5 Days / 4 Nights
Dive into the Rainforest Tour – Kapawi EcoLodge (5 Days / 4 Nights)
The Amazon rainforest, a boundless realm of wonder and mystery, beckons travelers to step into its lush embrace and uncover the secrets hidden within its vibrant ecosystems. Deep in the southeastern corner of Ecuador’s Amazon region lies Kapawi EcoLodge , a sanctuary of sustainability and cultural preservation nestled on the southern bank of the Pastaza River, near the confluence of the Capahuari River. This extraordinary destination offers an immersive journey into one of the most pristine and biodiverse areas of the Amazon, guided by the wisdom of the Achuar Indigenous community , the stewards of this ancestral land.
For centuries, the Achuar people have lived in harmony with the rainforest, drawing sustenance, wisdom, and spiritual strength from their environment. At Kapawi, they extend an invitation to visitors to experience their way of life while fostering a deep appreciation for the delicate balance between humanity and nature. This 5-day/4-night tour is more than just an adventure—it is an opportunity to connect with the heartbeat of the Amazon, to witness its unparalleled biodiversity, and to learn from a culture that has thrived in this verdant wilderness for generations.
From gliding through tranquil waterways in traditional canoes to exploring dense jungle trails alive with the calls of exotic birds and the rustle of unseen creatures, every moment at Kapawi is designed to inspire awe and reflection. You’ll ascend canopy towers for breathtaking views of the forest expanse, encounter playful monkeys and iridescent butterflies, and marvel at the intricate web of life that thrives in this untouched paradise. Alongside expert naturalist guides and members of the Achuar community, you’ll gain insight into the medicinal properties of plants, the rhythms of jungle life, and the profound connection between the Achuar people and their environment.
But Kapawi is more than just a gateway to the wonders of the rainforest—it is a testament to sustainable tourism and cultural empowerment. Owned and operated by the Achuar community, the lodge embodies their commitment to preserving their ancestral lands while sharing their heritage with the world. By visiting Kapawi, you contribute directly to conservation efforts and the well-being of the Achuar people, ensuring that this remarkable corner of the Amazon remains vibrant for generations to come.
Whether you’re seeking adventure, cultural exchange, or a chance to reconnect with the natural world, the Dive into the Rainforest Tour promises an unforgettable experience. Let the whispers of the jungle guide you, and allow the spirit of the Achuar people to leave an indelible mark on your heart. Welcome to Kapawi—a place where the magic of the Amazon comes alive.
Itinerary
Flight to Kapawi.
Strat your trip from Quito to Shell at 5:30am. Upon arrival to Shell at 9 am, our flight coordinator will welcome you and assist you as we get ready for the 50-minute flight to the Achuar community of Kusutkau. You will be handed your rubber boots which are needed for hiking at Kapawi.
Upon landing in the community of Kusutkau, you will be greeted by your guide, and from Kusutkau you will take a 20-30 minute boat ride down the Capahuari River to the ecolodge. You will arrive at Kapawi’s main dock, and our resident Manager will take you to the main social and dining area, where he will give an introductory talk about the ecolodge, provide some recommendations, and take you to your bungalow. Lunch will be served in our dining area at 1 pm.
The activity at Kapawi for the afternoon will include a short introductory hike in the forest. This hike is roughly 2-kilometers long, and it includes several stops, where the naturalist and local guides explain the ecology of the Amazon Tropical Rainforest. It is an easy hike that can take up to 2 hours.
After the introductory hike and before dinner, you will have several options to choose from. Swimming or paddling in the river right from our dock is always available, as well as relaxing in our social areas by the river or in the main area where our dining area and bar are located.
Kapawi’s main dock is an ideal place for swimming in the Capahuari river, or for paddling in calm waters to observe wildlife, including pink river dolphins.
Dinner at the lodge is served at 7.15 pm, and after dinner you will go over the next day’s plan and activities together with our guide.
Time in nature: forest and river activities
Each day begins with the opportunity to participate in the traditional Wayus tea ceremony, an important Achuar family ritual held before dawn in the hearth hut overlooking the Capahuari River. During this special gathering, families share dreams, discuss daily activities, and pass down stories and traditions from one generation to the next. Guests are invited to join their Achuar hosts, enjoy Wayus tea, listen to ancestral stories, and gain a deeper understanding of Achuar culture and way of life.
At sunrise, the experience continues with a wildlife-watching boat excursion along the Capahuari River, offering excellent opportunities to observe monkeys, birds, and other rainforest species in their natural habitat.
After breakfast, embark on a guided rainforest hike focused on the Achuar’s extensive knowledge of medicinal and useful plants. Your Achuar guide will explain how the forest provides essential resources for food, medicine, construction, and daily life.
Following lunch at the lodge, enjoy an afternoon kayaking adventure on the Capahuari River. After a short boat transfer upstream, paddle back to the lodge through calm waters while searching for wildlife hidden among the riverbanks, including the iconic pink river dolphins.
After dinner, those seeking a different perspective of the rainforest may join an optional night walk through the surrounding forest, where insects, amphibians, reptiles, and other nocturnal creatures emerge, revealing a fascinating side of Amazonian life rarely seen during the day.
Learning about the Achuar culture
The day begins with an optional early-morning boat excursion to a parrot clay lick along the Pastaza River, where several species of parrots, parakeets, and macaws gather to feed on the mineral-rich clay. After returning to the lodge for breakfast, you will depart for a full-day visit to one of the nearby Achuar communities. This enriching cultural experience includes a guided walk through the community, a visit to an Ajá (traditional family garden), a home-cooked lunch prepared by your hosts, and the opportunity to learn about Achuar customs, traditions, and daily life. Guests are encouraged to share stories, photographs, or small mementos from home, fostering a meaningful cultural exchange with the community.
In the late afternoon, return to the lodge and enjoy some time to relax by the river, watch the sunset over the Amazon, or unwind in a hammock while listening to the sounds of the rainforest. After dinner, an optional night boat excursion offers a completely different perspective of the jungle. Drifting quietly along the Capahuari River, you may encounter nocturnal wildlife such as caimans, capybaras, tapirs, bats, and night birds while experiencing the unique atmosphere of the Amazon under the stars.
A menu of activities to choose from
So far, you have spent a full day in nature, and a full in an Achuar village visiting a local family. This day we usually leave it open for you to decide. Depending on the time of the year, there are always special nature and culture options to explore.
Night hikes and boat rides
Night activities offer a very different experience of the rainforest. Some species of amphibians, reptiles, insects, and mammals are active at night. We offer boat rides, hikes, and sometimes more adventurous experiences (night kayaking) for our clients.
Wayusa tea ceremonies
The Achuar Wayus House by the river allows for different activities during the day and night. It is a great place to relax, observe wildlife, listen to the sounds of the forest, meditate, or even practice yoga, overlooking the Capahuari river. Every afternoon we light a fire and the house is always open. The Achuar culture involves a daily routine of drinking wayusa tea every morning before dawn and before starting the day’s activities. We offer this optional activity every day, together with the local staff.
Achuar myths and traditions
Also offered at the Achuar Wayus House, after dinner your Achuar guide will offer a conversation about the Achuar culture, always including telling an Achuar story, myth, tradition, or just sharing about the Achuar way of life.
Departure from Kapawi
We will offer the usual early activity options at Kapawi, followed by breakfast at the lodge. We will get ready and will leave the lodge after breakfast and around 10 am, taking a boat ride upstream to the community of Kusutkau. We will take the flight to Shell around 10.30 am, landing in Shell around 11.30 am. Travel to Quito arriving around 4PM.
Open options to decide with your guide
Depending on the time of the year, there are always special nature and culture options to explore. Maybe the fig trees are fruiting and this makes for an opportunity to observe wildlife in specific places in the forest, or maybe one of the communities has a special event where you can participate, or maybe, there is an specific activity that you want to do. We can gladly help you design your travel experience at Kapawi!
*Important Info: Itineraries & prices are subject to change due to many different elements such as weather, park authorities and regulations, airline / tourist bus operations out of our control, guide experience, and safety concerns.
Accommodation, all meals.
All excursions and activities.
Rubber boots and Rain poncho.
Local bilingual guide.
Community visits.
Boat rides, kayaking and other river excursions and activities.
Chartered flights (USD 290 per person for the route Shell-Kapawi and Kapawi-Shell). Private charter flights on special dates can be arranged.
A contribution to the Achuar community fund USD 50. This fee per visitor, included in the price, is reinvested directly in local health and education community projects.
- Private land transfers Quito-Shell or Shell-Quito can be quoted separately upon request.
- Complimentary travel arrangements: We work with our partner tour operator Trek Ecuador and can arrange any overland transfers and travel arrangements before and after the Kapawi experience. Sometimes our guests want to explore other destinations on the way to Kapawi or after Kapawi. We can gladly provide any travel assistance.
- Alcoholic beverages, sparkling beverages (sodas, sparkling water).
- Special customized activities (e.g. community overnight stays have an additional cost).
- Tips and gratuities.
- Personal expenses (handicrafts and other).
Prices are Per Person – 2026
Tours
This Amazon eco lodge of Ecuador is 100% owned and operated by the Achuar Indigenous community. All revenue generated from ecotourism goes towards supporting the community, preserving their culture and protecting the Amazon rainforest.
Who It’s For
Ideal for eco-travelers, adventure enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and those seeking a deep connection with nature and indigenous culture.
Accommodation:
Kapawi Ecolodge features 10 rustic cabins designed to provide comfort while connecting guests with nature. Social areas include a dining room and bar, perfect for relaxing after daily activities.
Bungalows
Handcrafted bungalows, furnished with expert craftsmanship and woodwork. All buildings at Kapawi are designed with traditional Achuar architecture and built by the local community. Our bungalows are either double cabins (2 beds) or triple suits (3 beds).
Itineraries:
Itineraries feature hiking excursions, along with many other deeply immersive nature experiences in Kapawi Ecolodge nature sanctuary.
Kapawi EcoLodge - Unique Experiences
Kapawi Ecolodge
Tour 8 days / 7 nights
Tour 8 days / 7 nights
Kapawi provides a travel experience in the Amazon Rainforest of Ecuador that will help you disconnect, while connecting you with the Amazon Rainforest and the Achuar indigenous people, challenging you to explore and experience something authentic that we hope, in the long run, will create a positive memory in your
Kapawi Ecolodge
Tour 5 days / 4 nights
Tour 5 days / 4 nights
Whether you are exploring the forest with a community member, visiting a local family to learn about Achuar culture, gastronomy, medicinal plants, and handicrafts, or even spending a night or two in a community, our experiences are designed to give you a unique and authentic cultural experience.
To learn about
Kapawi Ecolodge
Tour 4 days / 3 nights
Tour 4 days / 3 nights
This lodge offers travelers an authentic immersion in Achuar culture, directly supporting local communities. Kapawi Ecolodge spans a 2,500-hectare ecotourism reserve, allowing visitors to explore the rich biodiversity of the region. Additionally, it operates in collaboration with three Indigenous communities: Kapawi, Suwa, and Kusutkau, ensuring that ecotourism benefits these communities
