Manatee Amazon Explorer Cruise

Depart in the morning from Quito on a short 30-minute flight to Coca (Francisco de Orellana). Transfer to the Río Napo port and then journey by motorized canoe downstream (approximately 1.5 hours) to board the Manatee Amazon Explorer. Once on board, you’ll start navigating down the Napo River while you enjoy the spacious social areas and observation deck that offers spectacular views. An evening walk is organized after sunset for an opportunity to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity and listen to the incessant sounds of nature.

Continue navigating downstream to reach the Pañayacu River delta. After arrival, take a canoe through the Piranha River to see the sights of this interesting protected forest. Keep lookout for pink river dolphins, common squirrel monkeys and much more. Pañacocha (Piranha Lake, in Quechua) is an ecosystem flooded by white waters. The rivers and lakes here are the perfect habitat for the infamous piranha, as well as water monkey fish (Arawana) and white caiman. After a refreshing swim (for the courageous!), enjoy a delicious Amazon-style BBQ and a cold drink at a nearby camping site. In the afternoon, head out on exploration trails and return on board for dinner.

Enjoy breakfast on board then set out to visit one of the most amazing spectacles this side of western Amazonia known as the parrot licks. These unique pools of mud become rich in minerals and attract hundreds of parrots, parakeets and amazon birds every day. If weather permits, you will have a chance to marvel at this astonishing natural phenomenon.

Later visit the Quechua Cultural Center to learn about Amazon communities including 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. Also enjoy the opportunity to buy crafts, local products and souvenirs. Before sunset, visit an observation tower in the rainforest canopy, which offers an astonishing 360-degree view of the Amazon basin and is the perfect photo opportunity. Birdwatchers and bird-lovers delight.

Begin the day kayaking along the Indillama River, one of the Napo River’s tributaries, which leads into Yasuni National Park. Kayaks are smooth and silent, providing the very best opportunity to observe wildlife. Canoes can also be used to travel in search of more wildlife. The choice is yours. In these waters, you will find yourself surrounded by lush greenery. After an adventure-filled day, consider taking advantage of the observation deck to relax and experience a magical view under the stars. For those feeling energetic, choose to unwind with a night walk through the jungle to observe nocturnal creatures.

Early in the morning, visit the Yasuni National Park. This is a pristine and relatively undisturbed region of the Ecuadorian Amazon, and the home of the legendary pink river dolphin. In this area there are also anacondas, river turtles and various primate species, as well as the colorful Hoatzin, a unique bird that is known locally as the “Stinky Turkey.” In the afternoon, go canoeing in a blackwater lake, home to giant otters and the magnificent, albeit elusive manatee. Also enjoy a pleasant hike in the Riparian/Gallery Forest, where you may spot a flock of birds and marvel at the intricate organization of a colony of leaf-cutter ants by the “Giant Fig Tree,” a truly majestic tree that is home to an abundance of wildlife, much like the “Giant Kapok Tree.”

Start the day off by visiting an authentic Quechua family located on the banks of the Napo River for a taste of cultural immersion and the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community. Then board the M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer for lunch and some leisure time as the ship continues its journey upstream. At this time, you are invited to participate in a cooking class with the onboard chef who will share recipes and techniques for preparing exquisite traditional Ecuadorian food that you can replicate at home. Guests are also invited to try their hands at making traditional handicrafts or enjoy the onboard facilities such as: a relaxing massage at the Rainforest Spa, a spectacular ever-changing scenery view from the hot tub, a delicious cocktail at the bar and lounge or just admire the amazing sunset followed by stargazing at night from the observation deck lounge. For the more active guest a kayaking activity is the best choice to explore.

Relax and enjoy the M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer during the morning and then 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 an observation tower built against a giant kapok tree. From the top of the tower, take in this unique perspective of the forest, looming over the treetops and the greatness of the Amazon Basin. In the evening, bravely venture into the river on a canoe to search for black caimans with the help of flashlights.

Enjoy breakfast on board the Manatee Amazon Explorer. Then take the 1.5-hour canoe ride upstream to return to the city of Coca for the flight back to Quito.

Included

Transportation to and from the Coca airport and M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer when arriving on recommended flights; onboard accommodation; all meals on board; unlimited supply of water, coffee and tea; guided excursions and programmed visits according to itinerary with a certified naturalist guide.

Exclusions

Transportation to and from Quito airport; air tickets package from Quito to Coca to Quito ($230 per person in 2019 & 2020), which includes private & personalized assistance at both airports, transfers to/from the vessels, exclusive access to VIP Lounge before and after cruise with complimentary coffee, tea, water and light snacks; alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; tips and gratuities; personal expenses; community entrance fee (in 2019 & 2020: $80 per person 8-Day); internet due to the remote area of navigation, satellite internet is only available in certain zones and during certain times; it may be purchased for the price of $15 for the entire duration of the cruise); insurance of any kind; and any other service not mentioned herein. All prices are subject to change without notice.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required at the time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 61 days – 100% of deposit
60 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations’ Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Manatee Amazon Explorer Cruise begins and ends in Quito, Ecuador (UIO). Plan flights to arrive to Quito one day prior to embarkation day. Plan flights to depart Quito no earlier than 2:00pm on weekdays and 6:00pm on weekends. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

The Mantee Amazon Explorer Cruise has a required flight between Quito and Coca on the first and final day of the itinerary. AdventureSmith arranges your flights to Coca (not included in cruise rate) after your booking has been made. Coca-Quito flight schedules vary, so check with AdventureSmith Explorations for details on your particular departure. There is a luggage weight limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) total for two pieces of checked luggage and 22 lbs (10 kg) for one piece of carry-on baggage on the flights between Quito and Coca.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more active outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include jungle walks, skiff or canoe rides, birdwatching, indigenous community immersion, canopy observation, kayaking, cooking lessons and swimming opportunities.

Optional glamping (glamorous camping) is available for up to 8 passengers ($250 per person in 2019 & 2020; minimum of 2 passengers). Sleep in a spacious tent with room for standing, a zippered door and comfortable raised bed. Gourmet meals, champagne and hot showers are available after an exciting nature walk. In the evening, a local guide tells stories about adventures and the way of life in the magical Amazon region. In the morning, go for a kayak excursion on the river and observe incredible wildlife before breakfast and your return to the Manatee Amazon Explorer ship.

Room Configuration

Single and triple accommodations may be available on request and based on availability.

2019 Rates:
Standard Suite Single: 8-day $5900
Standard Suite Triple: 8-day $3340
Deluxe Suite Single: 8-day $7330
Deluxe Suite Triple: 8-day $4174

2020 Rates:
Standard Suite Single: 8-day $6211
Standard Suite Triple: 8-day $3516
Deluxe Suite Single: 8-day $7716
Deluxe Suite Triple: 8-day $4393

Triple occupancy for two adults and a child under 12 years of age may be available, with the child sleeping on a sofa bed. Contact AdventureSmith for info and availability.

Families & Children

Discounted rates may be available for children under 12 years. Discount applies to 1 child per adult, e.g. 1 adult with 1 child or 2 adults with 2 children. In case there are 3 children and 2 adults, the 3rd child pays full adult rate. Children 7 years and older at time of departure are welcomed aboard all departure dates.

2019 Child Rates:
Standard Suite: 8-day $1966
Deluxe Suite: 8-day $2456

2020 Child Rates:
Standard Suite: 8-day $2070
Deluxe Suite: 8-day $2585

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. You must purchase your travel insurance policy within 15 or 21 days of booking (depending on plan) for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, National Park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.