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.

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.

How to get there?
Despite its isolation, Kapawi offers one of the easiest access of all lodges in the Amazon. A private plane will take you from Quito to the Kapawi Reserve in less than two hours. An additional canoe ride is necessary to reach the lodge. However, because flights are dependent on the weather we recommend a buffer day on either end of your trip to the lodge. (Latin Discover note: this is the most remote of the Amazon jungle lodges in Ecuador. The recommended buffer days are important unless you like worrying. Bad weather does happen, and sometimes part of the trip is made by land which may not be so enjoyable and may reduce your actual stay at the lodge).

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.

What may I expect to see in Kapawi?
• Many, many birds (more than 500 species in the area)
• Many species of insects, including brightly-colored butterflies many of which have not been identified by scientists.
• Several thousand plant-species, many used for medicinal purposes by the Achuar.
• 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.

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. We offer customizable programs according to your interests and the interests of others in your group.

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 kits for emergency purposes. Life jackets, well-maintained paths and motorized canoes guarantee security for our visitors. An evacuation protocol is available upon request.

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.

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!

Can I go to Kapawi if I am disabled?
Yes you can, but keep in mind that the facilities at Kapawi are not designed for disabled people. Kapawi does not have adequate access ramps in the lodge.The planes that we use do not have adequate ramps for disabled people. The bathrooms in the cabins are not designed for disabled people. However, if a disabled person wants to come, it is possible to arrange a personal aid to accompany the person with the disability at all times. It will not be the first time. Additionally, it is necessary to confirm your reservation and necessities two weeks in advance so the lodge can arrange a suitable logistic for you.

How should I act when I visit a community?
There are some rules to follow when you visit a community. For example, photographs are not allowed of either the Achuar people or their homes. It is necessary to respect their corporal and visual space. Your guide will provide more information before visiting a community.

Do the Achuar still wear their traditional clothes?
They presently 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.

Which day of the week can I travel to Kapawi?
The scheduled days to travel to Kapawi are Mondays and Fridays.

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 that there is an additional charge for flight expenses.

How many visitors per guide normally form a group?
Our policy is to have a maximum of 10 visitors per guide.

Can I go fishing in Kapawi?
Yes, though it can 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!

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.

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 the current operator for 15 years until 2011.
• By the year 2011, Kapawi will belong entirely to the Achuar. In the meantime, they are being trained in different areas like management, house keeping, mechanics, maintenance, etc.
• The Kapawi project facilitated the Achuar's initial request for partnership with the outside world, thus creating the Pachamama Alliance, a USA-based foundation committed to halting the destruction of the rain forests and the loss of its indigenous cultures and wisdom.
• 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!