Manatee Amazon Rainforest Cruise

Departure from Quito. A short 30-minute flight takes us to the frontier town of Coca and transfer to the dock, where we will embark on a motorized canoe and navigate down river about 1 hour, to board the MANATEE AMAZON CRUISE. Throughout the journey, we have a chance to admire the rainforest landscape and banks of the great Napo River. Immediately after boarding the Manatee cruise, we continue navigating downstream. 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.

Inside of the Amazon Rainforest, we will continue our navigation downstream to the Pañayacu River delta; take a canoe trip up the river to experience the sights of this fascinating reserve. We will seek out 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 the Water Monkey Fish (Arawana) and 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.

Breakfast on board. We set out to visit one of the most amazing spectacles this side of western Ecuadorian Amazon known as parrot licks, these unique pools of mud become rich in minerals and attract hundreds of parrots, parakeets and amazons every day. After lunch, we will make 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).

Today you have the option to kayak through one of the Napo River’s effluents that goes into the Yasuni National Park, the Indillama River. Great excursions for wildlife observation, kayaks are great silent vehicles to flow down river. Amazing chances to see wildlife! Or you can choose to go in a canoe ride in search of more wildlife through the Napo River. It’s up to you! There is always the chance to stay on the boat to enjoy the luxury facilities as well.

After a delicious breakfast, we disembark on land for our first daylight close-and- personal rainforest experience, where we will learn about the relationship between plants and animals while watching out for samples of Amazonia’s fascinating biodiversity at every turn. After lunch, we navigate to one of the most pristine and little explored sections of Ecuadorian Amazon forest, home to the legendary pink river dolphin, black caiman and anaconda. The only way to actually visit this flooded ecosystem is by canoe, a ride that will reveal the beauty of a lush jungle world.

Breakfast on board. 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. We return on board the M/V Anakonda for lunch and a moment to relax while we navigate upstream. 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.

Breakfast on board. In the morning after breakfast, visit an observation tower 100-feet high, built against a giant kapok tree. From the top of the tower, we will be blessed with this unique perspective of the Amazon rainforest, looming over the treetops and the Amazon Basin. In the afternoon, we visit Limoncocha Biological Reserve, this activity will extend into the evening, when we will have a chance to spot black caiman with the help of our flashlights. Return to the Anakonda for dinner.

Last morning in the middle of the forest get ready to go back to Coca. We will have a great jungle breakfast to start the day of travelling. Say your last goodbyes to the crew and guides and get on the canoe for the 2 hours ride back to Coca town. On the way don't forget to have your camera, you might still get to see more wildlife and of course the last photos of the beautiful landscapes. We will drop you off at the airport right on time for your flight back to Quito, you will take life-lasting memories from this amazing Amazon Rainforest Tour!