| “We, the Achuar, an indigenous community
have maintained our customs, culture and Cosmo vision
for
many years. Our main objective is to protect our rights
and our land. We consider our birthplace, the beginning
of life where we were raised and where we develop our
vision of the world.” |
This is one of Ecuador's best-known lodges,
thanks to the joint venture with the local Achuar indian
community to provide
an alternative to the traditional destruction created
by enterprises in the Amazon, and where lodge ownership passes to the community
in 2011. 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 50 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
|
