The journey on board the Manatee Amazon cruise will take you into the heart of biodiversity in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Navigating the river on a marvellous, state-of-the-art vessel is a great way to explore the Amazon basin.
The inspiring adventure will provide many unexpected, astonishing wildlife encounters while you discover Yasuní, Ecuador’s largest National Park. The park contains over 200 species of butterflies and 596 species of birds. It is also home to 150 species of amphibians, 121 species of reptiles, and 200 species of mammals.
The Manatee Amazon cruise has four, five, and eight-day itineraries. During your cruise, you can climb observation towers to enjoy unique perspectives of the forest. You will paddle through blackwater rivers escorted by otters and turtles. Hike trails and learn about the beautiful flora that makes up the eternal green of Ecuadorian Amazonia.
About the vessel: The Manatee Amazon River Cruise has eighteen suites with ample sitting areas and large, comfortable beds. In addition, it has a large observation deck and an outdoor Jacuzzi. The alfresco lounge is ideal for cocktails, relaxation, reading, or enjoying the spectacular view. In addition, three canoes and ten kayaks are available for land excursions and activities. The Suites on the Manatee Amazon River Cruise have private balconies and Jacuzzis, which are perfect for unwinding in the privacy of your cabin. While the large cabins also feature full-frame panoramic windows for a great view of the jungle. However, one of the main points of difference is the team on board; they will go out of their way to personalise your Amazon experience.
Manatee Amazon Explorer – Sample
SUMMARY
HIGHLIGHTS
- The Manatee Amazon Explorer’s flexibility as a comprehensive navigation adventure takes you to many different sites within the Amazon Basin
- Experience a cultural & ethnic encounter with the locals
- Discover the Yasuní National Park, a wild and untamed realm in the heart of the Ecuadorian Rainforest
- Climb observation towers to enjoy unique perspectives of the forest and explore black water rivers escorted by otters and turtles
ITINERARY
Day 1 Quito/Cruise
Today you will take a flight to Coca. On arrival, met a staff of Manatee who will take you to the dock. Embark on a motorised canoe and navigate down river about 90 minutes to board the M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer. Throughout the journey, you will have a chance to admire the rain forest landscape and banks of the great Napo River. Immediately after boarding the M/V Manatee, you will continue navigating downstream.
After sunset depart on a jungle walk which gives you the opportunity to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity and listen to the incessant sounds of nature.
Day 2 Amazon/Cruise
Border with Peru (The Heart of Yasuní)- This morning, you will start your first daylight close-and-personal tropical rainforest experience. You will learn about Amazonia’s fascinating biodiversity.
After lunch, the M/V Manatee navigates to one of the most pristine and little explored sections of Ecuadorian Amazonia, home to the legendary pink river dolphin, black caiman and anaconda. You will also find river turtles and various species of monkeys, as well as the primitive Hoatzin, a one-of-a-kind bird locally known as “Stinky Turkey”. The only way to visit this flooded ecosystem is by canoe, a ride that will reveal the beauty of a lush jungle world.
Day 3 Amazon/Cruise
Meeting the community- After breakfast, you will have the chance to visit a school located on the banks of the Napo River and you will be able to interact with children of the area and learn about the educational system of a remote jungle community in Ecuador.
Return on board the M/V Manatee for lunch and a moment to relax while navigating upstream. There will be a lecture and documentary screening, and if time permits, learn about (and make) typical handicrafts of the area. In the afternoon, explore one of the largest river islands of the Napo River.
Day 4 Amazon/Cruise
Relax and enjoy the M/V 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.
Day 5 Amazon
Today your Amazon adventure ends! Enjoy the last part of our return journey onboard and then disembark the M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer to take the motorized canoe back to Coca (90 minutes ride) for your onwards flight.
