1) your boat drivers are absolutely amazing. The way they maneuver those long awkward boats with people jiggling about in them is astonishing.
2) the food is fabulous. We feel well nourished and amazingly comfortable.
3) the "bed net fairies" are tremendous. The rooms are always clean and wonderful.
4) our guides (Sim'on and Sebastian) were so incredible that I have no words to describe what wonders they created.
In short, cudos to you all. What a wonderful, wonderful experience. Also, we were so happy to see Ruben again and thank you for keeping us up to date on the health of his son.
5) The Pilot! Wow! He's incredible.
Eileen Dasler
Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin
The Ecolodge |
Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve is located in one of the most remote and well protected parts of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Deep in the nearly two million acres of the Achuar people's territory, Kapawi is accessible only by air-flying in small planes over an unbroken green expanse of rainforest. Kapawi is an award winning eco-lodge noted for its comfort and quality of service, for its ecological design and sensitivity, and for its abundance of wildlife and rich biodiversity. Located in the territorial lands of an indigenous nation (6,000 people in 64 communities) still living as they have for generations and in intimate harmony with nature, Kapawi provides guests a range and depth of cultural experiences unmatched by any other rainforest lodges.
Kapawi Ecolodge & Reserve is built entirely using traditional Achuar architecture and fans out around an ephemeral lagoon crowded with plant and bird life. A wooden boardwalk meanders its way from the river through the jungle to the lodge itself, and on out over the lagoon, providing an ideal location for early morning bird watching and sipping freshly brewed coffee. The lodge includes19 guest rooms, each with private bath, and two centrally located communal structures - large dining room and separate lounge/library - which serve as the social and meeting center.
In Kapawi's kitchen we prepare a tasty combination of Ecuadorian and International dishes, as well as local fare from the rain forest area. Vegetarian dishes are always available. While our staff provides full service at mealtimes, we do provide a semi-buffet light breakfast at 5am for early-rising birdwatchers. Kapawi has a comfortable lounge area with a well supplied bar, library, and boutique that stocks essential items (film, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sunscreen, insect repellent, hats, etc.), as well as Achuar handicrafts and souvenirs. The library houses a wide range of novels, magazines and anthropological and wildlife resource books.
At the end of your day you are invited to swing in a hammock or relax in a reclining chair on the lodge's wide veranda and watch the sunset while listening to the sounds of the jungle and sipping something delicious from our well-stocked bar. You also have the chance to enjoy our self guided trail, an easy 45 minutes walk, around a loop, where you will be able to experience the sounds and the magic of the forest by yourself. |