Kapawi Lodge

This is one of Ecuador''s best-known lodges. The Kapawi project opened in 1996 as a unique partnership between Canodros, an Ecuadorian tourism company, and the Achuar people. Each partner shared a vision of building an economically sustainable project that would contribute to the preservation of the cultural and environmental riches of Ecuador’s Amazon region. The management of the project was transferred to the Achuar over the years and on January 1, 2008 total ownership and responsibility for the operation of Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve passed to the Achuar people. This 20 cabin lodge has been designed carefully to combine comfort and high levels of service with native construction techniques and strict environmental protection.

Kapawi is an excellent lodge if you want to experience the depths of the Amazon. Close to the border with Peru, there are no roads, logging or oil exploitation in the area, and access is only by air. Here you can experience first-hand how the Achuar indians live and preserve their way of life. Birding is also very good. During the past seven years, 542 species have been recorded in the Kapawi area. This number includes the seasonal migrants from Patagonia or North America. Larger wildlife, always difficult to spot in the Amazon, is perhaps harder to see here than other Amazon lodges since Achuars are still hunters.

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

The lodge accommodates up to 44 guests and was built in accordance to the Achuar concept of architecture. Kapawi 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.

Every cabana is illuminated by 4 lamps, the lodge is powered by 6 and 12 volts systems and 110 volts is available in some areas, where personal device batteries can be recharged.

Tap water is totally purified, as well as water you find in the glass bottle in your room, and in the plastic container in the dining room. This water has been filtered through a flush back and sand filter, and finally purified with ozone. However, this system is unable to filter very small particles of sediments. This is specially evident during periods of heavy rains or when the water table is very high. The presence of microscopic particles in suspension gives the water a murky aspect, this does not mean it is contaminated with microorganisms.

The library opens the whole day. They offer a wide range of paperbacks, magazines and books. A small boutique provides essential items you may have forgotten (film, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sunscreen lotion, insect repellent, hats, etc.), as well as handicrafts and souvenirs. Kapawi well stocked bar is open until 10h00 pm.

Kapawi dining room is located at the central part of the complex. With an outstanding service in a beautiful veranda where some meals can be served; it can also be used as a place for early bird watching while you are tasting our freshly brewed coffee