Ecuadorian Amazon

Kapawi Ecolodge and Reserve is located in the most remote area of the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin. From Quito you will fly to Wayensa from where wooden canoes will take you to Kapawi in a comfortable 1 hour and half ride. The lodge accommodates up to 40 passengers and was built in accordance to the Achuar concept of Architecture (not a single nail was used). Environmentally friendly methods such as solar energy and trash recycling are also being utilized.

"The Kapawi lodge provides an array of activities characterized by their flexibility in order for you to set the pace at which you discover this whole new world.

As part of a small group (not larger than ten, leaded by a naturalist and an Achuar guide), you can fully customize your itineraries, which may include visits to the Achuar communities, hikes in the rain forest, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, camping, Cayman watching and birdwatching, in accordance to the group's chosen degree of difficulty.

These activities range from short hikes on well-defined trails and visits to the Achuar communities, and leisurely canoe and kayaks rides to more strenuous and demanding hikes that may take a day or even overnight camping after trekking through poorly defined trails or flooded areas. You will find however that every step in contact with the forest shall be worth it."

Nevertheless, most itineraries will include visits to the Achuar communities, hikes in the rain forest, canoeing in rivers and lakes as well as close observation of the flora and fauna. This is a true experience of the Amazon Rain Forest.

The tour package to Kapawi includes all your meals, daily excursions with a naturalist English speaking guide, accommodations, airfare Quito-Kapawi-Quito.

Not included: Achuar community fee of $10.00 (per passenger), soft beverages, alcoholic drinks, Government taxes

KAPAWI LODGE 2010-2011

Rates per person 4 days/3nights
Fri-Mon
5 days/4nights
Mon-Fri
8 days/7nights
Mo-Mo or Fr-Fr

Double US$799 999 1699

Jr. Suite 879 1079 1799

Master Suite 919 1119 1819

For Single Occupancy plus add 40% of above cost.

PLUS local airfare & Ground transportation US$394.00 net

Ground transportation from Quito to Shell and air from Shell to Kapawi. Return is the same

Children rates: Sharing with 2 adults (3-12years old) 50% discount on Kapawi lodge.

SAMPLE AIRFARE FROM MIAMI TO QUITO, ECUADOR:

From US$500 to $600 via American Airlines (add-ons available from more than 100 other USA cities) depending on high or low season. (High Season=Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Jul, Aug). Have your Travel Agent call Tara Tours for the latest update 1-800-327-0080

ACTIVITIES:

At Kapawi you have choices.
Kapawi do not offer our visitors a fixed program of activities. Once you arrive at Kapawi Ecolodge, you (or your group)-and your guides-will be able to organize a set of experiences that most suits your individual interests and your desired level of activity. Almost all of your itineraries will include some combination of visits to the Achuar communities, hikes in the rain forest, kayaking in rivers and streams, and bird watching.

Kapawi offer the following activities:
Bird watching, hiking on the self-guided trail, night canoeing, clay lick visit, night guided hikes, swimming & tubing, kayaking & canoeing, fishing, overnight camping, Achuar community visits, resting and relaxing.
Birding

Kapawi lodge is a paradise for dedicated bird watchers and amateurs alike. More species of bird are found in the Kapawi area alone than in all of North America. For birders the early morning trip to the clay lick is an adventure not to be missed.
* * *
It is helpful for us in planning for your visit to know in advance your desired level of activity. The Personal Information Form that we ask you to submit prior to your visit contains a place for you to give us that information-Easy (short hikes), Moderate (medium and somewhat more challenging hikes), and Difficult (all-day experiences with long hikes) as well as other preferences or special requests. Please be sure to send us that form on a timely basis.

ACCOMODATIONS:

The founding vision of Kapawi Ecolodge and Reserve is to create - in one of the most remote environments in the world - a haven of ease, good taste, and understated luxury. To this end, skilled Achuar craftsmen came together to build a series of comfortable cabins in the vernacular style of the rainforest, using local materials but upgraded in design and furnishings to appeal to the tastes and requirements of today's traveler.

A raised boardwalk connects all of the guests cabins and the several large communal buildings at Kapawi, all of which rest on stilts around the edge of an ephemeral lagoon crowded with plant and bird life. There are 18 double rooms, each with private baths. Some of the rooms can also be converted to triples and some of the rooms share a balcony looking on to the lagoon and are ideal as family accommodations.

Each of the thatched roof guest cabins is an expression of authentic, traditional Achuar design concepts, meaning that they are attractive, spacious, sustainable, well-ventilated, and creature-proof. Each cabin has a spacious screened-in sleeping area and private bath with solar heated water available on most afternoons.

Cabins are fully screened - windows, floors, roofs - and each bed has its own mosquito net. Every room is equipped with a security box. On your balcony you can relax in a hammock or deck chair and observe the daily visitors: ducks, hummingbirds, egrets, and kingfishers. You can listen to the night music of the multitude of frogs and other nocturnal creatures.

SERVICES:

Energy
A solar system at Kapawi supplies the energy needsof the lodge and is supplemented by a backup generator. All guest rooms have 110 volt power, are efficiently illuminated with energy-saving lamps, and have electric outlets for recharging camera or personal device batteries. No artificial illumination exists along the boardwalks since it could modify the behavior of nocturnal animals. You will need to bring a flashlight with you for use when walking to and from your room at night .

Swimming
Swimming can be safely done in the lakes and rivers around the lodge. The water temperature is perfect and refreshing. Swimming, or just gently drifting down a river in a rubber inner tube, can be a highlight of your stay so be sure to bring a bathing suit.

Biodegradable products
We provide biodegradable soap and shampoo in bathrooms and showers. Please do not bring non-biodegradable products for use at the lodge.

Medical assistance
The administrators at the lodge and the naturalist guides are all trained in emergency first aid.

Trash
We recommended leaving no trace, leaving footprints only. Containers for recycling- biodegradable, paper, non biodegradable (metal, plastics, glass, etc.), and batteries-are located at the lodge. However, we encourage you to take back with you everything that you brought to the lodge, especially your used batteries.

Smoking
Smoking is prohibited at Kapawi Ecolodge, except on the veranda of the Bar.

Satellite Phone and Internet
We do have a satellite internet connection and satellite telephone connection at the main office that can be used in emergencies.

MEALS:

Meals are prepared by an excellent culinary staff, and include classic light cuisine, as well as Achuar dishes. The kitchen can accommodate vegetarian and most other special dietary requests

For further information about these programs have your Travel Agent call Tara Tours

1-800-327-0080 or send mail to: tara@taratours.com

For more programs to Central & South America visit www.taratours.com