Ecuador: Manatee Amazon Explorer (4 - 5 days)
The Manatee Amazon Explorer journeys through Ecuador's Napo River twice a week. This thrilling adventure, explores the tropical rain forest and its native communities.
More than 560 species of birds have been recorded in the area and hundreds of botanical wonders. The Manatee sails along different ecosystems and important natural reserves such as the Yasuni National Park and the Limoncocha Biological Reserve.
2013 Departure Dates & Costs
Friday to Monday (4 days/3 nights): $ 745 USD includes airfare from Quito to Coca, park tax and conditions permitting - visit to the clay lick.
Monday to Friday (5 days/4 nights): $ 915 USD includes airfare from Quito to Coca, park tax and conditions permitting - visit to the clay lick.
Ask about special 7 night departures that venture to the Peruvian border!
Single supplement: $ 95 USD per person/ per night
Itinerary - 5 day program
MONDAY (L,D)
Morning transfer from your hotel to the airport. Departure by plane from Quito to Francisco de Orellana (Coca), a center of oil production, named in honor to the Spanish Conqueror who discovered the Amazon River in 1541. The Manatee will be awaiting near this river port and guests reach it by motor canoe on the Napo River.
TUESDAY (B,L,D): Terra Firmae Forest, Lakes and Gorges
Morning disembarkation for a stroll on terra firmae forest, towards an interior lagoon on the Yasuni National Park, observing the different ecosystems and accompanied by the Naturalist Guide. The excursion includes the opportunity to swim and fish for the famous piranha, time for rest and lunch. The return to the mighty Napo River is with a native canoe, rowing on a small black water creek or gorge.
WEDNESDAY (B,L,D)
Parrots and the Limoncocha Biological Reserve. Early departure by motor canoe to visit a very special corner of the jungle, the clay banks of the river where different species of parrots gather daily to eat this clay that helps them digest the seeds they feed on, it is quite a sight, colorful and noisy! Then, back aboard the Manatee to sail upriver and reach one of the tributaries of the Napo to observe the flora and fauna, the surprising pigmy monkeys and then a trek to the installations of what was the Summer Institute of Linguistics of South America in Limoncocha, currently the only Biological Reserve of Ecuador. Upon reaching the Limoncocha Lake, we will board a canoe and travel along the banks of this marshy ecosystem, where over 470 species of birds have been recorded. There is a possibility to fish for piranha, and a short walk. At night, it is possible to observe the black caimans who inhabit the lagoon, quite an experience... Late return to the Manatee for dinner and overnight.
THURSDAYS (B,L,D): Culture / The Amazonian man / Giants of the Forest
The adventure today begins with a visit to the Museum of Pompeya, a small archaeology sample with Amazonian funeral urns that date back several centuries, as well as utensils and ways of life of the ancient denizens of the rain forest, which can still be seen today. We will also have the opportunity to see the giant tress of the Amazon, like the kapok, which rise over the forest canopy to more than 80 meters high, with huge roots. Guests can also try rowing the canoes on a tranquil tributary of the Napo River up to the house of a native family, to share a moment with them and learn their ways of life.
FRIDAY (B,L): Manatee/Quito
While the Manatee navigates upriver, the guides wrap up our knowledge of the great Amazon region. Then transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito. On arrival transfer to your hotel.
Note: Every night there will be additional activities such as conferences, review of the flora and fauna and night outings.
