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ECUADORIAN RAINFOREST Kapawi Trip Tips About the Lodge About the Achuar Indians What to do-activities Trip Tips

Preparing for your trip - in the worlds of Kapawi:

• Please make sure your vaccinations are current and that you take appropriate prophylaxis medications.
• The Ministry of Public Health (MSP) of Ecuador requires that every traveler entering Kapawi Ecolodge and any of the eastern Amazonian provinces of Ecuador be able to show proof of vaccination against yellow fever.
• You can insure that your clothing does not get wet on the trip to Kapawi by packing all of your things inside plastic bags (generally garbage bags work best) and then placing everything inside your luggage. Your luggage will always be well cared for on the trip in but this provides extra insurance in case of a rainstorm while in the canoe on the final leg of the journey to the lodge.
• It is possible to minimize the amount of clothing that you will need to bring with you to the lodge by having a "night-time" a set of dry clothes at the lodge, which you change into in the evening after returning from each day's activities. And having a "day-time" set of clothes that you re-use each day when you go out on the various daily activities.
• Do not bring audio gear unless you also have personal earphones to keep the sound private and to yourself.
• Please do not bring presents, sweets or other gifts for the Achuar children or other community members. Educational materials (pens, note books, colored pencils, etc.) or sports equipment, however, can be appropriate to donate to the communities. The resident manager at the lodge can arrange for such donations to be distributed properly
• The Achuar are very pleased when you buy their handicrafts in the communities. To do this, we recommend you bring some amount of money with you to the lodge in small bills as the people in the communities will not be able to make change for your purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the average temperature at Kapawi?
The average temperature is about 25°C (77° F), and relative humidity is close to 90%. Being on the equator, Kapawi doesn't have four seasons as in temperate areas, there are however more and less rainy seasons. Normally, the temperature is slightly lower during the rainy season and higher in the "less rainy season".

The rainiest, months are February to May and the driest and warmest are December, January and August. The less rainy season is from June until January, when the water in the rivers and lagoons goes down, which is a perfect time to see wildlife that comes closer to the river's edge to search for water.

Remember that Kapawi is located in the tropical rainforest and the rain could arrive suddenly even if it is the less rainy season.

Where Kapawi is 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 ten days walking distance.

What may I expect to see in Kapawi?

• Many, many birds (more than 570 species in the area).
• Many species of insects, including brightly colored butterflies; many of them still have not been identified by scientists.
• Thousands of plant-species, many of them used for medicinal purposes by the Achuar.
• Mammals such as fresh water dolphins, giant river otters, 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, although they are present in the area surrounding Kapawi, are difficult to spot.

How safe is the Lodge and its programs?
Kapawi (and the tropical rainforest) 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 avoid humans which is also why it is so hard sometimes to see them in the forest.

Kapawi has Achuar and naturalist guides who are well versed in the environment. They have first aid training and carry 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 most tropical countries, there is a risk of getting malaria. However, mosquitoes are uncommon in the lodge and the use of the mosquito nets on each bed reduces the risk. In the lagoon surrounding the lodge a particular plant grows which produces a chemical called Pyrethrum, which is found in many mosquito repellents. This natural chemical inhibits the growth of mosquito larvae so you will find few, if any, mosquitos in the lodge itself.

The use of repellent is encouraged, when hiking or visiting the communities. While the risk is low here, anti-malaria medication 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 seven years old, but there is no upper age limit. The oldest person who visited Kapawi was 85 years old and thoroughly enjoyed her stay.

Can I go to Kapawi if I am disabled?
Yes, it is possible. Nevertheless, it is necessary to confirm your reservation and necessities 30 days in advance so the Lodge can arrange suitable logistics for you.

Do the Achuar still wear their traditional clothes?
Actually they wear western-style clothing due to the influence of the missionaries. The Achuar still use many of their traditional accessories like necklaces, headbands and bracelets, and paint their faces for special occasions. They still live in traditional houses and use blowguns for hunting.

If I cannot travel one of the scheduled days, could I get to Kapawi on my own?
Yes you could, but special arrangements for charter flights will need to be made and there will likely be additional costs associated with the charter flights

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

Can I go fishing in Kapawi?
Yes, there are many opportunities for fishing. Just remember that the Achuar do not accept "catch and release" practices. This means that if you catch it you eat it, or you give it to your guide and it will be used as a meal for the staff.

What is the best time of the year to go to Kapawi?
Any time has unique characteristics. It always rains in the tropical rainforest: However, the rainiest months are from February to May. During this period, wildlife sightings are increased and this is why we recommend longer programs.

Do you have guides for different languages and birdwatchers?
Yes we do. Please make your request for special guiding and language services at the time you make your reservation, but at least one month prior to your arrival at the lodge. There will be an additional charge for this service which you can discuss with our reservation agents.