KAPAWI: A UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP IN
ECUADOR'S RAINFOREST (Mar,
1999)
By
Rod Lopez-Fabrega
Located in the middle of the Achuar
Amerindian nation, prize-winning Kapawi Ecolodge is a
very special rainforest
retreat just two small-plane hops away
from Quito, Ecuador's historic capital.
Former head-hunters,
magical shamans, "chicha" beverages
made from masticated and fermented yucca roots. blow
gun practice rainforest treks, tropical-bird-watching
are just a few of the exotic encounters and activities
that can now be experienced in comfort and safety in
and around the Kapawi Ecolodge, Located in a virginal
rainforest belonging to Ecuador's indigenous tribe, the
Achuar nation, the Kapawi Ecolodge is a successful effort
to bring the outside world to the Achuar people and,
at the same time, to protect their rainforest from economic
predation.
Occupying a huge rainforest expanse in Ecuador and neighboring
Peru yet virtually untouched by outside influences until
the late 1960's, the Achuar Amerindian nation is moving
into the 21st century at a rational and self-controlled
pace. Where other native-American areas have been overrun
by petroleum, logging, mining and other destructive development,
the Achuar people have learned rapidly to work within
the system. They have received invaluable help from The
Pachamama Alliance, a nonprofit, U.S. based organization
of private citizens concerned about protecting the rainforest.
In 1991 the Achuar established NAE (the Organization
of Achuar Nationalities,) similar to a congress, with
eight indigenous districts represented. In addition,
they have representation in Ecuador's National Assembly,
and their territory inside Ecuador's boundaries is protected
by Constitutional decree; but, just in case there are
rogue incursions, the Achuar haven't forgotten how to
use their curare-tipped blowguns.
KAPAWI ECOLODGE
The days of internal warfare, head-hunting and a semi-nomadic
existence are past for the Achuar. In 1993, Canodros
S.A., well-known Ecuadorian tour operator and owner
of luxury cruise ship, Galapagos Explorer II, agreed
to a partnership with the Achuar nation to build a
lodge and research center near die village of Kapawi,
at the heart of Achuar Territory.
The result is a splendid tourism gem recently included
as one of A&E network's "The World's Top Ten
Exotic Destinations", The Kapawi Ecolodge is a "village" of
20 guest cabanas, built to Aehuar standards, exclusively
of wood assembled with dowels and not a single nail and
with complex peaked roofs made of intricately woven palm
leaves. Each cabana is complete with modern en suite
bathroom, dressing foyer, private verandah and spacious
bedroom. Insect canopies are provided over each bed.
but are not needed as each cabana is completely screened.
A high-ceilinged central lodge contains lounge areas
for guests, a bar, small boutique and a library. A second
great house is the gathering place where excellent meals
are prepared and served with fine-restaurant panache
by Achuar trainees. Additional buildings house staff,
kitchen and supporting workshops. |
