Manatee Amazon Explorer

AM: Departing from Quito, we will take a short 30-minute flight to the Amazonian town of “Coca” (Francisco de Orellana). Once there, we will drive to the dock and embark a motorized canoe for a 1 ½ hour ride downriver to the M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer.

Immediately after boarding the M/V Manatee, we will cruise downriver and admire the rainforest landscapes and the banks of the great Napo River. Passengers will have their first opportunities to enjoy the exciting features of the cruise ship: the spacious social areas, the comfortable suites, and an observation deck that offers spectacular views.

PM: After sunset, an evening walk will be organized to gives us the opportunity to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity and listen to the incessant sounds of nature.

AM: After a delicious Amazonian breakfast, we disembark for the first daylight close-up tropical rainforest experience. While in the jungle, you will witness examples of Amazonia’s fascinating biodiversity at every turn.

PM: After lunch, the M/V Manatee navigates to one of the most pristine and little-explored sections of Ecuadorian Amazon, home to the legendary pink river dolphin, black caiman and anaconda. We may also find River turtles and various species of monkeys, as well as the primitive Hoatzin (a one-of-a-kind bird locally known as “the Stinky Turkey”). The only way to actually visit this flooded ecosystem is by canoe, a ride that will reveal the beauty of a lush jungle world.

For more adventurous passengers, please inquire about the Anakonda's “glamping” (glamorous camping) program.

AM: Breakfast on board. We will visit a school located on the banks of the Napo River, where we will have the opportunity to interact with children of the area and learn about the educational system of a remote Ecuadorian jungle community.

PM: We will return to the M/V Manatee for lunch and a moment to relax while sailing upriver. A cultural presentation will be featured and a documentary shown; and, if time permits, you will learn about -- and make -- typical handicrafts of the area.

In the afternoon we will have the opportunity to explore one of the largest islands in the Napo River. Here, you can learn about this ecosystem and biodiversity of the river and such islands.

AM: In the morning after breakfast, we will walk up a 37 meter (100-feet) high observation tower that is built against a giant kapok tree. From the top of the tower, you will be blessed with this unique perspective of the forest as you are able to peer out over the treetops and take in the greatness of the Amazon basin.

PM: In the afternoon, we will visit the Limoncocha Biological Reserve, a fascinating protected area where more than 478 bird species and several monkey species have been recorded. This activity will extend into the evening, when you will have a chance to spot black caiman with the help of your flashlight.

We will return to the M/V Manatee for dinner.

AM: In the morning, we will disembark the M/V Manatee and transfer by motorized canoe back to Coca (a 1½ hour ride) for your return flight to Quito.

AM: Following a quick 30-minute flight from Quito, we will land in the Amazonian town of Francisco de Orellana (more commonly called “Coca”). Once there, we will drive to the river’s dock for a motorized canoe ride that will take us downriver for about an hour, all the time admiring the rainforest landscape and banks of the majestic Napo River. We will then board the Manatee motor vessel (M/V).

Once everyone is on board the Manatee, we continue sailing downriver. This is when passengers will be able to appreciate the host of features offered by this Amazonian riverboat. In addition to its roomy social areas and comfortable cabins, the ship possesses an observation deck for amazing views of the Amazon rainforest.

PM: This evening, we will go on a nocturnal jungle walk, which will give you your first chance to experience the sounds and sights of the completely different world of the Amazon by night. Sparkling fireflies and phosphorescent eyes will undoubtedly astonish you in this magical birthplace of life. Led by your guide, searching for nocturnal animals can be an unforgettable experience.

AM: After breakfast, we will disembark for our first daytime rainforest experience in the heart of the Yasuni National Reserve. Venturing along untamed trails, we will go on a three-hour hike that winds past towering trees, across streams and takes us beneath the primary canopy – while all the time observing the particularly abundant bird life in this region. You are sure to spot many of the 600 species of birds here, which include raptors, terns, macaws, parrots and toucans, though particular sightings depend on the weather and river level.

PM: Following lunch back on board the ship, the M/V Manatee will cruise downriver to one of the Ecuadorian Amazon’s most untouched and seldom explored regions. Since the best way to visit this flooded ecosystem is by canoe, we will begin paddling along blackwater lagoons and rivers to discover the pristine beauty of this lush rainforest world.

Here, you will certainly find the eerier eyes of Black caiman poking up out of the water as we also search for anaconda and the legendary Pink river dolphin. It’s likely that we will also come across various species of monkeys, all kinds of frogs and river turtles, as well as the primitive Hoatzin, a bird known locally as the “Stinky Turkey.”

AM: After another delicious breakfast on board the Manatee, you will have a chance to interact with a Kitchwa family who live on the banks of the Napo River. During this visit, you will experience cultural immersion and the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community.

PM: We will then board the Manatee for lunch and some leisure time as we continue our navigation upstream. At this time, our guests will be delighted with the ship's onboard experiences and participate in a cooking class with our expert chef who will share recipes and techniques using fresh and organic ingredients to prepare exquisite traditional Ecuadorian food that you can replicate at home. Guests are also invited to try their hands at making traditional handicrafts or enjoy the ship's onboard facilities such as: a relaxing massage at the Rainforest Spa, a spectacular ever-changing scenery view from the Amazon Hut Tub, a delicious cocktail at the bar and lounge or just admire the amazing sunset or the stargazing at night from the Observation Deck Lounge. For more active guests, a kayaking activity is the best choice to explore the nature around. There is an option for everyone!

On this day you also have a chance to participate in a "glamping" activity, which is another means for adventurous guests to explore this enchanting destination (This is an optional activity for the 5 & 8-day Itineraries).

AM: As soon as we finish breakfast, we will disembark to explore the nearby forest for a walk to discover a myriad of different animals and plant species that can only be found in the Amazon basin.

PM: In the afternoon, you can climb a 100-foot high observation tower supported in part by a giant kapok tree. Reaching such a height will afford you a 360º range of vision over the forest canopy. From here, you can easily admire colorful bird species that are almost impossible to see from below, while orchids, bromeliads and wild lichen cover the tree branches all around.

In the evening, we will bravely venture into the river on a canoe to search for black caimans with the help of our flashlights.

AM: Today you will have a choice between a kayaking and a canoeing adventure. The kayaking excursion will take you into the Yasuni National Reserve via the Indillama River, a tributary of the Napo. After a safety briefing, we will head out on this magical river journey. On the alternative canoe trip, you will paddle up and down the mighty Napo River itself.

With either option, you can expect to spot monkeys, colorful tropical birds, river turtles and possibly sloths and other exotic creatures. Your naturalist guide will, of course, accompany you to point out highlights and make fascinating insights into this unique eco-system.

AM: Today we will continue sailing downriver until reaching the Pañayacu Biological Corridor, a sprawling primary forest that includes flooded and terra firma forest. Once there, we will travel by canoe up another river to take in the sights of this amazing nature reserve.

We will all keep our eyes out for the legendary Pink river dolphins, common Squirrel monkeys and a host of other animals. However, since Pañacocha (meaning “Piranha Lake” in Kichwa) is an ecosystem flooded by white waters, the lakes and rivers here are also perfect for the aquatic life such as the notorious Piranha fish, as well as the White caiman and the Water monkey fish (“Arawana”).

PM: In the afternoon, the more daring members of the group can go for a cool, energizing swim in those same waters. Later, everyone will assemble at a nearby camping site to savor a rich Amazonian-style BBQ and ice-cold drinks. Reinvigorated by our break, we will then strike out along trails deep into the rainforest, returning to the ship that evening for a well-deserved dinner.

AM: Following breakfast on board the Manatee, we will head out to witness an astonishing natural phenomenon of the western Amazon basin. Groups of colorful parrots descend from the air to ingest the clay on some riverbanks almost every day. These sites, called “clay licks,” are unforgettable. Hiding behind a bird blind, you will have a chance (weather permitting) to view up to hundreds of parrots and parakeets attracted to the toxin-reducing sodium-rich clay.

Our next activity will take us to the 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 local community by purchasing handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs.

PM: Before sunset, we will visit an observation tower in the rainforest canopy, which offers an astonishing 360-degree view of the Amazon basin and is the perfect photo opportunity! Birdwatchers and bird-lovers alike will especially enjoy this outing.

AM: In the morning, we will disembark the M/V Manatee and transfer by motorized canoe back to Coca (a 1½ hour ride) for your return flight to Quito.

AM: Departing from Quito, we will take a short 30-minute flight to the Amazonian town of “Coca” (Francisco de Orellana). Once there, we will drive to the dock and embark a motorized canoe for a 1 ½ hour ride downriver to the M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer.

Immediately after boarding the M/V Manatee, we will cruise downriver and admire the rainforest landscapes and the banks of the great Napo River. Passengers will have their first opportunities to enjoy the exciting features of the cruise ship: the spacious social areas, the comfortable suites, and an observation deck that offers spectacular views.

PM: After sunset, an evening walk will be organized to gives us the opportunity to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity and listen to the incessant sounds of nature.

AM: After sailing downriver to the Pañayacu River delta, we will take a canoe trip to experience the sights of this fascinating reserve. Keep your eyes out for Pink river dolphins, common Squirrel monkeys and many other species. Pañacocha (“Piranha Lake,” in Quechua) is an ecosystem flooded by white waters, which is the perfect habitat for the infamous Piranha as well as the Water monkey fish (“Arawana”) and White caiman.

PM: After a refreshing swim (for the courageous!), we will enjoy a delicious Amazon-style BBQ meal and refreshing beverages at a nearby camping site. In the afternoon, we will head out on exploration trails, and return onboard for dinner.

AM: After breakfast on board the Manatee, we set out to visit one of the most amazing spectacles on this side of the western Amazon: a parrot clay lick. These unique pools of mud are rich in minerals that attract hundreds of parrots and parakeets every day. If weather permits, we will have a chance to marvel at this astonishing natural phenomenon.

Later we will visit the Sani Warmi Kichwa Interpretation Center, where a group of Kichwa women will talk about their customs, cuisine and everyday life. To showcase their culture they have created this center, which is a unique opportunity to learn about Amazonian lifestyles along the Napo River. You will also have the opportunity to buy their crafts, local products and souvenirs.

PM: After lunch, we will make a stop at the Yakukawsay Kichwa Interpretation Center, and end the day with an interesting evening walk through the forest (depending on accessibility, river water levels and weather conditions).

AM: In the morning we will go on a journey on the Indillama River, which flows through the Yasuni National Reserve. Here you can observe numbers of birds, including toucans. Also, if you're in the mood, you can kayak downriver.

PM: After lunch on board, this afternoon we will continue our Manatee cruise to another point of interest, one where we can admire the surrounding landscape and more examples of biodiversity. Proceeding by canoe, we will explore the wildlife around us and enjoy the flora typical of the region.

After dinner, you can also enjoy an evening stroll.

AM: After a delicious Amazonian breakfast, we disembark for the first daylight tropical rainforest experience, where we will witness examples of Amazonia’s fascinating biodiversity at every turn.

PM: After lunch, the M/V Manatee navigates to one of the most pristine and little-explored sections of Ecuadorian Amazonia, home to the legendary Pink river dolphin, Black caiman and anaconda. We may also find river turtles and various species of monkeys, as well as the primitive Hoatzin (a one-of-a-kind bird locally known as “the Stinky Turkey”). The only way to actually visit this flooded ecosystem is by canoe, a ride that will reveal the beauty of a lush jungle world.

For more adventurous passengers, please inquire about the Anakonda's “glamping” (glamorous camping) program.

AM: Breakfast on board. We will visit a school located on the banks of the Napo River, where you will have the opportunity to interact with children of the area and learn about the educational system of a remote Ecuadorian jungle community.

We will return to the M/V Manatee for lunch and a moment to relax while sailing upriver. A cultural presentation will be featured and a documentary shown, and – if time permits – you will learn about (and make) typical handicrafts of the area.

PM: In the afternoon we will have the opportunity to explore one of the largest islands with sandy banks existing in the Napo River, where we can learn about this ecosystem and biodiversity of the river and its islands.

AM: In the morning after breakfast, we will walk up a 37 meter (100-feet) high observation tower that is built against a giant kapok tree. From the top of the tower, you will be blessed with this unique perspective of the forest, looming over the treetops and the greatness of the Amazon basin.

PM: In the afternoon, we will visit the Limoncocha Biological Reserve, a fascinating protected area where more than 478 bird species and several monkey species have been recorded. This activity will extend into the evening, when we will have a chance to spot black caiman with the help of our flashlights.

We will return to the M/V Manatee for dinner.

AM: In the morning, we will disembark the M/V Manatee and transfer by motorized canoe back to Coca (a 1½ hour ride) for your return flight to Quito.