8 Days Itinerary
Some 60 million years ago, South America was an enormous island, partly submerged in the Atlantic. The Amazon River flowed west, as the Andes rose majestically eons later. Life gathered in isolated patches, like Noah's Ark, bearing the promise of continuity. Salt water retreated to the sea, rains clashed against mountain slopes, and the Panamanian land bridge gave way to genetic transactions with the North. The result? The greatest orchestration of life ever heard on Earth - whose symphonies delight the spirit as its rainbow of colors come alive with what scientists call "biodiversity". What's more, not even the most outlandish imagination, nor the most sophisticated multimedia equipment, could ever emulate this "divinely computerized programming".
In 1541, the very first Europeans set out from Quito to explore these dense jungles east of this ancient Incan capital in search of gold and cinnamon. Not the jungle or the natives ever revealed where the precious metal of "El Dorado" was to be found, as they floated for 800 miles down the Napo to come upon what they thought to be the Atlantic. But it wasn't the Atlantic - yet. It was the Great Amazon River, fed by over a thousand tributaries that emptied one third of the Planet's fresh water into the sea!
Day 1 Quito – Coca – Yasuní National Park
Depart from Quito in the morning (8:30 am), flight to Francisco de
Orellana (Coca), arriving to Coca at around 09:00. Transfer to the Napo River port
then the motorized canoe ride downstream will be approximately two
hours, during the trip we will provide of a box lunch and important
information about the region. Once on board the Manatee Amazon Explorer
will start navigating down the Napo River for the whole afternoon. At
night our first live experience with the Ecuadorian Amazon basin will begin (night walk or canoe ride will depend on the river level, climatic conditions, wildlife behavior and accessibility to a location)
Day 2 Visiting the Yasuní National Park
On the second day of our cruise, we will explore one of the fantastic tributaries of the Napo River that comes from the core of the Yasuní National Park. At this river, we will navigate upstream in search of the evasive Giant River Otter, the mysterious Jaguar and the timid Spider Monkey.
After our return from the excursion, the manatee will continue its
navigation to arrive near the international boundary with Peru. At night, there will be an excursion into the Yasuní N.P. to look for large rodents like Capybaras and reptiles of the night like Caimans (South American alligators). We may stay camping overnight to enjoy the jungle at night.
Day 3 Peruvian Border & Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
After a morning excursion to observe plants, birds and more wildlife in the Yasuní N.P. The Manatee will navigate into the Aguarico River, the largest tributary of the Napo River to get through the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, one of the highlights of our exploration. On our way to Cuyabeno, we will visit a Peruvian town and meet local people.
Day 4 Cuyabeno W. R. – The Forest Dwellers
A full day visit to the Indian Community
will give as an idea of how indigenous people live in the forest. At
the community, a local guide accompanied by our expedition leaders will
enlighten you with the use of plants for medicinal use and other
purposes. After a walk, you will stop at a local house where these true
forest dwellers will bring into the light their way of life and
traditions. This will be an opportunity to buy handicrafts made by the local people. There will be plenty of traditional food and hospitality.
Day 5 Cuyabeno W. R. - Lagartococha
This remote area is accessible to you only through the Lagarto (Alligator) River, a black water river surrounded by freshwater mangroves (Coussapoa trinervia), Macrolobium trees, and Palm trees adapted to flooding conditions. Lagartococha (Alligator Lake) is not one but a system of lakes situated along the Ecuadorian-Peruvian boundary. This black water system is the home of the legendary Pink River Dolphins, River Turtles, Black Caimans and the enigmatic Amazon Manatee. Moreover, if we look at the vegetation on the shores, we may well see Red Howler Monkeys, Three-toed Sloth, the leaf-eating bird locally
known as Stinky Turkey (Hoatzin) and other wildlife. The canoe trip
upstream will reveal the overwhelming beauty of this aquatic region. An
overnight in the forest could be arranged for this day.
Day 6 Navigation and exploration along the Napo River
From this day, we will start our return to the point where we boarded
the Manatee Amazon Explorer for the first time. There will be
navigation throughout the entire day to relax and observe the Napo River banks,
the forest and perhaps some wildlife. Late in the afternoon, after a
relaxed morning, we will explore the Napo River banks and tropical river islands in quest of birds like the ornamented Umbrella Bird, the colorful Blue-Gray Tanagers, Kingbirds, Social Flycatchers and many more.
Day 7 Navigation along the Napo River – Pañacocha (Piranha Lake) Protected Forest
We will continue our navigation upstream to arrive at the mouth of the Pañayacu (Piranha River).
After arrival, there will be a canoe trip through the Piranha River to
see the sights of this interesting protected forest. There is a
possibility to observe Pink River Dolphins, the agile Common Squirrel Monkeys
and much more. The Piranha Lake area, contrary to Lagartococha, is an
ecosystem flooded by white waters. The rivers and lakes of that place
are perfect habitat for the infamous Piranha, the Water Monkey Fish (Arawana) and White Caimans. At night, there will be an optional excursion to explore the forest and river banks.
Day 8 Yasuní N. P. – CICAME museum and return home
The Manatee Amazon Explore will arrive to the point were we started our
adventure. Early morning, we will visit the most accessible Parrot and Parakeet clay licks in Ecuador. There are blinds or hides to watch and enjoy this nature show so close! It is difficult to imagine hundreds, sometimes thousands of parrots and parakeets coming all together at once into the clay licks. This area is also located inside of the Yasuní N.P. Early afternoon visit the CICAME Archeological Museum that preserves pottery from the Omagua Culture,
one of the first forest pre-Columbian residents of the Napo River
basin. After the visit continue to the city of Coca to take the flight
back to Quito.
Important Notes:
1. You must wear a life vest during all boat and canoe trips.
2. Trained naturalist Guides offer advice, give informative talks and conduct all excursions.
3. There is an entrance fee to Yasuni National Park of USD 20 per
person (subject to change) and must be paid by passengers directly.
4. The programs described are subject to change without notice, and can
be operated in different sequences depending on climatic and
operational conditions. All decisions are oriented in terms of
passengers interest and safety.
5. For your comfort, bottled water is supplied during your stay, free of charge.
6. All meals are included in the cost of the program. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are available at extra cost.
7. Electricity is 110 volts
Hike on terra firmae forest
This hike will lead us under the gigantic trees, for a close view of the rain forest floor to see how the lower plants complete for sunlight, among vines and epiphytes, observing the flowers and fruits that are the nourishment of the animals and birds.
Swimming
There are plenty of opportunities to swim in the Amazon basin’s rivers and lakes; or just go into the water to freshen up and relax.
Night excursions
Whether by paddle canoe or short walk, the feel of the tropical rain forest at night is an entirely different experience.
Short or medium Length walks
Are included daily in the Amazon rain forest. One of the walks will be accompanied by a native guide, who will introduce you to the secrets of the medicinal plants and their applications.
Canoe trips
This wide, white water river, which itself flows into the Amazon. The dense, green walls of gallery forest are broken occasionally by the small holding of the Quichua settlements as you navigate downstream. The canoe trips along the rivers are excellent opportunities for viewing parrots, macaws, and herons and rivers turtles.
Paddle native canoes
There are many opportunities if you wish to paddle native canoes on the small black water rivers and lakes, alone or in small groups.
Explore small rivers
By motor canoe the small river’s still waters observing the vegetation of its banks: huge kapok and palm trees. The surprising pink dolphins may appear at any bend of the river. This is a great place to spot toucans, parrots, eagles and many other birds.
Bird watching
Birdwatchers are offered the opportunity of early morning outings – the best time, when the birds are very active. This is an optional activity, with no extra cost.
Conferences by naturalist guides
Each evening, the naturalist guides will discuss different topics related to the Amazon rain forest. Its flora, fauna, bird life, native communities and many other subjects.
5 Days ItinerarySome 60 million years ago, South America was an enormous island, partly submerged in the Atlantic. The Amazon River flowed west, as the Andes rose majestically eons later. Life gathered in isolated patches, like Noah's Ark, bearing the promise of continuity. Salt water retreated to the sea, rains clashed against mountain slopes, and the Panamanian land bridge gave way to genetic transactions with the North. The result? The greatest orchestration of life ever heard on Earth - whose symphonies delight the spirit as its rainbow of colors come alive with what scientists call "biodiversity". What's more, not even the most outlandish imagination, nor the most sophisticated multimedia equipment, could ever emulate this "divinely computerized programming".
In 1541, the very first Europeans set out from Quito to explore these dense jungles east of this ancient Incan capital in search of gold and cinnamon. Not the jungle or the natives ever revealed where the precious metal of "El Dorado" was to be found, as they floated for 800 miles down the Napo to come upon what they thought to be the Atlantic. But it wasn't the Atlantic - yet. It was the Great Amazon River, fed by over a thousand tributaries that emptied one third of the Planet's fresh water into the sea!
Day 1: Monday - Quito / Manatee Amazon Explorer
Depart from Quito in the morning (11:00), flight to Francisco de Orellana (Coca), arriving to Coca at around 12:00. Transfer to the Napo River port
then the motorized canoe ride downstream will be approximately one hour
and 30 minutes. Once aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer will start
navigating downstream. The courteous crew will attend to your needs and
the guides will introduce you to the surprising Amazon world, its
people, more than 600 species of birds, and hundreds of botanical
wonders. The Manatee sails along different ecosystems and important natural reserves such as the Yasuní National Park and the Limoncocha Biological Reserve.
Day 2: Tuesday - Terra Firmae Forest, Lakes and Gorges
Morning disembarkation for a stroll on terra firmae forest, towards an internal lagoon on the Yasuni National Park, observing the different ecosystems and accompanied by the naturalist guide. The excursion includes the opportunity to swim and fish for the famous piranha, time to rest and lunch. The return to the mighty Napo River will be on board a native canoe, rowing along a small black water creek or gorge.
Day 3: Wednesday - Parrot Lick and the Limoncocha Biological Reserve
Early departure by motor canoe to visit a very special corner of the jungle, the clay banks of the river where different species of parrots gather daily
to eat this clay that helps them digest the seeds they feed on, it is
quite a sight, colorful and noisy! Then, back aboard the Manatee to
sail upriver and reach one of the tributaries of the Napo to observe
the flora and fauna, the surprising pygmy monkeys and
then a trek to the facilities of what used to be South America's Summer
Institute of Linguistics in Limoncocha, currently the only Biological
Reserve of Ecuador. Upon reaching the Limoncocha Lake, we will board a canoe and travel along the banks of this marshy ecosystem, where over 470 species of birds have been recorded. There is a possibility to fish for piranha, and for a short walk. At night, it is possible to observe the black caimans that inhabit the lagoon; quite an experience... Late return to the Manatee for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Thursday - Culture / The Amazonian man / Giants of the Forest
The adventure today begins with a visit to the Museum of Pompeya, a small archaeological sample with Amazonian funeral urns that date back several centuries, as well as utensils and ways of life of the ancient denizens of the rain forest, which can still be seen today. We will also have the opportunity to see the giant trees of the Amazon, like the kapok, which rises over the forest canopy to more than 80 meters high, with huge, protrading roots. Guests can also try rowing the canoes on a tranquil tributary of the Napo River up to the house of a native family, to share a moment with them and learn their ways of life.
Day 5: Friday - Francisco de Orellana - Quito
The Return While the Manatee navigates upriver, the guides wrap up our knowledge of the great Amazon region. Then transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito. Note: Every night there will be additional activities
such as conferences, review of the flora and fauna and night outings.
This itinerary is subject to change for safety and technical reasons.
1. You must wear a life vest during all boat and canoe trips.
2. Trained naturalist Guides offer advice, give informative talks and conduct all excursions.
3. There is an entrance fee to Yasuni National Park of USD 20 per
person (subject to change) and must be paid by passengers directly.
4. The programs described are subject to change without notice, and can
be operated in different sequences depending on climatic and
operational conditions. All decisions are oriented in terms of
passengers interest and safety.
5. For your comfort, bottled water is supplied during your stay, free of charge.
6. All meals are included in the cost of the program. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are available at extra cost.
7. Electricity is 110 volts
Hike on terra firmae forest
This hike will lead us under the gigantic trees, for a close view of the rain forest floor to see how the lower plants complete for sunlight, among vines and epiphytes, observing the flowers and fruits that are the nourishment of the animals and birds.
There are plenty of opportunities to swim in the Amazon basin’s rivers and lakes; or just go into the water to freshen up and relax.
Whether by paddle canoe or short walk, the feel of the tropical rain forest at night is an entirely different experience.
Are included daily in the Amazon rain forest. One of the walks will be accompanied by a native guide, who will introduce you to the secrets of the medicinal plants and their applications.
This wide, white water river, which itself flows into the Amazon. The dense, green walls of gallery forest are broken occasionally by the small holding of the Quichua settlements as you navigate downstream. The canoe trips along the rivers are excellent opportunities for viewing parrots, macaws, and herons and rivers turtles.
There are many opportunities if you wish to paddle native canoes on the small black water rivers and lakes, alone or in small groups.
By motor canoe the small river’s still waters observing the vegetation of its banks: huge kapok and palm trees. The surprising pink dolphins may appear at any bend of the river. This is a great place to spot toucans, parrots, eagles and many other birds.
Birdwatchers are offered the opportunity of early morning outings – the best time, when the birds are very active. This is an optional activity, with no extra cost.
Conferences by naturalist guides
Each evening, the naturalist guides will discuss different topics related to the Amazon rain forest. Its flora, fauna, bird life, native communities and many other subjects.
4 days ItinerarySome 60 million years ago, South America was an enormous island, partly submerged in the Atlantic. The Amazon River flowed west, as the Andes rose majestically eons later. Life gathered in isolated patches, like Noah's Ark, bearing the promise of continuity. Salt water retreated to the sea, rains clashed against mountain slopes, and the Panamanian land bridge gave way to genetic transactions with the North. The result? The greatest orchestration of life ever heard on Earth - whose symphonies delight the spirit as its rainbow of colors come alive with what scientists call "biodiversity". What's more, not even the most outlandish imagination, nor the most sophisticated multimedia equipment, could ever emulate this "divinely computerized programming".
In 1541, the very first Europeans set out from Quito to explore these dense jungles east of this ancient Incan capital in search of gold and cinnamon. Not the jungle or the natives ever revealed where the precious metal of "El Dorado" was to be found, as they floated for 800 miles down the Napo to come upon what they thought to be the Atlantic. But it wasn't the Atlantic - yet. It was the Great Amazon River, fed by over a thousand tributaries that emptied one third of the Planet's fresh water into the sea!
Day 1: Friday - Quito / Manatee Amazon Explorer
Depart from Quito in the morning (11:00), flight to Francisco de Orellana (Coca), arriving to Coca at around 12:00. Transfer to the Napo River port
then the motorized canoe ride downstream will be approximately one hour
and 30 minutes. Once aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer will start
navigating downstream. The courteous crew will attend to your needs and
the guides will introduce you to the surprising Amazon world, its
people, more than 600 species of birds, and hundreds of botanical wonders.
The Manatee sails along different ecosystems and important natural
reserves such as the Yasuní National Park and the Limoncocha Biological
Reserve.
Day 2: Saturday - Parrot lick and the Limoncocha Biological Reserve
Early departure by motor canoe to visit a very special corner of the jungle, the clay banks of the river where different species of parrots gather
daily to eat this clay that helps them digest the seeds they feed on,
it is quite a sight, colorful and noisy! Then, back aboard the Manatee
to sail upriver and reach one of the tributaries of the Napo to observe the flora and fauna, the surprising pygmy monkeys
and then a trek to the facilities of what used to be South America's
Summer Institute of Linguistics in Limoncocha, currently the only
Biological Reserve of Ecuador. Upon reaching the Limoncocha Lake, we will board a canoe and travel along the banks of this marshy ecosystem, where over 470 species of birds have been recorded. There is a possibility to fish for piranha, and for a short walk. At night, it is possible to observe the black caimans that inhabit the lagoon; quite an experience... Late return to the Manatee for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Sunday - Culture / The Amazonian man / Giants of the Forest
The adventure today begins with a visit to the Museum of Pompeya, a small archaeological sample with Amazonian funeral urns that date back several centuries, as well as utensils and ways of life of the ancient denizens of the rain forest, which can still be seen today. We will also have the opportunity to see the giant trees of the Amazon, like the kapok, which rises over the forest canopy to more than 80 meters high, with huge, protrading roots. Guests can also try rowing the canoes on a tranquil tributary of the Napo River up to the house of a native family, to share a moment with them and learn their ways of life.
Day 4: Monday - Francisco de Orellana / Quito
The Return While the Manatee navigates upriver, the guides wrap up our knowledge of the great Amazon region. Then transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito. Note: Every night there will be additional activities
such as conferences, review of the flora and fauna and night outings.
This itinerary is subject to change for safety and technical reasons.
1. You must wear a life vest during all boat and canoe trips.
2. Trained naturalist Guides offer advice, give informative talks and conduct all excursions.
3. There is an entrance fee to Yasuni National Park of USD 20 per
person (subject to change) and must be paid by passengers directly.
4. The programs described are subject to change without notice, and can
be operated in different sequences depending on climatic and
operational conditions. All decisions are oriented in terms of
passengers interest and safety.
5. For your comfort, bottled water is supplied during your stay, free of charge.
6. All meals are included in the cost of the program. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are available at extra cost.
7. Electricity is 110 volts
This hike will lead us under the gigantic trees, for a close view of the rain forest floor to see how the lower plants complete for sunlight, among vines and epiphytes, observing the flowers and fruits that are the nourishment of the animals and birds.
There are plenty of opportunities to swim in the Amazon basin’s rivers and lakes; or just go into the water to freshen up and relax.
Whether by paddle canoe or short walk, the feel of the tropical rain forest at night is an entirely different experience.
Are included daily in the Amazon rain forest. One of the walks will be accompanied by a native guide, who will introduce you to the secrets of the medicinal plants and their applications.
This wide, white water river, which itself flows into the Amazon. The dense, green walls of gallery forest are broken occasionally by the small holding of the Quichua settlements as you navigate downstream. The canoe trips along the rivers are excellent opportunities for viewing parrots, macaws, and herons and rivers turtles.
There are many opportunities if you wish to paddle native canoes on the small black water rivers and lakes, alone or in small groups.
By motor canoe the small river’s still waters observing the vegetation of its banks: huge kapok and palm trees. The surprising pink dolphins may appear at any bend of the river. This is a great place to spot toucans, parrots, eagles and many other birds.
Birdwatchers are offered the opportunity of early morning outings – the best time, when the birds are very active. This is an optional activity, with no extra cost.
Each evening, the naturalist guides will discuss different topics related to the Amazon rain forest. Its flora, fauna, bird life, native communities and many other subjects.