What does my excursion rate include?
What does my excursion rate
do not include?
How to get there?
Where is Kapawi located and
how far is it from populated towns?
What may I expect to see
in Kapawi?
What kind of programs does
Kapawi offer and which one should I choose?
How safe is the Lodge and
its programs?
Is there any possibility
of getting malaria or any other disease due to mosquito
bites?
What is the minimum and maximum
age requirement to go to Kapawi?
Can I go to Kapawi if I am
disabled?
How should I act when I visit
a community?
Do the Achuar still wear
their traditional clothes?
Which day of the week can
I travel to Kapawi?
If I cannot travel one of
the scheduled days, could I get to Kapawi on my own?
How many visitors per guide
normally form a group?
Can I go fishing in Kapawi?
What is the best time of
the year to go to Kapawi?
What makes Kapawi so special?
What does
my excursion rate include? The excursion
rate includes accommodation in the lodge, all meals and
guided excursions in the rain forests. Visits to Achuar
communities, trips in motorized canoes or excursions on
inflatable kayaks or rafts. Birdwatching activities and
lectures are also offered.
The transportation rate includes transportation Quito-Kapawi-Quito
and baggage handling. <top>
What does
my excursion rate do not include? Achuar
Community fee $10. Any airfare, whether on schedule or charter
flights; government taxes (including departure tax), charges
for excess of baggage and all items of personal nature such
us laundry, personal purchases, drinks or gratuities. <top>
How to get
there? Despite its isolation, Kapawi offers
one of the easiest access of all lodges in the Amazon.
<top>
Where is Kapawi
located and how far is it from populated towns?
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 places in the Amazon Basin
and is accessible only by air. The closest town is within
ten days walking distance.<top>
What may I
expect to see in Kapawi?
• Many, many birds (more than 540 species in the area).
• Many species of insects, including brightly colored butterflies;
many of them have not been identified by scientists.
• Thousands of plant-species, many of them used for medicinal
purposes by the Achuars.
• 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 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.
<top>
What kind
of programs does Kapawi offer and which one should I choose?
The great advantage of being in Kapawi is that you do not
have to adjust your interests to fixed programs. In company
of your group and with the advice of your guide, you can
decide what to do every day.<top>
How safe is
the Lodge and its programs? Kapawi (and
the Tropical Rain Forest) is as safe as a temperate forest
or walking in a big city. Very few animals are dangerous.
They are generally shy and prefer to run than attack (like
the poisonous snakes). This is why it is so hard to see
them in the forest.
Kapawi has Achuar and naturalist guides who are well versed
in the environment. They have a first aid training and carry
a first aid kit for emergency purposes. Life jackets, well-maintained
paths and motorized canoes guarantee security for our visitors.
An evacuation protocol is available upon request .<top>
Is there any possibility of getting
malaria or any other disease due to mosquito bites?
As in nearly every tropical country, there is a
risk of getting malaria. However, mosquitoes are uncommon
in the lodge and the use of provided mosquito nets reduce
the risk. The use of repellent is also encouraged. While
the risk is low here, prophylaxis is essential and we recommend
that you visit a physician for advice.<top>
What is the
minimum and maximum age requirement to go to Kapawi?
It is not recommended to come with children under three
years old, but there is no upper age limit. The oldest person
to visit Kapawi was 85 years old and thoroughly enjoyed
her stay!<top>
Can I go to
Kapawi if I am disabled? Yes , it is possible.
Nevertheless, it is necessary to confirm your reservation
and necessities 30 days in advance so the Lodge can arrange
a suitable logistic for you.<top>
How should
I act when I visit a community? There are
some rules to follow when you visit a community. For example,
photographs of either the Achuar people or their homes are
not allowed. It is necessary to respect their corporal and
visual space. Your guide will provide more information before
visiting a community <top>
Do the Achuar
still wear their traditional clothes? Actually
they wear western-style clothing. The Achuar still use many
of their traditional accessories like necklaces, headbands
and bracelets, and paint their faces for special occasions.
They live in traditional houses and use blowguns for hunting.
<top>
Which day
of the week can I travel to Kapawi? The
scheduled days to travel to Kapawi are Mondays and Fridays.
<top>
If I cannot
travel one of the scheduled days, could I get to Kapawi
on my own? Yes you could, but special arrangements
should be made in advance.
Note: There is an additional price for flight expenses.
<top>
How many visitors
per guide normally form a group? Our policy
is to have a maximum of 10 visitors per guide. <top>
Can I go fishing
in Kapawi? Yes, although it could be very
challenging. Please remember that the Achuar do not accept
"catch and release" practices. This means that
if you catch it you eat it, or give it to your guide. <top>
What is the
best time of the year to go to Kapawi? It
always rains in the Tropical Rain Forest: However, the rainiest
months are from February to May. During this period, wildlife
sightings are increased and this is why we recommend longer
programs. <top>
What makes Kapawi so special?
Kapawi is different from other ecotourism projects
for many reasons:
• With an initial investment of two million dollars, it
was built to be operated by Canodros S.A. for fifteen-years
• By the year 2011, Kapawi will belong entirely to the Achuars.
In the meantime, they are being trained in different areas
like management, house keeping, mechanics, maintenance,
etc. .
• Kapawi incorporates low impact technologies such as solar
energy, trash management and waste water treatment.
• Kapawi accommodates seventy people, including guests and
employees, making it like a regular sized Achuar community!
<top>
