Travel deep into the Ecuadorian Amazon on a 4-day cruise aboard the M/V Manatee, starting in Quito and flying to Coca. Journey by motorized canoe along the Napo River and discover blackwater lakes, remote rainforest, and vibrant wildlife. Explore the Pañacocha Biological Corridor, home to primates, birds, and white caimans. Paddle a kayak, swim in Piranha Lake, and walk forest trails with expert guides. Visit the parrot clay licks, where colorful Amazon birds gather, and explore a Kichwa Cultural Center to learn about local traditions. This Amazon cruise includes river expeditions, nature walks, community visits, and opportunities to support local artisans. Experience the Amazon’s sights and sounds from the ship’s observation deck or during a nighttime forest walk.

Highlights

Watch parrots gather at clay licks near Napo River
Learn Amazon traditions, cuisine, and customs from local guides
Observe nocturnal wildlife during an optional nighttime forest walk

Activities

Places Visited

Activity Level: Variable

Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Quito | Fly to Coca | Embark | Napo River

Accommodation
1 Dinner

The adventure begins in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. After a 30-minute flight to the Amazon city of Coca in Orellana Province, transfer to the dock and board a motorized canoe for a 90-minute ride down the river. This marks the first look—and listen—at the Amazon.

Arrival at the Manatee Amazon Explorer includes a welcome aboard and time to settle in. Expert local naturalist guides will give a short introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon, setting the stage for the days ahead. Guests can explore the ship’s features, including spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and an observation deck offering wide views of the rainforest along the Napo River.

After dinner, an optional nighttime walk in the forest offers a chance to observe nocturnal wildlife and experience the sounds and scents of the Amazon after dark.

Day 2: Pañacocha Biological Corridor

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Continue downstream to the Pañayacu River delta for a canoe trip through this remote water reserve. Pañacocha Lake, meaning “Piranha Lake” in the Kichwa language, is a blackwater ecosystem surrounded by protected rainforest. The area supports nine species of primates, over 500 bird species, and more than 100 types of fish, including piranhas, paiches (one of the world’s largest freshwater fish), and white caimans.

Guided nature walks are offered in the area, followed by time to relax at a nearby campsite with an Amazon-style BBQ and cold beverages.

After lunch, guests can kayak or take a swim in Pañacocha Lake. Despite the name, swimming here is safe and supervised. Back aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer, guests can attend a lecture led by the concierge and view an educational documentary about the region.

Day 3: Parrot's Clay Licks | Amazonian Communities

Accommodation
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

This morning, you 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 every day.

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

Back on board the Manatee Amazon Explorer, you will be delighted with an exquisite farewell dinner.

Day 4: Disembark | Coca

1 Breakfast

This is where your adventure ends! Enjoy the last part of your return journey onboard and then disembark the Manatee Amazon Explorer to take the motorized canoe back to Coca (approximately 90 minutes ride).

Ship/Hotel

Manatee

The Manatee Amazon Explorer is an intimate way to explore the great Amazon - it holds just 30 passengers, and is a stunning example of jungle comfort and luxury.

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

List View | Calendar View

May 30, 2025from $2,415
Jun 6, 2025from $2,415
Jun 13, 2025from $2,415
Jun 20, 2025from $2,415
Jun 27, 2025from $2,415
Jul 4, 2025from $2,415
Jul 11, 2025from $2,415
Jul 18, 2025from $2,415
Jul 25, 2025from $2,415
Aug 1, 2025from $2,415
Aug 8, 2025from $2,415
Aug 15, 2025from $2,415
Aug 22, 2025from $2,415
Aug 29, 2025from $2,415
Sep 5, 2025from $2,415
Sep 12, 2025from $2,415
Sep 19, 2025from $2,415
Sep 26, 2025from $2,415
Oct 3, 2025from $2,415
Oct 10, 2025from $2,415
Oct 17, 2025from $2,415
Oct 24, 2025from $2,415
Oct 31, 2025from $2,415
Nov 7, 2025from $2,415
Nov 14, 2025from $2,415
Nov 21, 2025from $2,415
Nov 28, 2025from $2,415
Dec 5, 2025from $2,415
Dec 12, 2025from $2,415
Dec 19, 2025from $2,415
Dec 26, 2025from $2,415
Jan 2, 2026from $2,415
Jan 9, 2026from $2,415
Jan 16, 2026from $2,415
Jan 23, 2026from $2,415
Jan 30, 2026from $2,415
Feb 6, 2026from $2,415
Feb 13, 2026from $2,415
Feb 20, 2026from $2,415
Feb 27, 2026from $2,415
Mar 6, 2026from $2,415
Mar 13, 2026from $2,415
Mar 20, 2026from $2,415
Mar 27, 2026from $2,415
Apr 3, 2026from $2,415
Apr 10, 2026from $2,415
Apr 17, 2026from $2,415
Apr 24, 2026from $2,415
May 1, 2026from $2,415
May 8, 2026from $2,415
May 15, 2026from $2,415
May 22, 2026from $2,415
May 29, 2026from $2,415
Jun 5, 2026from $2,415
Jun 12, 2026from $2,415
Jun 19, 2026from $2,415
Jun 26, 2026from $2,415
Jul 3, 2026from $2,415
Jul 10, 2026from $2,415
Jul 17, 2026from $2,415
Jul 24, 2026from $2,415
Jul 31, 2026from $2,415
Aug 7, 2026from $2,415
Aug 14, 2026from $2,415
Aug 21, 2026from $2,415
Aug 28, 2026from $2,415
Sep 4, 2026from $2,415
Sep 11, 2026from $2,415
Sep 18, 2026from $2,415
Sep 25, 2026from $2,415
Oct 2, 2026from $2,415
Oct 9, 2026from $2,415
Oct 16, 2026from $2,415
Oct 23, 2026from $2,415
Oct 30, 2026from $2,415
Nov 6, 2026from $2,415
Nov 13, 2026from $2,415
Nov 20, 2026from $2,415
Nov 27, 2026from $2,415
Dec 4, 2026from $2,415
Dec 11, 2026from $2,415
Dec 18, 2026from $2,415
Dec 25, 2026from $2,415

	May 2025					>
S	M	T	W	T	F	S
27	28	29	30	1	2	3
4	5	6	7	8	9	10
11	12	13	14	15	16	17
18	19	20	21	22	23	24
25	26	27	28	29	30	31

Deal available

See more versions of this cruise

Deals

Early Booking Discount 22854

Book by May 31, 2025, and enjoy a 10% discount on Manatee applicable to all departures from October to December 2025 and throughout 2026, except Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The discount is subject to availability and cannot be combined with other promotions. A non-refundable deposit of 20% is required at the time of booking. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Click for departure dates

Up to 40% Off for the 2nd Guest 26587

Book by May 31, 2025, and enjoy a discount of up to 40% for the 2nd guest. This offer applies to select departures from January to May 2025.

Anakonda Amazon Cruise: 40% OFF for the 2nd guest
Manatee Amazon Explorer: 30% OFF for the 2nd guest

The discount is subject to availability and cannot be combined with other promotions. A non-refundable deposit of 20% is required at the time of booking. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Click for departure dates

Per person starting at

$2,415

Select a Date

Standard

20 sq meters, 10 cabins, 8 with twin single or double beds and 2 triple occupancy cabins with a twin bunk and a single bed. Each cabin features large picture windows and a balcony. Equipped with air conditioning, closets, bedside table, 24 hours of electricity and 110-voltage outlets and switches.

Select a Date

Deluxe

24 sq meters, 4 suites with twin single or double beds, or a double bed and a single pull out bed in the triple occupancy cabins. Each cabin features large picture windows, a balcony, and private Jacuzzi style baths. Each cabin is equipped with air conditioning, closets, bedside table, 24 hours of electricity and 110-voltage outlets and switches.

Payment Details

Terms & Conditions

Operated by Anakonda Amazon Cruises

Included

3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners
3 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Transfers to/from the vessel when arriving on recommended flights.
All excursions, rain ponchos, and rubber boots.
Exclusive access to VIP Lounge in Coca city (before and after the cruise).
Private & personalized assistance for Quito - Coca - Quito flights at both airports on the recommended flights.

Excluded

Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Transportation to and from Quito airport.
All alcoholic & Non-alcoholic drinks
Satellite internet
Contribution to local communities

Map

Inquire

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now

This was my first experience with Adventure Life - and I couldn't have been more pleased with the trip. The guides and local staff in both Buenos Aires and Uruguay were terrific - extremely helpful and accommodating. I really enjoyed meeting the friendly staff in Buenos Aires in person (I left my bags with them for the afternoon).

Karen Snider

Amazon Exploration

Full Itinerary

Day 1: Quito | Fly to Coca | Embark | Napo River

Day 2: Pañacocha Biological Corridor

Day 3: Parrot's Clay Licks | Amazonian Communities

Day 4: Disembark | Coca

Ship/Hotel

Manatee

Manatee

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Map

Inquire

We Love to Talk Travel

Ecuador Travel Guide

Favorite Ecuador Ecuador All Trips

Top Ecuador Travel Destinations

Ecuador Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Ecuador

Ecuador Trips by Duration

Ecuador Trips by Activity

Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized By