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for FAQ
WHAT
TO BRING
Since we use a small aircraft to fly to Kapawi, it is
imperative to limit your luggage to a basic minimum
as listed below. We recommend backpacks instead of suitcases.
Maximum weight allowed is 25 pounds per person.
Luggage
• 1 large backpack or 1 duffle bag
• 1 small daypack
Clothing
• 3 lightweight long pants; quick drying material
preferred; avoid jeans
• 2 long sleeved cotton shirts
• 2 or 3 short sleeved cotton t-shirts
• 1 pair of cotton hiking socks for each day in
the rainforest
• underwear (avoid synthetics)
• 1 pair of shorts
• 1 light wind breaker
• 1 sweater or fleece jacket
• brimmed hat (suitable for both sun and rain)
• 1 water-proof poncho (available at the lodge
without cost)
• bathing suit
Footwear
• 1 pair of comfortable walking shoes
• 1 pair of sandals
• 1 pair of rubber boots (available in most sizes
at the lodge; the minimum size is women’s 4 (34),
not available for children or in sizes larger than men’s
13 (45); for smaller or larger sizes, we recommend that
you buy them in your home country as they can be very
difficult to find anywhere in Ecuador )
Equipment
• Eye glasses/contact lenses (extra pair, if possible)
• Sunglasses with a strap
• Sun block lotion (SPF 30 or 45 is recommended)
• Insect repellent
• Personal first aid kit
• Anti-malaria pills
• Tampons or sanitary napkins
• Bright flashlight (headlamp models recommended)
• Alkaline batteries
• Self-sealing plastic bags
• Reading material (also available at the lodge)
• Small notebook and pen or pencil
• Sewing kit
• Water bottle
• Dry bag for camera equipment
Camera 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, iven
if you are not a birdwatcher. The best ones are the
waterproof models with high light transmission. An excellent
size: 10 X 40.
• Films.
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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 impossed
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
researchs can be coordinate through The Pachamama Alliance.
Tips can ben 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 passengers
