3, 4 and 7 Days Tour | Manatee Explorer Amazon River Cruise

Manatee River Cruise holds three Jungle Tours Itineraries

A. 4-Days Jungle Tour Cruise Tour (read here)
B. 5-Days Jungle Tour Cruise Tour (read here)
C. 8-Days Jungle Tour Cruise Tour (read here)  

NOTE: The following itineraries are sample itineraries Manatee River Cruise. Excursions and times on this itineraries are subject to change and largely depend on weather, season, group limitations, group interests, and guide decisions based on passenger safety and organized operations.

 

Day 1: Friday: Quito – Coca – Napo River – Yasuní National Park

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.

Day 2: Saturday: visiting the Pañacocha Biological Corridor

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. In the afternoon, we will head out on exploration trails, and return onboard for dinner.

Day 3: Sunday: Clay licks – Sani Warmi & Yasuni National Park

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

Later we will visit the Sani Warmi Kichwa Interpretation Center, where a group of Kichwa women will speak of 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. You will also have the opportunity to buy crafts, local products and souvenirs.

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).

Day 4: Monday: Return

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

Day 1: Monday: Quito – Coca – Napo River – Yasuní National Park

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.

Day 2: Tuesday: Border with Peru (the heart of Yasuni)

After a delicious breakfast, we disembark on land for our first daylight close-and-personal tropical rainforest experience, where we will learn about the relationship between plants and animals while closely watching out for samples of Amazonia’s fascinating biodiversity at every turn. After lunch, the M/V Manatee navigates to one of the most pristine and little explored sections of Ecuadorian Amazonia, home to the legendary pink river dolphin, black caiman and anaconda. We may also find river turtles and various species of monkeys, as well as the primitive Hoatzin, a one-of-a-kind bird locally known as “the Stinky Turkey”. The only way to actually visit this flooded ecosystem is by canoe, a ride that will reveal the beauty of a lush jungle world.

For our more adventurous passengers, please inquire about our glamping program.

Day 3: Wednesday: Meeting the Community – activities on board

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 Manatee 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.

Day 4: Thursday: observation tower – Limoncocha reserve

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 forest, looming over the treetops and the greatness of the Amazon Basin.

In the afternoon, we visit Limoncocha Biological Reserve, a fascinating protected area where more than 478 bird species and several monkey species have been recorded. 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 M/V Manatee for dinner.

Day 5: Friday: Return 

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

Day 1: Friday: Quito – Coca – Napo River – Yasuní National Park

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.

Day 2: Saturday: visiting the Pañacocha biological corridor

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. In the afternoon, we will head out on exploration trails, and return onboard for dinner.

Day 3: Sunday: Clay licks – Sani Warmi & Yasuni National Park

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

Later we will visit the Sani Warmi Kichwa Interpretation Center, where a group of Kichwa women will speak of 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. You will also have the opportunity to buy crafts, local products and souvenirs.

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).

Day 4: Monday: Indillama & Napo rivers – Yasuní national park

In this day you have the option to kayak trough one of the afluents of the Napo River that goes into the Yasuni National Park, the Indillama River. Great excursions for wildlife observation, kayaks are a great silent vehicle to flow down river.

Or you can choose to go tin a canoe ride in search of more wildlife through the Napo River. It’s up to you! 

Day 5: Tuesday: Border with Peru (the heart of Yasuni)

After a delicious breakfast, we disembark on land for our first daylight close-and-personal tropical rainforest experience, where we will learn about the relationship between plants and animals while closely watching out for samples of Amazonia’s fascinating biodiversity at every turn. After lunch, the M/V Manatee navigates to one of the most pristine and little explored sections of Ecuadorian Amazonia, home to the legendary pink river dolphin, black caiman and anaconda. We may also find river turtles and various species of monkeys, as well as the primitive Hoatzin, a one-of-a-kind bird locally known as “the Stinky Turkey”. The only way to actually visit this flooded ecosystem is by canoe, a ride that will reveal the beauty of a lush jungle world.

For our more adventurous passengers, please inquire about our glamping program.

Day 6: Wednesday: Meeting the Community – activities on board

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 Manatee 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.

Day 7: Thursday: observation tower – Limoncocha reserve

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 forest, looming over the treetops and the greatness of the Amazon Basin.

In the afternoon, we visit Limoncocha Biological Reserve, a fascinating protected area where more than 478 bird species and several monkey species have been recorded. 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 M/V Manatee for dinner.

Day 8: Friday: Return

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

 

Jungle Trip Tips for Manatee Explorer Tour

* What about insects and malaria, are special vaccinations required?

No vaccinations are required to enter the Republic of Ecuador or Sani Lodge. There have not been any cases of tropical diseases (malaria, yellow fever, cholera) reported in or near the lodge. However, we always suggest that our passengers consult their physician to get the most up-to-date information and advice.

 

* Packing List:

• National Identity Card or Passport.
• Comfortable walking or tennis shoes.
• Rubber boots and waterproof ponchos (available onboard as a courtesy item).
• 3 to 4 lightweight pants (no jeans).
• 3 Shirts or blouses, both long and short sleeved.
• Windbreaker or sweater.
• Cotton socks, one pair per day.
• Shorts – 2 to 3.
• T-shirts – 3 to 4.
• Bathing suit.
• Cotton underwear.
• Hat or cap.
• Plastic bottle for water.
• Sunscreen lotion.
• Sunglasses.
• A flashlight and extra batteries.
• Binoculars (available on board as rental item).
• Small waterproof backpack.
• Insect repellant.
• Camera and extra batteries, film or memory cards.
• Personal first-aid kit.
• Plastic bags for storing wet clothing.
• Cash – we do accept credit cards on board too.

 

* Cash for personal expenses.

The amount of money you decide to bring with you is your personal choice.  If you wish to purchase souvenirs and gifts, or if you enjoy eating out in restaurants, we recommend you bring much more than the average daily amount suggested. 

Visa cards are the most accepted cards and ATM machines are available in Quito. 

There is no guarantee that your card will work in South America, which is why we recommend that you consult with your bank about the international services of your card. 

Please bear in mind that for the purchase of products and services, an additional 5% to 10% fee will be applied.  Do not rely on credit cards as your only method of payment, it is always best to have a combination of cash, credit cards and travelers checks.



 

* Trip preparation

Contact the closest embassy or consulate office to get up-to-date information on visa requirements, or alternatively.  IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS IN ORDER.



We strongly recommend that you have a Travel Insurance.

 

* Luggage

During this trip you will be active, and for this reason we recommend that you travel as light as possible.  Your luggage should be clearly identified as yours and limited to a compact suitcase with a maximum weight of 20kg (44 pounds), plus a carry on bag (8kg = 17pounds) . 

The baggage weight is strictly controlled by the airlines and vehicle space is limited.  Airport luggage loaders and other transportation services are not always available; for this reason, kindly be prepared to carry your own luggage. 

The majority of airlines allow up to two pieces of luggage to be checked and one piece of carry-on luggage.  In order to avoid any problems due to excess baggage or charges for extra weight, please consult the airlines for more details regarding luggage restrictions.