Delve into the heart of Ecuador's Amazon basin, lodging in two of the best jungle hostelries on the continent: Kapawi Lodge and Sacha Lodge. Both lodges practice low impact tourism and are sensitive to the preservation of the local cultures as well as the delicate ecosystems that they strive to share with the ecotourist. The Napo River is the principal tributary of the Amazon River and creates this vast rainforest region east of the Andes Mountains. Experience one of EcoAdventures custom vacations to the Ecuadorian Rainforest.

The thatch-roofed, 130 ft. jungle tower juts above the tallest tree level at Sacha Lodge. Climb the tower's inside stairway to the covered observation platform for a true bird's-eye view of the Ecuadorian rainforest and the seemingly unending sea of green! The tower has been enhanced with a 940 foot canopy walkway. This is only one of the many adventures at Sacha Lodge.

Getting There

Getting there is an adventure, too. First fly 45 minutes from Quito to Francisco de Orellana (Coca for short), an outpost on the edge of the rainforest. From there, travel two-and-a-half hours by boat down the Napo River, hike 30 minutes on an elevated boardwalk and finally canoe 15 minutes across the mirror-like Pilchicocha Lagoon to the lodge.

Accommodations

More than basic necessities are provided at Sacha Lodge: screened cabins complete with forest views, modern bathrooms with hot water and free bottled water. The cuisine incorporates local dishes, tropical fruits and traditional hotel fare, which will satisfy the appetite of any active guest.

Activities
Sacha Lodge is home base for hikes and canoe trips through the surrounding rainforest; bird-watching, botany, entomology, fishing and photography are only a few of the many activities available to you. The Lodge offers dozens of trails of varying lengths, degrees of difficulty and ruggedness, as well as several routes accessible by canoe. In addition, the observation tower enables guests to climb 130 feet into the canopy for an unobstructed view of endless miles of intact rainforest, as well as a close-up view of mammals, plants and dozens of species of birds. You might even see a lemur observing you from the observation tower.

Itinerary
Day One: Quito to Sacha Lodge Transfer to the airport for your flight to Coca. You will be met by a representative of Sacha Lodge for the boat transfer to the lodge. Enjoy a welcome drink before a brief lodge orientation. (B, L, D)

Days Two & Three: At Sacha Lodge Days for jungle excursions with ecological and native guides. (B, L, D daily)

Day Four: Sacha Lodge to Quito Morning transfer back to Coca for your return flight to Quito. (B)

Kapawi Ecological Reserve - Print/Download (150K pdf)

A History of the Lodge:
Kapawi Ecological Reserve is a unique creation derived from the cooperation between native Achuar Indian Communities and an experienced Ecuadorian travel association. Their goal is to preserve the rainforest and the Achuar culture and language, while revealing this fascinating biology and culture to the discerning traveler.

The project began in 1993 when Daniel Coupermann, an ecotourism manager with a background in the Achuar Territory, won the approval of OINAE (Organization of Ecuadorian Achuar Nationalities), and then convinced a well-known tour operator to build a lodge and research center in Kapawi in the heart of Achuar Territory. The goal was to pioneer a new trend in ecotourism, in partnership with the Achuar people, by providing a means of economic support and jobs. By 2010 all installations will belong entirely to the Achuar.

Getting There
Kapawi is located in the most remote area of the Ecuadorian Amazon Basin, east of the Andes, and it takes most of the day to get there. First you have a 45-minute flight via scheduled air to Macas, followed by a 30 minute transfer via light aircraft to Sharamentza. Then you journey down the Pastaza River through dense virgin forest. As you cross the Kapawi Lagoon, the 20 cottages dot the lake's edge.

Accommodations
Each oval cottage has a private bath with sun-heated shower, photovoltaic electricity and a wide terrace to observe the prodigious bird life. The lounge offers a panorama of the rainforest, and an unlimited supply of soft drinks, snacks and hot water for coffee or tea.

Activities
Each venture into the rainforest is accompanied by an English-speaking naturalist plus an Achuar native who can explain the practical and medicinal use of every plant and tree. Treks are up to three hours on well-defined trails; for the more energetic, longer hikes on primitive tracks are available.

Itinerary
Day One: Fly into Quito. Meeting service upon arrival and transfer to the your hotel.

Day Two: Quito to Kapawi Lodge Transfer to the airport for your flight to Macas. Meeting service by a representative of Kapawi Lodge for the air transfer to Sharamentza and then boat transfer to the lodge. Welcome drink at the lodge and a brief orientation around the lodge. You'll also be given an overview of the Achuar people, their cosmology, social organization, and way of life. (B, L, D)

Days Three & Four: Days for jungle excursions with ecological and native guides. (B, L, D daily)

Day Five: Kapawi Lodge to Quito Morning transfer back to Sharamentza for your return flight to Macas and on to Quito. (B)

Day Six: Depart Quito (B)

Rates Per Person	Dbl	Sgl	Tpl
4 Days/3 Nights (FRI-MON) ALL YEAR	$875	1215	760
5 Days/4 Nights (MON-FRI) ALL YEAR	$1085	1510	950
8 Days/7 Nights (FRI-FRI or MON-MON)	$1820	2555	1595
Air add-on Quito/Coca/Quito: $385 Children under 12: 50% off double rate & 50% off the air Rates Include: Your choice of either 4-, 5-, or 8-Day All-Inclusive package at Kapawi Lodge, service fees, and $20 Achuar Community fee. Not Included: Transfers to/from Quito hotel to airport, bottled or alcoholic beverages, park fees, and tips to guides and staff.