Manatee Amazon Explorer Tour

MANATEE AMAZON EXPLORER

EXPLORATION CRUISE ITINERARIES

FIVE DAYS – FOUR NIGHTS

ITINERARY

Day 1: Quito – Coca – Yasuní National Park

Departure from Quito in the morning, flight to Francisco de Orellana (Coca), arrives at Coca after a short 30 minutes trip, transfer to the Napo Riverport. Then the motorized canoe ride downstream will be approximately one and a half hours; during the trip, we will provide important information about the region. Once onboard the MANATEE AMAZON EXPLORER will start navigating down the Napo River during the whole afternoon.

At dusk, our first live experience with the Ecuadorian Amazon basin will begin (night walk, visit a native house or canoe ride will depend on the river level, climatic conditions, wildlife behavior, and accessibility to the location).

(L.D)

Day 2: Visiting the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve and Yasuni National Park

Early in the morning, we will explore one of the most pristine rivers in the Ecuadorian Amazon, the Cocaya River. Here we will have the opportunity to observe exotic plants, colorful birds, and unique wildlife that lives in the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve.

This black water system is home to the legendary Pink River Dolphins, River Turtles, Black Caymans and the enigmatic Amazon Manatee. Moreover, if we look at the vegetation on the shores, we may see the Red Howler Monkeys, and other species such as the black tamarin, squirrel monkey, Three-toed Sloth, the leaf-eating bird, locally known as Stinky Turkey (Hoatzin), and other wildlife.

The canoe trip upstream will reveal the overwhelming beauty of this aquatic region. In the afternoon, in the heart of the Yasuni, we will visit one of the major black water lakes of the upper Amazon basin, the JatunCocha. Here there will be opportunities for walking and paddling and watching the giant otters; amazing water mammals and endangered species. In addition, the observation of local flora and fauna is an unforgettable sight that will take your breath away.

(B.L.D)

Day 3: Kichwa Culture and Walk in a Swamp Forest

On this morning, we will visit one of the local indigenous community centers, specifically, one of the Kichwa Culture schools. On this visit, we will have the opportunity to meet the local people and learn about their culture. Our guests can meet the children and visit their native huts, and understand how these friendly people live, use the resources of this unique world, and how they have learned to deal with the fragility of this ecosystem.

In the afternoon, guests can enjoy relaxing navigation onboard the Manatee, while resting up for the next day. There is also the opportunity to learn how to make Ecuadorian food in one of our cooking lessons directed by our chef on board, and locals will teach you how to make fiber handicrafts too, onboard lectures will be given by the naturalist about the different Amazon topics such as culture, biodiversity, Amazon formation, oil, and sustainability. We will also walk over a wooden pass through the Morete (moretefleuxisa palm) swamp, where we may see frogs and parrots.

(B.L.D)

Day 4: Parrots' Clay Lick or Water Museum and Limoncocha Biological Reserve

Breakfast will be served on board. Then we will begin our excursion to the Parrot Clay licks, a great place to see a lot of bird species, or we will begin our excursion to the Yaku Kawsay or live underwater museum, inside of the Yasuní National Park, a very interesting project from one of the Kichwa Communities that shows the fauna that lives underwater in the Amazon rivers and lakes.

Back onboard our lunch will be ready, and in the afternoon, there will be a visit to the Limoncocha Biological Reserve, an incredible area to find lots of birds, some monkeys, and at night a search for the black cayman. Return to the MANATEE at night.

(B.L.D)

Day 5. Returning Home

Return to the city of Coca to take the morning flight back to Quito. The canoe ride upstream will take around two hours.

(B)

END OF THE SERVICES

A NOTE ON THE ORDER OF THE ITINERARY:

Itinerary subject to change based on local conditions. It could be flexible according to the client’s interests.

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B: Breakfast; L: Lunch; BL: Box Lunch; D: Dinner

** END OF THE SERVICES **

Single supplement: 50% additional

Prices Include:

Accommodation based on the double cabin, all meals, pure water, bilingual naturalist guide, rain poncho, and rubber boots is provided from the boat. Entrance fees of Parrot Clay Lick; Pañacocha Reserve; Observation tower (depending on the itinerary)

Not Included:

Soft and alcoholic drinks, tips, and personal expenses.

Please Note:

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion, it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On a daily basis of your tour, you will be advised of any amendments.

The Expedition leaders will always be offering information about the region, tours, weather conditions, navigation, native cultures, and probabilities to encounter wildlife through lectures, briefings, recaps, and videos.