Board the M/V Manatee for this fascinating 5-day itinerary on the Amazon river. Visit remote villages and sail through unique and fragile ecosystems on your luxurious small-ship voyage. Join excursions into the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest to encounter a unique and untamed biodiversity, while your experienced crew takes care of every detail of your trip.
Highlights
Search for the legendary pink river dolphin, black caiman & anaconda
Visit a school located on the banks of the Napo River & meet local children
View the rainforest from a 100-foot-high observation tower
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.
Depart from Quito in the morning and after a 30 minute flight arrive at Francisco de Orellana (Coca). Arrive in Coca and transfer to the docks to embark on a motorized canoe. Navigate down the river for about 60 minutes before meeting the M/V Manatee.Throughout the journey you have a chance to admire the rainforest landscape and sand banks of the great Napo River.
Immediately after boarding the M/V Manatee, continue navigating downstream. Settle in to your cabin and familiarize yourself with the ship as you sail. In the evening, disembark and take an evening walk to experience the forest's nocturnal activity.
Day 2: Yasuni National Park | Amazonian Communities
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.
Start the day off by visiting an authentic Kichwa family on the banks of the Napo River, where you receive the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community. Then board the Manatee for lunch as we continue upstream. Guests will participate in a cooking class with our expert chef and prepare exquisite traditional Ecuadorian. Guests are also invited to try their hand at traditional handicrafts or enjoy our onboard facilities, including the Rainforest Spa, the spectacular view from our Amazon Hot Tub, cocktails at our Bar and Lounge, and stargazing from our Observation Deck.
Relax and enjoy the Manatee Amazon Explorer during the morning and 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.
In the afternoon, visit a canopy tower, built against a giant Kapok tree. The perspective at the top of this observation tower is truly glorious, looming above the lush treetops and providing a view of the sheer vastness of the Amazon Basin.
In the evening, venture into the river on a canoe to search for black caimans with the help of your flashlights.
Day 5: Disembark | Coca | Fly to Quito
1 Breakfast
In the morning visit the Amazonian Turtles, followed by a brunch on board the cruise ship. After brunch, disembark the Manatee and transfer by motorized canoe to Coca (1-hour ride), and fly to Quito.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$3,0162-3 travelers
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.
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.
Initial deposit is $400, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
