4 Days / 3 Nights
The Kapawi Project began in 1993. The goal was to commence a new trend in eco-tourism, in partnership with the FINAE, by providing a monthly means of economic support and jobs to the Achuar located in Kapawi as well as in other communities. In 15 years, all installations will belong entirely to the Achuar Indians. The lodge accommodates up to 40 visitors and was built in accordance to the Achuar concept of architecture (not a single nail was used!).
Environmentally-friendly methods such as solar energy and trash recycling are also being utilized.
Achuar is the name of one of the four groups of the linguistic family Jivaro, (Achuar, Shuar, Aguaruna and Huambisa). With a global population of about 80.000 people, the Jivaro group is by far the most important homogeneous culture on the Amazon Basin. Well known in the past for their internal wars, the Achuar live today in peace, mostly in small villages, a way of living suggested by the missionaries, wherein they obtain their products produced in small plots -"chacras"- and from hunting, fishing and gathering in the rain forest.
At the beginning of the 1970's the Achuar were the only Jivaros who had not suffered any loss of culture due to contact with the western world.
DAILY SCHEDULE
DAY 1 Quito-Kapawi flight & afternoon excursion
DAY 2 Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve & excursions
DAY 3 Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve & excursions
Day 4 Morning excursion & Kapawi-Quito flight
Tour Highlights
3 nights/4 days at the Amazon Rain Forest Kapawi Ecolodge
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
Hikes in the rain forest, canoeing and bird watching
Friday Departures - PRICE PER PERSON (Double room) $670
Promotional Departures - PRICE PER PERSON (Double room) $450
June 22
July 13, 27
August 31
WHAT TO BRING
Since we used small aircrafts to fly to Kapawi, it is imperative to limit your luggage to the basic minimum as listed bellow. Luggage not needed can be stored in your city hotel or in Shell. It is also better to travel with backpacks instead of suitcases.
LUGGAGE
One large backpack or one duffel bag.
One small daypack.
CLOTHING
3 lightweight -cotton or other fast drying material- long pants. Avoid blue jeans.
4 or 5 long-sleeved cotton shirts.
1 pair of knee-high cotton socks for each day in the rainforest.
Underwear (avoid synthetics).
Shorts.
1 light wind-breaker.
1 light sweater or jacket.
Brim hat.
1 water-proof poncho (available in the lodge) or a water-proof parka.
Bathing suit.
Sunglasses with a strap.
Rate Includes:
Transfers in/out airport-hotel-airport
Accommodation in the lodge
All meals
All visits and excursions
Guide service
Not Included
Airfare Quito - Kapawi - Quito
Achuar Community fee $16.
Drinks or gratuities.
FOOTGEAR
1 pair of comfortable walking shoes.
1 pair of thongs or Tevas
1 pair of rubber boots (available in the lodge).
MEDICINE
Extra eye glasses/contact lenses.
Sunblock lotion (at least protection 8).
Insect repellent.
Toilet kit.
Personal first aid kit.
Antimalaria pills.
Tampons or sanitary napkins.
EQUIPMENT
Plastic water bottle.
Flashlight (headlamps models are better).
Alkaline batteries.
Self sealing plastic bags.
Dry bags (available in the lodge).
Swiss Army knife.
Reading material (available in the lodge).
Small note-book and pencil.
Personal sewing kit.
Snacks: chocolates, candies, etc.
CAMERAS AND BINOCULARS
Camera gear.
High speed films or fine-grain, high resolution and relatively slow color transparency (this last one to be used with electronic flash.
Binoculars. This is an essential item, even if you are not a birdwatcher. The best ones are the waterproof models with high light transmission. An excellent size: 10 X 40.
Films.
SOME SUGGESTIONS:
Remember that we are guests of a very different culture. Some of their traditions may appear quite odd to us, but is does not mean that we are in a position to criticize them. Please, follow the rules imposed by the Achuar communities and respectfully try to learn about this extraordinary culture.
Be careful with photographs or video recordings. Ask your Achuar guide first if it is possible to take photographs or to make video recordings in Achuar communities. Avoid close up shots, and never remunerate people with money for a photograph.
The Achuar are very pleased when you buy their handicrafts. They have a fixed price which is similar in each community. You can also exchange some of your personal items (flashlights, batteries, etc.) for handicrafts if the Achuar are interested in doing so.
Please do not buy handicrafts made of feathers, animal skins or insects.
Avoid any physical contact with members of the communities.
Please do not give money, presents, or sweets to the kids. If you have educational material (pens, note-books, colored pencils, etc.) that you would like to donate, please give them to the resident manager. He is in charge of distributing to the different schools of the area.
Please do not enter an Achuar house without an invitation.
The Achuar are very jealous. If you are a man, you should never look directly at a woman's face.
Remember that the Achuar house has a sexual division. Please, do not go to the ekent or female area.
Nijiamanch, the manioc beer, is always offered, refusing might be considered an insult. If you do not like this drink, you should at least pretend to drink it.
Do not go out alone. The chances of getting lost are very high. The only exception is the self-guided trail. During the hikes, never leave the trails and stay with the group at all times.
It is essential to wear rubber boots during the hikes.
Drink plenty of liquids during your stay.
Keep at least one set of dry clothes in the lodge.
Fishing is allowed.
Please, do not take any animals or plants out of the area. Hunting is not permitted.
Do not leave any trash in the forest. In the Achuar communities you will find trash containers.
Please do not use radio gear without personal earphones.
Donations to the FINAE, the Achuar Federation, or to the different sustainable projects or scientific researchers can be coordinated through The Pachamama Alliance.
Tips can be given at the end of the trip to:
Your guide: US$10.oo to US$20.oo per passenger.
The staff that works in the lodge. You can leave your tip in the tipping box. It will be divided amongst the personnel: US$10.oo to US$20.oo per passenger.
We DO NOT use an automated reservation machine. When you write to us, you will be in touch with a real travel specialist that will assist you in finding what you really need. We can also arrange airport transportation, tours, travel packages, insurance, flight bookings, and any other travel service that you may need.
