La Selva
Kapawi
Maquipucuna
Yachana
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Completed in 1996, Kapawi is the newest of the eco-lodges in South America. Winner of eco-tourism awards, the lodge was created in accordance with the Achuar (indigenous people living in the area) concept of architecture without a single metal nail. Environmentally friendly methods such as solar energy, biodegradable soaps and trash-recycling systems are being used.
Accessible only by small aircraft, the lodge is located on the Pastaza River, in the most remote area of the Ecuadorian Amazon basin. Kapawi is a spectacular jungle retreat in the tropical rain forest.
Kapawi Lodge offers 20 double rooms, each with private bathroom and sun-heated showers. Electricity is provided by a photovoltaic system. Located on the shore of the Kapawi Lake, every room has a wide terrace where you can observe daily visitors: hummingbirds, egrets, parrots or listen to the frog chorus at night. Meals are a tasty combination of international and Ecuadorian food with emphasis on local products including a wide variety of exotic fruits. The project also includes a well-stocked library, restaurant-bar, a canopy tower 40 meters high and a scientific station all situated on 40,000 hectares. |
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All the land belongs to the Achuar Indian Federation. The owners plan to train the locals how to run the entire operation by the year 2011 and recoup their investment in the interim.
The number of choices for daily nature trips is so overwhelming and range from easy and moderate to difficult. Kapawi does not offer fixed programs. You and your guide and group can design the most suitable one to meet your interests and physical condition.
Kapawi offers canoe trips to the black water Ishpingo River, day hiking trips down any number of trails, paddle canoe trips to isolated rivers and small sochas or a combination of biking and canoeing give access to a plethora of habitat types from marsh and flooded forest to tierra firme forest. Because of its isolation and southern location, it has populations of plants and animals that are rarely seen in other parts of Ecuador.
The Ashuar culture is evident in every field trip. An Ashuar can recognize every one of the 500 species of birds found in Kapawi and can distinguish every tree and explain their medicial uses. One guide is an English-speaking naturalist and one is a Spanish-speaking Ashuar man. Both of them will make your experience unforgettable.
The first project of its kind ever developed in Ecuador, the Kapawi Project is a groundbreaking example of how a tourism enterprise works with an indigenous group by sharing benefits and respecting the land and traditions of the people. |
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Walks.- Easy, moderate or demanding; within the tropical rainforest passing through local achuar communities
Birdwatching.- Usually for 2 hours during the early morning hours (6 A.M.). There is an inventory of about 500 species of birds in the area.
Canoe and Kayak Trips.- Kayaking is done in the small rivers, such as the Capahuari and the lakes in the area
Canoe trips are done in small rivers such as the Pastaza.
Fishing.- Catch and release is not allowed. Anyting that is caught must be eaten.
Camping.- the visitors chose the place and day and a group of porters will take the food and equipment for them.
VIsits to the Communities.- An important part of the activities in Kapawi because have a significant cultural component; the behavior rules and code of ethics are explained beforehand.
Auto-guided trail.- Approximately 45 minutes in the lodge area.
Caiman-watching.- Done during the night using torches to illuminate their eyes.
Night walks.- An amazing view of the night-life in the forest. |
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Serendip
Tel: +593-2-227 6949 / 225 4250
Fax: +593-2-224 7618
Japanese Language Support 24-hours: 593-9-973 2082 / 2092
Email: info@galapagoskankou.com
Quito - Ecuador
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