Kapawi Lodge Tour

KAPAWI ECOLODGE AND RESERVE

5 Days / 4 Nights

Pink dolphins have survived for centuries due to the local belief that they possess magical powers that allowed them to be untouchable, now they are in danger of extinction in other areas.

According to Achuar legend, at night they turn into handsome gentlemen who seduce wives and daughters before returning to the river.

ITINERARY

DAY 1: PICK UP QUITO - KAPAWI

Early in the morning, our guide will pick you up in your hotel to depart to Shell through the avenue of volcanoes, breakfast on route. At your arrival, you will be welcomed by our representatives and will be assisted onto small planes. The 50-minute flight from Shell will pass over unbroken pristine rainforest, arriving at the airstrip of the local Achuar community, there you will be welcomed by Kapawi guides, who will escort you on the final leg of your journey, a beautiful 30-minute canoe ride into the majesty and tranquility of the rainforest.

After lunch, you will have a quiet activity where you can walk along with one of the Pastaza River beaches. Here, our guides will give you an introductory orientation session with information about the rainforest and the Achuar culture, while enjoying a beautiful sunset. Dinner. (B.L.D)

Day 2: SEARCHING FOR THE RIVER PINK DOLPHIN

Early morning our guides will drive you on a 30 minutes motorboat ride to reach one of the best natural attractions, the Claylick, where you will see different species of parrots, macaws, and parrots such as the Cobalt-Winged Parakeet, Chestnut- Fronted Macaw, Yellow Crowned Amazon.

After breakfast, you can take a walk, approximately 2 hours with stops, where you will learn about the medicinal plants of the area and tropical forest ecology.

Lunch at Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve. Time to rest and in the afternoon you will be able to explore, via kayak, the Kapawari River and its connecting lagoons, while looking at the local wildlife such as the pink river dolphin.
After dinner you can enjoy a spectacular night walk, observing many different kinds of insects and amphibians that are found around the hotel. (B.L.D)

Day 3: EXPLORING THE RAINFOREST

Early in the morning, you will have the opportunity to find and to spot the great variety of birds that the southeast Rainforest of Ecuador offers like Hoatzin, Anhinga, Speckled Chachalaca, White Eared Jacamar, Cocoi Heron, Neotropical Cormorant, and the Great Egret.

Breakfast and departure for full-day activities: our guides will escort guests along the Pitzacocha trail. During this time guests can learn about the forest and its benefits for the Achuar people. Our guides will also teach guests about Achuar hunting techniques and myths relating to the rainforest. Picnic lunch in the forest.

After lunch: guests will visit one of the Achuar communities that are located close to the lodge. This is one of our most popular activities offered in Kapawi, because of the significant cultural contribution to the Achuar people. Guests will have a chance to see a community and its members and purchase some traditional handicrafts. Dinner at the community provided by Kapawi. Camping overnight in the community (B.D.L)

Day 4: VISITING AN ACHUAR COMMUNITY

Early morning: guests are offered the unique experience of participating in a traditional ceremony involving the drinking of a local Achuar tea called Guayusa. The ceremony will begin at approximately 4 am, where guests will drink the purifying tea around a campfire, while an Achuar man will interpret the dreams of the participants. Towards the end of the ceremony, everyone will be able to enjoy the sunrise.

After breakfast: various activities will be offered, including fishing and handicraft making. After lunch: guests can take kayak and hiking trips to explore the surrounding areas. After dinner: cultural activities (legends in hammock house, traditional greetings)

(B.D.L)

Day 5: LAST CHANCE TO BIRDWATCHING. DEPARTURE KAPAWI-QUITO

Early in the morning, our guides will bring you to specific places near the hotel, in order to locate various species of birds. Breakfast and preparation for departure.

In the last few hours before departure from the Achuar territory, you can participate in a blowgun contest to demonstrate who is the best hunter among the guides and you. You will also be able to learn the art of Achuar face painting and how it relates to their different activities. After that, you will be ready to Flight to Shell. Box Lunches will be provided. Return to Quito along the same route as the arrival.
(B.L)

*In the case you don´t want to camp overnight, you have the option of coming back to the Lodge.