Kapawi Eco-Lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin
9/5/96
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Headline: Kapawi Eco-Lodge in the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin
Source: Canodros S.A.
Phone:(5934) 285711
Fax: (5934)287651
E-mail: eco-tourism1@canodros.com.ec
http://mia.lac.net./canodros
Date: 9/5/96
KAPAWI ECOLOGICAL RESERVE
Completed in 1996, Kapawi is the newest of the eco-lodges in South
America. It is located on the Pastaza River, on the most remote area of
the Ecuadorian Amazon basin. Accesible only by small aircraft,
Kapawi is the most spectacular place in the tropical rain forest.
Built in parnertship with the indigenous organization OINAE and the
private enterprise CANODROS S.A., Kapawi is a state of the art
project.
The lodge was created in accordance with the Achuar concept of
architecture without a single metal nail. Environmentally - friendly
methods such as solar energy, biodegradable soaps, and trash.
WE, THE ACHUAR
We were born in the forest, We were the last indigenous group in the
Ecuadorian rain forest to remain isolates for centuries until the early
1970's. Our traditions are still intact, our land untouched by logging or
oil companies, our skies covered by flocks fo colored macaws and
we have fought for this conversation. Now we want to start this
project that can lead towards a sustainable development for our people,
for our future. We want you to be part of it!
THE FOREST, ITS CREATURES
The Achuar live in perfect harmony with their environment, where all
animals and plants have human like attributes with a soul
and an independent life. According to the Achuar every plant or animal has
its own language and some elements of this languagecan be understood
by the Achuar.
The rain forest doesn't posses any secrets for these people. They know
every type of treeand every animals species. They know where to fish,
how to hunt and when tosow their crops. The forest is their nourishing
mother.
The Achaur also believe that when somebody dies, some parts of
the body become autonomous and will reincarnate in species animals.
Thus, the lungs and the butterflies, the shadow becomes a deer, the heart
lives in abird and the liver is an owl. Therefore, the iwianch are
materialized forms of a person's soul. The iwianch animals are never hunted
or eaten by the Achuar, since in doing so they would be committing
cannibalism.
Kapawi is a magic place. A place full of legends, miths and wildlife.
Come and enjoy the best preserved natural sanctuary on the
Ecuadorian Amazon basin!
WHERE IS KAPAWI?
Kapawi is located in the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin, 100 miles east of
the Andes. Part the Napo Pleistocene Refuge, Kapawi is a center of
high endemism with an amazing diversity of animals, plants and
ecosystems: dry and flooded forest, lakes, swamps and an extraordinary
system of rivers.To reach Kapawi you can fly in a Boeing 727 from Quito to
Macas, where one of our aircraft will take you after a spectacular 50
minutes flight to reserve. The other option is a 5 hours bus ride along
Humboldt's famous Avenue of the Volcanoes to Shell, from where you will fly in
small aircraft to our lodge.
SERVICES
Isolation from the rest of the world doesn't mean a lack of confort,at least
not in Kapawi, we offer 20 double rooms, each with its private
bathroom, sun-heated showers, and electricity provided by photovoltaic
system. Located on the shore of the Kapawi lake, every room has a wide
terrace where you can observe the daily visitors: ducks, hummingbirds,
egrets, parrots, or you can listen to the music of the myraid of fingsat
night.
We serve a tasty combination of international - Ecuadorian
food with emphasis on local products. A wide variety of exotic fruits will be
offered. Soft drinks, snacks and hot water for coffee and tea are available
all day.
A well endowed library is open all day long. Paperbooks, magazines and
books are available. A small boutique stocks essential items, as well
as handicraft and souveniers.
ECOTURISM IN KAPAWI
It has been said that an Achuar is a living encyclopedia. An
Achuar can recognize everyone of the 500 species of birds found in Kapawi.
The same person can distinguish every tree and explain their medical or
practical uses. That is why in Kapawi you will be lead by an Achuar guide
and a Naturalistguide as well. Both of them will make your experience
unforgettable.
Kapawi is a place of multiple choices and is characterized by its flexibility
we do not offer fixed programs, but you, with your guide and your
group candisign the most suitable one to meet your interests and physical
condition.
Easy
-------
Programs that include short hikes in the rain forest (up to 3
hours)on welldefined trails, visits to the Achuar communities as well
as trips in canoes. Overnight stays in the lodge or in tents.
Moderate
------------
Programs that include medium-distance hikes (up 5 hours) sometimes crossing
flooded areas. Overnight stays in the lodge, the Achuar communities, and
tents.
Difficult
----------
Demanding hikes of many hours or days in poorly defined and often flooded
trails. Porters will carry food and supplies.Explorations journeys to
virgin areas are occasionally offered. Trips dawn inaccessible rivers are
done ininflatable rafts. Excellent physical conditional is required!
Most of the itineraries will include visits to the Achuar communities, hikes
in the rain forest, canoeing in rivers and lakes as well as bird watching.
TARIFF GUIDE AND RESERVATIONS
Kapawi Ecological Reserve Tariff Guide
Rates per person in US Dollars
No. Single Double
Nights Cabin Cabin
--------------------------------------------------------------
One 309 193
Two 602 376
Three 880 550
Four 1,168 700
Five 1,360 850
Six 1,584 990
Seven 1,792 1,120
Not include:
* Air, land and river transportation Quito-Kapawi-Quito: US$200 per
passenger.
* Achuar community fee: US$10.00 per passenger.
* Any other National or International tax to be paid at the airport when
arriving or departing Ecuador.
Notes:
* We use the best aircraft with very high standards. Nevertheless, due
to the type of weather of the tropical rain forest some delays can be
expected. Our recommendation is for you to please consider adding an
extra day to your itinerary after visiting Kapawi to make sure you meet your
connecting flights to your next destination (Galapagos Islands,
international, etc.).
* Children under 7 years of age pay half price when accompanied by an adult
in the same cabin.
* Children under 3 years of age pay half price for the transportation
rate Quito-Kapawi-Quito.
* These rates are subject to change without prior notice.
* Indicated prices plus 10% taxes and 10% service when applicable in
hotel expenses.
* We offer a discount to Ecuadorian and Latin-American guests.
Saludos,
Maria de Lurdes Diaz-Granados
Sales and Reservation Supervisor
Canodros S.A.
Phone:(5934) 285711
Fax: (5934)287651
E-mail: eco-tourism1@canodros.com.ec
http://mia.lac.net./canodros
Guayaquil Ecuador Southamerica