Manatee Explorer Amazon Cruise

Our representatives will assist our guests at the airport 1.5 hours before the flight departure. They will provide boarding passes and original vouchers to all our guests at the airline counter. In case of emergency please contact mobile number (099 966 6069)

Departure from Quito. A short 30-minute flight takes us to the frontier town of Coca (Francisco de Orellana) – and transfer to the dock, where we will embark on a motorized canoe and navigate down river about 1 ½ hour, to board the M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer. Throughout the journey we have a chance to admire the rainforest landscape and banks of the great Napo River.

Immediately after boarding the M/V Manatee, we continue navigating downstream. Passengers will have their first opportunities to enjoy the exciting features of our cruise ship: the spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and an observation deck that offers spectacular views. An evening walk is organized after sunset; it gives us the opportunity to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity and listen to the incessant sounds of nature.

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.

After breakfast on board, weather permitting, we will have a chance to marvel at an astonishing natural phenomenon as we set out to visit one of the most amazing spectacles located on this side of the western Amazonia, known as Parrot Clay Licks. These unique pools of mud are rich in minerals and attract hundreds of parrots, parakeets and amazon birds every day.

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. These women created the center in order to showcase their culture. The visit to the Sani Warmi community is a unique opportunity to learn about Amazonian lifestyle along the Napo River. You will also have the opportunity to buy handmade crafts, local products and souvenirs.

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.

In the morning, disembark the M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer and transfer by motorized canoe to Coca (1 ½ hour ride); flight to Quito.