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Kapawi Ecolodge is a unique and unforgettable experience that takes you deep into the heart of the Amazon rainforest. This award-winning resort is located in a remote and pristine area of the Ecuadorian Amazon, home to the Achuar indigenous people. You’ll stay in a cozy and comfortable cabin with a private bathroom and a balcony overlooking the river and the jungle. You’ll enjoy delicious meals made with fresh and organic ingredients from the lodge’s own garden and farm. You’ll also explore the rainforest and its wildlife with expert guides, who will teach you about the Achuar culture and their connection with nature.
Unique or special aspects
What makes Kapawi Ecolodge unique is its partnership with the Achuar community, who own and manage the lodge. The lodge was built in 1996 with the help of a conservation organization, who transferred the ownership and management to the Achuar in 2008. The lodge is part of a larger project that aims to protect the Achuar territory and culture from external threats such as oil exploration, logging and mining. The lodge provides income and employment opportunities for the Achuar, as well as education and health services. The lodge also promotes cultural exchange and mutual respect between guests and hosts.
Setting
Kapawi Ecolodge is located in the province of Pastaza, in the southeastern part of Ecuador. The lodge is situated on the banks of the Pastaza River, a tributary of the Amazon River. The lodge is surrounded by 2 million acres of untouched rainforest, which is part of the Achuar ancestral land. The lodge is accessible only by plane, which adds to the sense of adventure and isolation. The nearest town is Shell, about 250 kilometers away by air. The climate is tropical and humid, with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F) and a rainy season from April to September.
Style
The lodge consists of 20 cabins that are scattered along the riverbank, offering privacy and tranquility. The cabins are inspired by the traditional Achuar architecture, with wooden structures, palm-thatched roofs and open-air design. The cabins are spacious and comfortable, with double or twin beds, en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, toilets and sinks. The cabins have amenities such as mosquito nets, ceiling fans, solar lamps and hammocks. The cabins have large windows that offer panoramic views of the river and the jungle. The cabins are decorated with natural materials and local handicrafts, creating a cozy and authentic atmosphere.
Sustainability
The lodge is committed to sustainability and social responsibility. The lodge follows the principles of ecotourism and green building, using renewable energy sources such as solar panels and batteries, recycling water and waste through bio-filtration systems, composting organic matter and using biodegradable products. The lodge also grows its own food organically and sources products from nearby farmers and producers who practice sustainable agriculture and fishing. The lodge educates guests about the importance of conservation and responsible travel, and encourages them to participate in activities that minimize their environmental impact.
The lodge is also a social enterprise that empowers the Achuar community to improve their quality of life and preserve their cultural identity. The lodge is owned and managed by the Achuar themselves, who receive training and support from a local NGO called Fundación Pachamama. The lodge provides income and employment opportunities for the Achuar, especially women and young people, who work as guides, cooks, cleaners or artisans. The lodge also reinvests part of its profits in social projects such as education scholarships, health clinics, infrastructure and cultural events. By staying at the lodge, guests contribute to these initiatives and learn about the challenges and achievements of the community.
The lodge has also won several awards for its sustainability and conservation efforts, such as Ecotourism Excellence 2000 by Conservation International, Skal International´s Ecotourism Award 2002, National Geographic´s Top 50 Ecolodges (2009), UNDP´s Ecuador Award (2010), Rainforest Alliance´s Award for Ecotourism Standards in 20132.
Rooms
The lodge has 20 cabins that can accommodate up to 40 guests. Each cabin is a separate unit that offers privacy and comfort. The cabins are divided into two categories: Standard Cabins (16) and Suites (4). The Standard Cabins have an area of 35 square meters (377 square feet) and can sleep up to three people. They have a double bed or two twin beds, depending on your preference. The Suites have an area of 55 square meters (592 square feet) and can sleep up to four people. They have a king-size bed and a sofa bed. Both categories of cabins have en-suite bathrooms with hot showers, toilets and sinks. The cabins have amenities such as mosquito nets, ceiling fans, solar lamps and hammocks. The cabins have large windows that offer panoramic views of the river and the jungle. The cabins are decorated with natural materials and local handicrafts, creating a cozy and authentic atmosphere.
Typical itinerary
3-night Amazon Journey: This tour gives guests a taste of the remote and pristine area of the Ecuadorian Amazon, where they can enjoy activities such as hiking, canoeing, fishing, birdwatching and visiting an Achuar community.
4-night Amazon Journey: This tour allows guests to reconnect with nature and experience a tranquil retreat from the modern life. Guests can participate in activities such as yoga, meditation, massage, wildlife viewing and cultural exchange.
7-night Amazon Journey: This tour offers guests a deeper immersion into the Amazon rainforest and the Achuar culture. Guests can explore different ecosystems, learn about the Achuar worldview and spirituality, and camp in the jungle for a night.
Things to do
There is no shortage of activities to do at Kapawi Ecolodge, whether you’re looking for relaxation, wellness or adventure. You can enjoy the lodge’s facilities such as the dining room, where you can savor traditional and international dishes prepared with fresh and organic ingredients from the lodge’s own garden and farm; the bar, where you can sip drinks made with exotic fruits and herbs; the lounge, where you can relax with books, games or music; or the observation tower, where you can admire the views of the river and the jungle. You can also join guided excursions to explore the rainforest and its wildlife with expert guides, who will teach you about the Achuar culture and their connection with nature. Some of the highlights include hiking through primary and secondary forest trails; canoeing along the river and its tributaries; fishing for piranhas and other fish; birdwatching for toucans, macaws and hummingbirds; visiting an Achuar community to learn about their lifestyle and traditions; participating in a shamanic ceremony to experience their spiritual worldview; or camping in the jungle for a night to enjoy the sounds and sights of nature.
Wider region
Kapawi Ecolodge is located in the Ecuadorian Amazon, one of the most biodiverse and culturally diverse regions of the world. The Amazon covers more than half of Ecuador’s territory and is home to more than 10 indigenous groups, each with their own language and traditions. The Amazon also hosts a variety of natural attractions such as rivers, lakes, waterfalls, caves and national parks. You can explore these wonders by boat, canoe, bike or foot, along scenic trails that pass through rainforest, wetland and savanna ecosystems. Some of the highlights include Yasuni National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that contains more than 20% of the world’s plant species; Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, a protected area that harbors more than 500 bird species; and Napo Wildlife Center, a community-run lodge that offers wildlife viewing opportunities such as parrot clay licks, monkey islands and giant otter dens.
Getting there
The easiest way to get to Kapawi Ecolodge is by flying to Shell Airport (SHL), the nearest airport to the lodge. The airport is located in Shell Mera, a small town in the province of Pastaza. The airport is about 45 minutes by plane from Quito, the capital of Ecuador. You can fly to Shell from Quito with several airlines such as Tame or Aerocon. From Shell, you’ll take another plane to Kapawi airstrip, which is located next to the lodge. The flight takes about 50 minutes and passes over spectacular scenery of mountains and rainforest.
- Limits plastic use
- Actively reduces consumption
- Ecosystem preservation
- Wildlife protection or rescue
- Sustainable build
- Reforestation or restoration
- Recycling
- Solar powered or renewable energy
- Employs local people
- Local or organic food
- Education
- Preservation of cultural heritage
- Community led or owned
- Empowerment
- Community conservation
- Respect for culture
- Nature
- Culture
- Jungle or forest
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Wifi
- Up to 2
- Up to 4
- Disabled
- Lodge
- Hiking
- Watersports
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Birdwatching
- Active
- Culture
- Up to one week
