Kapawi is more than just an ecolodge. When Kapawi Ecolodge was first developed, more than 25 years ago, it was a pioneer project in promoting travel as a tool for conservation and sustainable development. Kapawi Ecolodge was the first ecolodge in Ecuador to run 100% on renewable energy, and it was also the first community ecotourism project to implement environmental management systems for managing and treating water, as well as for introducing waste management processes. Since opening its doors, Kapawi’s impact on wildlife conservation has been significant, as well as its impact on supporting and benefiting the local Achuar communities. 

Kapawi has worked in partnership with the Achuar communities to develop a larger mission of sustainable development that promotes travel and conservation, cultural preservation, and community development in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Kapawi Ecolodge works closely with the local communities: Kapawi, Suwa, Kusutkau, Wayusentsa, Tsekunts, and Sharamentsa. These neighboring communities face many development, social, education, health, and environmental challenges and Kapawi Ecolodge serves as a location for volunteers, researchers, and partner organizations interested in addressing some of these challenges.