What to bring: Since we use small aircrafts to fly to Kapawi, it is imperative to limit your luggage to the basic minimum as listed below.  Luggage not needed can be stored in your city hotel or in Shell.  It is also better to travel with backpacks instead of suitcases.

Luggage
One large backpack or one duffel bag.
One small daypack.

Clothing
3 lightweight -cotton or other fast drying material- long pants.  Avoid blue jeans.
4 or 5 long-sleeved cotton shirts.
1 pair of knee-high cotton socks for each day in the rainforest.
Underwear (avoid synthetics), Shorts.
1 light windbreaker.
1 light sweater or jacket. Brim hat.
1 waterproof poncho (available in the lodge) or a waterproof parka.
Bathing suit.
Sunglasses with a strap.

Footgear
1 pair of comfortable walking shoes.
1 pair of thongs or Tevas
1 pair of rubber boots (available in the lodge).

Medicine
Extra eye glasses/contact lenses.
Sun block lotion (at least protection 8).
Insect repellent.
Toilet kit.
Personal first aid kit.
Antimalaria pills.
Tampons or sanitary towels

Equipment
Plastic water bottle.
Flashlight (headlamps models are better).
Alkaline batteries.
Self-sealing plastic bags.
Dry bags (available in the lodge).
Swiss Army knife.
Reading material (available in the lodge).
Small notebook and pencil.
Personal sewing kit.
Snacks:  chocolates, candies, etc.

Cameras & Binoculars: Camera gear. High speed films or fine-grain, high resolution and relatively slow colour transparency, this last one to be used with electronic flash. Binoculars.  This is an essential item, even if you are not a birdwatcher.  The best ones are the waterproof models with high light transmission.  An excellent size:  10 X 40. Films.

Advised: Remember that we are guests of a very different culture.  Some of their traditions may appear quite odd to us, but is does not mean that we are in a position to criticize them.  Please, follow the rules imposed by the Achuar communities and respectfully try to learn about this extraordinary culture.

Be careful with photographs or video recordings.  Ask your Achuar guide first if it is possible to take photographs or to make video recordings in Achuar communities.  Avoid close up shots, and never remunerate people with money for a photograph.

The Achuar are very pleased when you buy their handicrafts. They have a fixed price, which is similar in each community.  You can also exchange some of your personal items (flashlights, batteries, etc.) for handicrafts if the Achuar are interested in doing so.

Please do not buy handicrafts made of feathers, animal skins or insects.

Avoid any physical contact with members of the communities.

Please do not give money, presents, or sweets to the kids.

If you have educational material (pens, note-books, colored pencils, etc.) that you would like to donate, please give them to the resident manager.  He is in charge of distributing to the different schools of the area.

Please do not enter an Achuar house without an invitation.

The Achuar are very jealous.  If you are a man, you should never look directly at a woman's face.

Remember that the Achuar house has a sexual division.  Please, do not go to the ekent or female area.

Nijiamanch: The manioc beer, is always offered; refusing might be considered an insult. If you do not like this drink, you should at least pretend to drink it.

Do not go out alone.The chances of getting lost are very high.  The only exception is the self-guided trail.  During the hikes, never leave the trails and stay with the group at all times.

It is essential to wear rubber boots during the hikes.
Drink plenty of liquids during your stay.
Keep at least one set of dry clothes in the lodge.
Fishing is allowed.
Please, do not take any animals or plants out of the area.  Hunting is not permitted.
Do not leave any trash in the forest.  In the Achuar communities you will find trash containers.
Please do not use radio gear without personal earphones.

Donations to the FINAE, the Achuar Federation, or to the different sustainable projects or scientific researches can be coordinate through The Pachamama Alliance.

Tips can been given at the end of the trip to:
Your guide:  US$10.oo to US$20.oo per passenger.
The staff that works in the lodge.  You can leave your tip in the tipping box.  It will be divided amongst the personnel:  US$10.oo to US$20.oo per passenger.