MANATEE AMAZON CRUISE (croisière de 4 jours / 3 nuits - 5 jours / 4 nuits - 8 jours / 7 nuits)
De nieuwe Manatee Amazon Explorer combineert avontuur en
comfort op een manier die alleen riviercruises in de Ecuadoraanse Amazone dat
kunnen doen. Dit 27 meter lange schip is speciaal gebouwd om
ontdekkingsreizigers en avonturiers één van de meest fascinerende plekken op
aarde te laten ontdekken. Eenmaal aan boord kunnen onze gasten genieten van
ruime cabines, een comfortabele bar en lounge en een prachtig openluchtterras.
Onze dubbele cabines hebben grote ramen, een eigen balkon, airconditioning en
een eigen badkamer met ligbad om u een aangename reis op de Napo-rivier te
bezorgen. Doe mee met onze excursies in het Ecuadoraanse Amazone-regenwoud om
een unieke en ongeëvenaarde biodiversiteit te ontdekken, begeleid door ons
ervaren team.
ITINERARY 4 DAYS
DAY 1 : QUITO – COCA – NAPO RIVER
Departure from Quito. A short 30-minute flight takes us to the frontier town of El Coca (Francisco de Orellana) – and transfer to the dock, where we will embark on a motorized canoe and navigate down river about 1 hour, to board the M/V MANATEE AMAZON CRUISES.
Since safety on board is of upmost importance, our navigation will not begin until a safety evacuation drill has been completed. Throughout the journey we have a chance to admire the rainforest landscape and sand banks of the great Napo River.
Immediately after boarding the M/V Manatee, we continue navigating downstream. This will be the first of many opportunities passengers will have to enjoy the exciting features of our cruise ship: the spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and an observation deck that offers spectacular views.
Once you have comfortably settled into the M/V Manatee, we will be joined by local tour/- nature guides who will give us a complete and condensed introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Following this Amazonian induction, we will enjoy dinner under the mesmerizing sunset. An evening walk is organized after sunset; giving us the opportunity to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity while listening to the incessant sounds of nature.
DAY 2 : VISITING PAÑACHOCHA'S BIOLOGICAL CORRIDOR
We will continue our navigation downstream to the Pañayacu River delta; you take a canoe trip up the river to experience the sights of this fascinating reserve. Upon reaching the Pañacocha Lake (Piranha Lake, in native language Quechua) we will be marveled by the unique creatures that inhabit the area: squirrel monkeys, and of course the infamous Piranhas. Pañacocha’s Lake ecosystem make it the perfect habitat for the Piranha, as well as water monkey fish, known locally as Arawana and the White Caiman.
After a refreshing swim (for the courageous!), we will enjoy a delicious Amazon-style BBQ meal and refreshing beverages at a nearby camping site. In the afternoon, we will head out on exploration trails, and return onboard for dinner.
Undoubtedly, after an entire day in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, there will be plenty of questions. Luckily for our passengers, we will have the chance to speak to local guides, who will be happy to answer all of our questions. The local guides will also be given the time to discuss other subjects related to the Ecuadorian Amazon during our evening briefing.
DAY 3 : PARROT'S CLAY LICKS - SANIWARMI & YASUNI NATIONAL PARK
Afterwards. we will enjoy lunch on board, as we navigate to Puerto Pedro. Weather permitting and as an optional excursion, we could make a short stop at the Yakukawsay Kichwa Interpretation Centre.
Before sunset, we will visit the Añangu Tower, which offers great photograph opportunities after climbing a ceibo tree and enjoy an astonishing view of the Amazon from its wooden tower. This is a great chance for birdwatching activities.
Our trip into Ecuadorian Amazon, ends here, as we will begin our trip back to Itaya. Our last night in the Ecuadorian Amazon, will enjoy a farewell cocktail with all our staff.
DAY 4 : RETURN
Before sunrise, we will navigate towards Itaya, it is from here that we will disembark the M/V Manatee, in order to be transferred by a motorized canoe to El Coca (1-hour ride). From Coca, you will fly to Quito.
OUR PROGRAM INCLUDES
- Transportation to and from El Coca airport and M/V Manatee.
- Accommodation on board.
- Scheduled visits according to the itinerary with a certified naturalist guide.
- Unlimited supply of hot water, coffee and tea.
- All meals on board.
OUR PROGRAM DOES NOT INCLUDES NE COMPREND PAS
-
Transportation to and from Quito airport.
- Air Ticket Quito - Coca - Quito ($170 per person - subject to change).
- Admission to communities and parks ($50 per person - subject to change).
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Tips.
- Wi-Fi Internet.
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not specified in the program.
ITINERARY 5 DAYS
DAY 1 : QUITO – COCA – NAPO RIVER
Departure from Quito. A short 30-minute flight takes us to the frontier town of El Coca (Francisco de Orellana) – and transfer to the dock, where we will embark on a motorized canoe and navigate down river about 1 hour, to board the M/V MANATEE AMAZON CRUISES.
Since safety on board is of upmost importance, our navigation will not begin until a safety evacuation drill has been completed. Throughout the journey we have a chance to admire the rainforest landscape and sand banks of the great Napo River.
Immediately after boarding the M/V Manatee, we continue navigating downstream. This will be the first of many opportunities passengers will have to enjoy the exciting features of our cruise ship: the spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and an observation deck that offers spectacular views.
Once you have comfortably settled into the M/V Manatee, we will be joined by local tour/- nature guides who will give us a complete and condensed introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Following this Amazonian induction, we will enjoy dinner under the mesmerizing sunset. An evening walk is organized after sunset; giving us the opportunity to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity while listening to the incessant sounds of nature.
DAY 2 : BORDER WITH PERU (THE HEART OF YASUNI))
Before disembarking, we will enjoy breakfast atop the cruise ship’s deck, accompanied by the bird’s melody. After this unique gastronomic experience, we disembark on land for our first daylight close-and-personal tropical rainforest experience. It is on this morning adventure, where we will learn about the relationship between plants and animals while closely watching out for samples of Amazonia’s fascinating biodiversity at every turn. After this extraordinary encounter with the Ecuadorian Amazon, we will enjoy lunch aboard, the M/V Manateenavigates to one of the most pristine and little explored sections of Ecuadorian Amazonia, home to the legendary Pink River dolphin, Black Caiman and Anaconda.
We may also find river turtles and various species of monkeys, as well as the primitive Hoatzin, a one-of-a-kind bird locally known as "the Stinky Turkey". The only way to actually visit this flooded ecosystem is by canoe, a ride that will reveal the beauty of a lush jungle world. Throughout the day, the M/V Manatee will continue navigating alongside the Ecuadorian-Peruvian border. After such an incredible day in the Amazon, we will end the night accompanied by a delicious dinner and by local guides, ready to answer any and all questions pertaining to the Ecuadorian Amazon.
For our more adventurous passengers, please inquire about our glamping program.
DAY 3 : MEETING THE COMMUNITY - ACTIVITIES ON BOARD - ISLAND EXPLORATION
The M/V Manatee will continue upstream, en route to the Pañacocha Lake (Piranha Lake, in the native language Quechua). Here we will be marveled by the unique creatures that inhabit the area: Common Squirrel Monkeys, and of course the infamous Piranhas.
The ecosystem of the Pañacocha Lake and its surrounding areas make it the perfect habitat for the Piranha, as well as the Water Monkey Fish, known locally as Arawana and the White Caiman. Later, we will be given the once in a lifetime opportunity to visit an Authentic Indigenous home, belonging to the Oraco family.
After, we return on board the cruise for lunch and take a moment to relax while navigating upstream. After lunch we will offer various cultural lectures, documentary screenings, and hands on experiences regarding topics about: local handcrafts and cuisine. We will offer a lecture and documentary screening, and if time permits, learn about (and make) typical handicrafts of the area. In the afternoon, we explore one of the largest river islands of the Napo River, home to hundreds of Amazonian monkeys.
Unquestionably, after an entire day in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, you will have more questions than answers about the amazon. Luckily for our passengers, we will host a dinner accompanied by local nature and cultural guides who will make sure everyone on board is an expert on Ecuadorian Amazonia. We visit a school located on the banks of the Napo River, where we will have the opportunity to interact with children of the area and learn about the educational system of a remote jungle community in Ecuador.Manatee
DAY 4 : OBSERVATION TOWER - LIMONCOCHA BIOLOGICAL RESERVE
Weather permitting, we will have a chance to visit this astonishing natural phenomenon. Later we will visit the Sani Warmi Kichwa Interpretation Center, where a group of Kichwa women will speak and share about their customs, cuisine and daily life. They have created the center in order to showcase their culture. The visit to the Sani Warmi community is a unique opportunity to learn about Amazonian lifestyles along the Napo River. You will also have the opportunity to buy handmade crafts, local products and souvenirs. We will enjoy lunch on board, as we navigate to Puerto Pedro.
Before sunset, we will visit the Añangu Tower, which offers great photograph opportunities after climbing a ceibo tree and enjoy an astonishing view of the Amazon from its wooden tower. This is a great opportunity to do birdwatching activities. Wether permiting and as an optional excursion, a stop at the Yakukawsay Kichwa Interpretation Centre, and end with an interesting evening walk through the forest (depending on accessibility, river water levels and weather conditions). Our trip into Ecuadorian Amazon, ends here, as we will begin our trip back to Itaya. Our last night in the Ecuadorian Amazon, will enjoy a farewell cocktail with all our staff.
DAY 5 : RETURN
OUR PROGRAM INCLUDES
- Transportation to and from El Coca airport and M/V Manatee.
- Accommodation on board.
- Scheduled visits according to the itinerary with a certified naturalist guide.
- Unlimited supply of hot water, coffee and tea.
- All meals on board.
OUR PROGRAM DOES NOT INCLUDES NE COMPREND PAS
-
Transportation to and from Quito airport.
- Air Ticket Quito - Coca - Quito ($170 per person - subject to change).
- Admission to communities and parks ($50 per person - subject to change).
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Tips.
- Wi-Fi Internet.
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not specified in the program.
ITINERARY 8 DAYS
JOUR 1 : QUITO – COCA – NAPO RIVER
Departure from Quito. A short 30-minute flight takes us to the frontier town of El Coca (Francisco de Orellana) – and transfer to the dock, where we will embark on a motorized canoe and navigate down river about 1 hour, to board the M/V MANATEE AMAZON CRUISES.
Since safety on board is of upmost importance, our navigation will not begin until a safety evacuation drill has been completed. Throughout the journey we have a chance to admire the rainforest landscape and sand banks of the great Napo River.
Immediately after boarding the M/V Manatee, we continue navigating downstream. This will be the first of many opportunities passengers will have to enjoy the exciting features of our cruise ship: the spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and an observation deck that offers spectacular views.
Once you have comfortably settled into the M/V Manatee, we will be joined by local tour/- nature guides who will give us a complete and condensed introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Following this Amazonian induction, we will enjoy dinner under the mesmerizing sunset. An evening walk is organized after sunset; giving us the opportunity to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity while listening to the incessant sounds of nature.
DAY 2 : THE SMALLEST MONKEY IN THE WORLD - PYGMY MARMOSET
After navigating for a couple of hours, we will have a special and intimate encounter with the Pygmy Marmoset. This is perhaps the smallest primate in the Amazon and even in the world, weighting just over 100 grams. After you have taken pictures that will last a lifetime, we will visit Nuevo Rocafuerte. Here you will learn about first mestizo who settled in the Ecuadorian Amazon, their culture, and the interesting objects found here such as: rubber, gold, and leather.
We will then enjoy a lunch onboard, with distinct and delicious flavors only found in the Amazon. We will continue navigating on the Napo River to later change to the Aguarico River (which empties into the Napo River and runs along the Ecuadorian-Peruvian Border) In the late afternoon, we will visit Cocaya, where we will again be able to have an on-hands encounter with the Amazon wildlife, only this time, with dolphins. In Cocaya we will also explore some creeks, around sunset we will return to the New M/V Manatee and will spend the night on the Aguarico River.
DAY 3 : EXPLORE THE AGUARICO RIVER
At sunrise breakfast, will be served and enjoyed on board. This is the perfect opportunity to spend time at the top the observation deck to enjoy the wonderful sensory experience offered by the cruise navigation.
A morning walk will be offered after breakfast. This walk will be filled with adventure and knowledge provided by the rich history of the Amazon.
The New M/V Manatee continues rowing upstream to the final destination of the night, River of Caimans.
DAY 4 : COCOFAN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY ENCOUNTER
In the morning we will have the opportunity to engage in a wonderful kayaking adventure along the river shores and encounter unique species within a few meters of our kayaks.
There will be a tasting of Casabe, a thousand-year-old recipe that has endured the test of time. Casabe is a flat tortilla made of the native cassava.
Lunch will be enjoyed as we return to Rocafuerte aboard the New M/V Manatee. As we navigate through the enchanting river, we will serve a BBQ style dinner aboard.
After dinner, you can rest for the exciting day ahead, or enjoy some of the amenities the cruise ship has to offer.
DAY 5 : YASUNÍ - THE MOST BIODIVERSE NATIONAL PARK
Our adventure begins bright and early in order to explore the notorious Yasuni National Park.
We will try to cover a significant extension of the national park that holds, “The Most diverse biosphere on Earth.”
After spending the entire morning in the Yasuni National Park, lunch awaits on board the New M/V Manatee. After lunch we will visit the Oraco Family which is a Quechua house where you can learn about their traditions and lifestyle. In the evening, we offer various optional activities including: a cooking class inspired by the rich cultures of the Amazonia.
In the afternoon we will offer our guests the option to enjoy kayaking activities and discover incredible species at the river shores. The optional activities are definitely ones you do not want to miss!
DAY 6 : DISCOVER WARMI YUTURI - PAÑAYACU RIVER
Lunch on board the new M/V Manatee. We will continue our navigation upstream to the Pañayacu River delta; take a canoe trip up the river to experience the sights of this fascinating reserve.
Passengers will be given the option of kayaking in the river and/or camp in Pañacocha. In the afternoon, we will head out on exploration trails, and return onboard for a delicious Amazon-style BBQ meal.
DAY 7 : WOMEN COMUNITY SANI WARMI KICHWA
Option 1:
Breakfast on board. Visit to the Sani Warmi Kichwa Interpretation Center, where a group of Kichwa women will speak of their customs, cuisine and everyday life. They have created the center in order to showcase their culture, and it is a unique opportunity to learn about Amazonian lifestyles along the Napo River. You will also have the opportunity to buy crafts, local products and souvenirs.
Option 2:
Early morning visit to watch the most amazing spectacles this side of western Amazon is known fpor, the parrot clay licks. These unique pools of mud become rich in minerals and attract hundreds of parrots, parakeets and amazons every day. If weather permits, we will have a chance to marvel at this astonishing natural phenomenon. Breakfast upon return to the new M/V Manatee.
Afternoon we will visit a canopy Tower. We are gifted with the spectacular view at the top the tower of the Rainforest. Dinner on board.
JOUR 8 : RETURN
OUR PROGRAM INCLUDES
- Transportation to and from El Coca airport and M/V Manatee.
- Accommodation on board.
- Scheduled visits according to the itinerary with a certified naturalist guide.
- Unlimited supply of hot water, coffee and tea.
- All meals on board.
OUR PROGRAM DOES NOT INCLUDES NE COMPREND PAS
-
Transportation to and from Quito airport.
- Air Ticket Quito - Coca - Quito ($170 per person - subject to change).
- Admission to communities and parks ($50 per person - subject to change).
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Tips.
- Wi-Fi Internet.
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not specified in the program.
DECKS PLAN
ACTIVITIES