.. Kapawi was created to provide a high standard service in one of the remotest and most pristine areas of the south east of Ecuador, away from oil exploitation and other destructive practices.

At the moment up to 70% percent of all the employees that work at the lodge are Achuar. Canodros also buys products and services for the lodge in the nearby communities. Tourists give a contribution of US $10 dollars as an entrance fee. For these communities their main income comes from ecotourism.

Kapawi has also provided a launching platform for the Achuar as it has brought the area to the attention of many people from non governmental organizations that invested money and time to develop projects to reinforce the structure of the FINAE organization and developing different projects parallel to ecotourism such as: health, communications, transportation, and education for the entire Achuar territory.

Accommodation
The lagoon varies in water level throughout the year's season and provides the perfect setting for your accommodations.

The lodge accommodates up to 50 guests and was built in accordance to the Achuar concept of architecture. We offer 20 double and triple rooms with private bathrooms, sun heated showers and electricity provided by a solar panel system. Every room has a wide terrace. One thing you should kept keep in mind during your stay here at Kapawi is that you are in the “jungle”. Insects are by far the most numerous form of life in this habitat, even though the rooms are screened through the walls and floors, you may have some unwanted “guests” in your cabin.

Activities
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, then at 9:00 approximately passengers depart for a morning activity which will take them back to the lodge at 13:00 for lunch or you can take the lunch along to enjoy a beautiful picnic in the forest and being back to the lodge at 17:00 approximately. For passengers who decide to have lunch at the lodge they will start their 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 20:30 passengers will have the opportunity to do a night hike, a caiman watching or to receive a lecture about the rainforest or the Achuar life. Sleep at night in the community or camping are also available upon request to the guides.

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.