Magical Jungle River Cruise on the Manatee Amazon Explorer

• Airport assistance in Quito and Coca*
• Transportation Coca Airport – Manatee Amazon Explorer – Coca Airport
• Onboard accommodation
• All meals during the tour
• Purified water, coffee and tea
• Excursions with a licensed bilingual guide (English/Spanish)
• Use of rain ponchos, rubber boots and lifejackets
• Exclusive access to the VIP lounge in Coca city (before and after the cruise)*

*Only applies when the flights are booked together with the cruise

• Flight ticket Quito – Coca – Quito ($250 per person**, should be booked together with the cruise)
• Additional beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
• Contribution to local communities
  • $70 per person on 3- and 4-night cruises**
  • $80 per person on 7-night cruises**
• Tips
• Wi-Fi internet
• Any services and activities not previously specified
  • Optional glamping activity ($500 per person per night)
• VAT for Ecuadorian travelers

** prices are subject to change

• Identification (passport or ID card)
• Fast-drying slacks
• Long-sleeved shirts of fast-drying materials
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Thongs or sandals
• Rain jacket
• Long socks for rubber boots
• Hat with a brim
• Bandana to cover the back of your neck from the sun
• Bathing suits
• Sun block (SPF30 or higher)
• Lip balm (SPF30 or higher)
• Insect repellent
• Multi-purpose zip-lock bags
• Reusable water bottle
• Flashlight
• Binoculars

Day 1 – Friday: Your adventure begins in the city of Quito, Capital of Ecuador. After taking a short 45-minute flight from Quito to the Amazon city of Coca, located in the Orellana Province, you will be transferred to the dock and board our motorized canoe to begin your 90-minute journey down the river, taking in the first sights and sounds of the Amazon. Soon, you will reach the Manatee Amazon Explorer and receive our welcome aboard.

Once we have settled into the Manatee Amazon Explorer, you will be joined by expert local naturalist guides who will provide you with a brief and informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Afterwards, guests will have their first opportunity to discover the exciting features of our cruise ship: spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and the observation deck that allows you to admire the changing rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River.

After dinner, you will have the opportunity for an optional excursion to plunge straight into the Amazon rainforest by going for a nighttime forest walk to observe the forest’s nocturnal activity and experience the thrill of the vivid noises and aromas that come from so much biodiversity.

Day 2 – Saturday: You’ll continue to travel downstream to the Pañayacu River delta, where you will take a canoe trip to experience the sights of this fascinating water reserve. Pañacocha Lake is an ecosystem flooded by black-waters. Pañacocha means “Piranha Lake” in the native Kichwa language. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to 9 species of primates, 500 species of birds and more than 100 fish species. This is the perfect habitat for piranhas, paiches (one of the largest freshwater fishes in the world) and the white caiman.

In this little piece of paradise, you will participate in nature walks led by our local naturalist guides, and relax at a nearby campsite where you’ll enjoy a delicious Amazon-style BBQ with refreshing beverages.

After lunch, you’ll do some kayaking, and the bravest among us can enjoy a nice refreshing swim in Piranha Lake! We promise it’s not as dangerous as it sounds! Back on board the Manatee Amazon Explorer, you will have the opportunity to attend a lecture given by our concierge and watch an educational documentary about the region.

Day 3 – Sunday: 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 other Amazon birds every day.
Later in the afternoon, you will visit a Kichwa Cultural Center, where you’ll 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 – Monday: 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 (90 minutes ride approximately).

Day 1 – Monday: Your adventure begins in the city of Quito, Capital of Ecuador. After taking a short 45-minute flight from Quito to the Amazon city of Coca, located in the Orellana Province, you will be transferred to the dock and board our motorized canoe to begin our 90-minute journey down the river, taking in the first sights and sounds of the Amazon. Soon, you will reach the Manatee Amazon Explorer and receive our welcome aboard.

Once we have settled into the Manatee Amazon Explorer, you will be joined by expert local naturalist guides who will provide you with a brief and informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Afterwards, you’ll have your first opportunity to discover the exciting features of our cruise ship: spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and the observation deck that allows you to admire the changing rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River.

After dinner, you will have the opportunity for an optional excursion to plunge straight into the Amazon rainforest by going for a nighttime forest walk to observe the forest’s nocturnal activity and experience the thrill of the vivid noises and aromas that come from so much biodiversity.

Day 2 – Tuesday: After a delicious breakfast, you will go on a motorized canoe to spend some time exploring one of the larger islands where you’ll be able to see eagles, oropendolas, woodpeckers, and many other birds. You will then board the Manatee Amazon Explorer for lunch and enjoy the onboard experiences such as spectacular views of ever-changing scenery from the relaxing comfort of the Amazon hot tub, a delicious cocktail at the bar and lounge, or the breathtaking landscapes from the observation deck.

Later in the afternoon, you will visit Yasuní National Park, a pristine and relatively undisturbed region of the Ecuadorian Amazon. You’ll be pleased to learn that this is the home of the legendary pink river dolphin! In this area, we can also find anacondas, river turtles and various primate species, as well as the colorful hoatzin, a unique bird that is known locally as the stinky turkey.
You will also have the opportunity to visit and share in traditions with the Secoyas, a minority community that lives near Yasuní.

Day 3 – Wednesday: You will start the day off by visiting an authentic Kichwa family located on the banks of the Napo River, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community.

You will then board the Manatee Amazon Explorer for some leisure time as we continue our navigation upstream. You will be delighted with our onboard activities that include a cooking lesson with our expert chef who will share recipes and techniques using fresh and organic ingredients to prepare exquisite traditional Ecuadorian food that you can replicate at home. After lunch, you will also be invited to try your hand at making traditional handicrafts and attend an ancestral cultures lecture with one of our local guides.

In case you are more on the active side, a kayaking activity is the best choice to explore the surrounding nature. If you are feeling adventurous, you may also be interested in our camping program as an alternative way to explore this enchanting destination.

Day 4 – Thursday: Today, you’ll have the morning time to relax and enjoy the Manatee Amazon Explorer at your leisure. Later in the morning, you will disembark to visit an observation tower in the rainforest canopy, which offers astonishing 360-degree vistas. 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. This is the perfect photo opportunity! Birdwatchers and bird-lovers alike will especially enjoy this outing.

In the afternoon, you will 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. A kayak activity is also available to explore this area. Back on board the Manatee Amazon Explorer, you will be delighted with an exquisite farewell dinner.

Day 5 – Friday: 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 (90 minutes ride approximately).

Itineraries are possible starting on Friday or Monday, combining the above programs.