An early morning pick up from your hotel in Quito will start your journey towards the Kapawi Eco Lodge. Driving down the "Oriental" highway you will make your way to Shell to board your plane. This 50 minute ride might end up being your most memorable moment as you look down upon pristine rainforest before landing on a remote airstrip in the Achuar community. From here a 30 minute canoe ride will bring you to the tranquil setting of your short term home. After an introduction from your guide, you will have the afternoon to explore the Pastaza River beaches and enjoy a sunset dinner. (Meals: B, L, D)

Your first full day will start with a 30 minute motor boat ride to one of the best natural attractions in the area, Claylick. Here you will be able to see different species of parrots, macaws and parrots such as the Cobalt-Winged Parakeet and Yellow Crowned Amazon. This is considered a bird watcher's paradise.

After breakfast you will learn more about life as a local through a 2 hour nature walk with stops along the way to learn about medicinal plants and tropical forest ecology. The afternoon will provide time to rest and an opportunity to kayak the Kapawari River and nearby lagoons. Keep your eye out for the breathtaking Pink River Dolphin.

When the sun goes down you will have the chance to join a spectacular night walk to observe the endless insects and amphibians that are found within the ecosystem. The lodge prides itself on making the surroundings exclusive to natural light in order to preserve the surrounding life cycle. (Meals: B, L, D)

You will soon fall in love with the peaceful mornings centered on bird watching as an early start provides the chance to track down rarities like the Speckled Chachalaca and White Eared Jacamar.

Following breakfast your guide will escort you along the Pitzacocha trail, explaining along the way how the Achuar thrived based on their knowledge of the rainforest. A rundown on hunting techniques and myths of the surrounding lands provides the perfect ambiance for a picnic lunch.

The afternoon will be highlighted by the most culturally significant portion of your trip with a visit to an Achura community. You will have a chance to see the everyday life of the indigenous people firsthand and spend the night camping in their territory. A true once in a lifetime experience. (Meals:B,L,D)

*Guests not interested in camping overnight in the Achuar community will be offered the chance to return to the lodge.

An unique experience will start your day at 4 AM when you are invited to participate in a traditional ceremony involving the drinking of an Achuar tea called Guayusa. The tea is meant to purify and will provide the perfect warmth around a campfire as an Achuar man moves around the gathering interpreting the dreams of participants. This local community bases their future actions on dreams and this ongoing ceremony is vital to their every day life. The beautiful sunrise will take on a brand new meaning as you make your way back to the lodge.

Additional cultural activities are planned following dinner in the hammock house as you learn traditional greetings and sayings from the Achuar people. (Meals:B,L,D)

*For those who do not participate in the overnight camping experience, other activities at the lodge will be arranged.

Specific points will be sought out around the lodge on your morning walk as you locate species of birds and plants unique to the area. The perfect opportunity to soak in the natural surroundings on your final day.

During the last few hours before boarding your canoe for a return trip home you will take part in a blowgun contest to see if you can beat out the well trained guides. Deep breaths! The art of face painting will also be taught as you learn the significance behind a variety of unique markings.

The flight out of the rainforest will begin to transfer you back to "reality" as you reflect on a different way of life, reminding you just how big mother earth truly is. (Meals: B,L)