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On the Manatee Amazon cruise, we will be joined by expert local naturalist guides, who will provide us with a brief, informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon.

The park contains over 200 species of butterflies, 596 species of birds, 150 species of amphibians, 121 species of reptiles, and 200 species of mammals, numbers of which are always on the rise. In fact, some naturalists claim that the level of biodiversity in the park is so high that every journey into the rainforest can result in the discovery of a new species.

The Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest is located at the base of the Andes mountains.

Millions of years ago, the Amazon River flowed from east to west, emptying into the Pacific Ocean. When the Andes Mountains rose along the eastern side of the South American continent, around 20 million years ago, the emerging mass blocked the flow of the Amazon. Freshwater lakes formed as a result, and the flow of the river gradually reversed to its current eastern course. About 10 million years later, the river reached the Atlantic Ocean. Plants and animals have always thrived in the rainforests that grow in the area surrounding its banks.

Enjoy our Amazon cruise!

Francisco de Orellana, EC

22°C

Tour Plan

Day 01

Arrival at Manatee

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 beauty of the Amazon, until we reach the Manatee Amazon Cruise and receive our warm 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; and afterwards guests will have the opportunity to explore our cruise ship and admire the rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River. After a delicious dinner, we will take a nighttime forest walk to hear the sounds of the rainforest and observe the nocturnal wildlife.

Day 02

Pink river dolphins and Secoya community

In the morning we will explore the lower part of the Napo River, where we will spot different bird species such as eagles, oropendolas, and the celebrated woodpeckers. In the afternoon, we will visit Yasuni National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet and home to the legendary pink dolphin. This is the perfect opportunity to participate in our pink dolphin conservation program, which we are involved in together with the Martinica community in the Cocaya area, providing a safe haven where these dolphins can live and feed without the risk of being hunted. The Secoyas people, a minority ancestral culture, live near Yasuni and will show us how to prepare traditional cassava bread during our visit.

Day 03

Kichwa family trip

We will begin the day by visiting an authentic Kichwa family on the banks of the Napo River, where we will have the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community about their lifestyle. We will then board the Manatee and participate in a cooking class with our expert chef, who will show us how to prepare exquisite traditional Ecuadorian fare. Guests are also invited to try their hand at traditional handcrafting or to take in the magnificent Amazon environment from our open-air hot tub, enjoy cocktails at our Bar and Lounge, or delight in some nighttime stargazing from our Observation Deck. Our more active guests will have the opportunity to explore nature in this area by kayak.

Day 04

Forest Adventure

We start the day by visiting an observation tower built in a giant millenary kapok tree, where guests can marvel at the impressive 360° view from the top overlooking the treetops of the forest canopy and contemplate the sheer vastness of the Amazon. In the afternoon, we will explore the primary forest and spot the different plant and wildlife species endemic to this ecosystem. We can also find the strange and unique bird known as the hoatzin, or as it’s known locally, the “stink bird”.

Day 05

Return trip

This is where our adventure ends! But first, we will enjoy our return to Puerto Providencia, where we will disembark the Manatee Amazon Cruise and ride back to the city of Coca in the motorized canoe.

Services included in the price

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 at our recommended flights.
Private & personalized assistance for Quito – Coca – Quito flights at both airports when arriving at our recommended flights.

Not included in the price

Air ticket Quito – Coca – Quito, USD 250.00 net per person. (Prices may change depending on the season).
Communities fees.
Transfers to and from Quito’s airport.
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Gratuities.
Wi-Fi Internet.
Other services not specified in the program.

Manatee

Tour Plan

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