8 Days / 7 Nights
Ecuadorian Amazon Tour – Kapawi EcoLodge & Rainforest Expeditions (8 Days / 7 Nights)
The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as the “lungs of the Earth,” is a vast and mysterious realm teeming with life, culture, and natural wonders. Spanning over nine countries in South America, this unparalleled ecosystem is home to an extraordinary diversity of flora and fauna, as well as indigenous communities whose lives are intricately woven into the fabric of the forest. For those seeking an authentic and transformative experience deep within this green paradise, the Ecuadorian Amazon Tour offers an unforgettable journey.
This 8-day/7-night expedition takes you to the heart of Ecuador’s pristine Amazon region, where adventure meets sustainability at the renowned Kapawi EcoLodge . Nestled in one of the most remote and biodiverse corners of the Amazon basin, Kapawi stands as a beacon of eco-tourism and cultural preservation. Owned and operated by the Achuar people—an indigenous community fiercely committed to protecting their ancestral lands—the lodge provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature while supporting conservation efforts and local livelihoods.
Throughout your stay, you’ll embark on guided explorations led by expert naturalists and Achuar guides who share their profound knowledge of the rainforest’s secrets. From navigating serene waterways by canoe to trekking through dense jungle trails, every moment immerses you in the sights, sounds, and scents of the Amazon. You’ll witness vibrant macaws soaring above canopy towers, encounter playful monkeys swinging from tree branches, and marvel at the intricate web of life that thrives beneath the forest floor.
Beyond its ecological treasures, this tour invites you to engage with the rich traditions and wisdom of the Achuar people. Participate in cultural exchanges, learn about their sustainable way of life, and gain insight into their spiritual connection to the land. These interactions foster mutual respect and understanding, leaving you inspired by their resilience and dedication to preserving their heritage.
As part of Rainforest Expeditions , this itinerary combines luxury, comfort, and environmental responsibility, ensuring that your visit leaves minimal impact while maximizing positive contributions to the region. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first rainforest adventure, the Ecuadorian Amazon Tour promises an enriching escape—a chance to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with the raw beauty of our planet.
Prepare to be awed, humbled, and transformed as you step into the enchanting embrace of the Amazon rainforest. Let the rhythm of the jungle guide you, and allow its stories to leave an indelible mark on your soul. Welcome to the adventure of a lifetime.
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.
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.
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
