Manatee – 4 Day Cruise

Note: This itinerary starts at Quito airport, we would recommend a few nights in Quito before hand. Please speak to your consultant for further arrival information.

* This itinerary runs from a Friday to Monday

Overview:

Boasting over 20 years' experience in Amazon riverboat cruises in Ecuador, the exclusively-designed Manatee Amazon Explorer offers all the necessary creature comforts while still being an exciting jungle adventure. The 30-passenger Manatee Amazon Explorer operates in the upper basins of the Napo and Aguarico Rivers, around Limoncocha Wildlife Reserve and Yasuni National Park, Ecuador’s largest protected animal reserve. Here, the devoted, highly-knowledgeable guides come into their own, as they willingly share their wealth of information about the Amazon's tropical rainforest. The exciting itineraries are carried out with a heartfelt commitment to the communities and nature of the Amazon, and the variety of excursions is ample and compelling. 

The Manatee Amazon Explorer has spacious suites are fitted with large panoramic windows and spectacular sun decks, so you can take in all the light and magnificence of the Amazon.

Inclusions:

• Onboard accommodations. 
• All meals on board. 
• Scheduled excursions according to the itinerary. 
• Certified naturalist local guides. 
• Coffee station (unlimited supply of water, coffee, and tea). 
• Exclusive access to our VIP Lounge in Coca city (before and after the cruise). 
• Transfers to/from the vessel when arriving on our recommended flights. 
• Private & personalized assistance for Quito – Coca - Quito flights at both airports when arriving on our recommended flights.

Exclusions:

• Airfares
• Community entrance fees (USD $70 per person)
• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
• Tips and gratuities
• Internet Wi-Fi
• Other services not specified in the program. 
• Travel Insurance 

QUITO – COCA – NAPO RIVER

Our adventure begins in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. After a 30-minute flight from Quito to the Amazonian city of Coca, we will transfer to the dock and board our motorized canoe for a 90-minute journey down the river, taking in the Amazon, until we reach the Manatee Amazon Explorer and receive our welcome aboard. 

On the Manatee, we will be joined by expert local naturalist guides, who will provide us with a brief, informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon; afterwards, guests will have the opportunity to explore our cruise ship and admire the rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River. After dinner, we will take a nighttime forest walk to observe the rainforest's nocturnal activity and vividly experience its biodiversity first-hand.

Please note that all cruise itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s discretion. Passengers should also be aware that animal sightings cannot be guaranteed due to the unpredictability of wildlife behavior.

PAÑACOCHA BIOLOGICAL CORRIDOR

Today we will travel downstream to the Pañayacu River delta, where we will take a canoe trip to Pañacocha Lake (“Piranha Lake” in the native Kichwa), an ecosystem flooded by black-waters. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to primates and birds, and is the perfect habitat for piranhas, paiches (one of the largest freshwater fishes in the world), the white caiman, and hundreds of other aquatic animals. 

We will participate in nature walks led by local naturalist guides, and relax at a nearby campsite, where we will enjoy an Amazon-style BBQ. After lunch, we will do some kayaking and swimming activities. Back on board the Manatee, our guests will have the opportunity to attend a lecture and watch an educational documentary about the region.

PARROT CLAY LICKS – AMAZONIAN COMMUNITIES & OBSERVATION TOWER

In the morning we will set out on canoes to observe one of the most incredible sights on this side of the Western Amazon, the parrot clay licks. This unique place is rich in minerals and attracts hundreds of colorful parrots, parakeets and amazon birds. 

Afterwards, we will visit a Kichwa Cultural Center, where we will learn about Amazon communities and their ancestral culture, traditions, and cuisine. Members of the local community will teach us about indigenous lifestyles along the Napo River, and we will have the opportunity to support the community by purchasing handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs. 

Before sunset, we will visit an observation tower in the rainforest canopy, which offers an astonishing 360-degree view of the Amazon basin. Bird-lovers will especially enjoy this outing.

RETURN

This is where our adventure ends! Enjoy the final part of our return journey, then disembark the Manatee Amazon Explorer to take the motorized canoe 90 minutes back to Coca for your onward flight.