Introduction
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 nor 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!
Almost 500 years have passed since the discovery of this magnificent river system that
flows through the world's largest primeval forest, containing 10% of all existing trees,
70% of all pharmaceutical compounds, and native Indians that live symbiotically with their
unique ecosystem. This is the habitat of wildlife that is sure to be watching you - or
vice versa - if you are lucky: freshwater dolphins, 500 species of birds, half a dozen
species of monkeys, caimans, tapirs, 2500 species of butterflies.
Today, you can be a temporary guest in this magical wonderland for young and old. Our
Amazon Manatee Explorer, designed for adventure, yet featuring the comforts and advantages
of modern technology - is the result of over 20 years of experience in running expeditions
others think are extinct. Come aboard for an experience of a lifetime!
Our
Amazon riverboat accommodates 26 lucky guests in 13 double cabins with individual air
conditioning, running hot water, large dining room and inviting bar and lounge area.
However, 4 of the cabins can be comfortably used as triples if needed, for a total guest
occupancy of 30. Our 3-decker vessel has an experienced crew of 11 including expert
English speaking naturalist guides. Laundry service available on board.
Monday: Morning flight from
Quito over the Eastern Cordillera and down into the airstrip at the town of Francisco de
Orellana (Coca), a hub for sustainable oil production and named after
the discoverer of the Amazon River back in 1541. 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. (D)
Tuesday: 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. (BLD)
Wednesday:
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. (BLD).
Thursday:
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, protruding 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. (BLD).
Friday: 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. (B).
Friday:
Morning flight from Quito over the Eastern Cordillera and down into the
airstrip at the town of Francisco de Orellana (Coca), a hub for
sustainable oil production and named after the discoverer of the Amazon
River back in 1541. 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. (D)
Saturday:
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. (BLD).
Sunday: 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, protruding 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.
(BLD).
Monday: 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. (B).
Note: Every night there will be additional activities such as
conferences, review of the flora and fauna and night outings. These
itineraries are subject to change for safety and technical reasons.
UP
| Rates are Per Person | ||||
| Per Person in Single | Per Person in Double | Per Person in Triple | Child under 12 |
|
| 5D/4N, Mon-Fri | $1015 | $675 | $577 | $338 |
| 4D/3N, Fri-Mon | $761 | $507 | $432 | $255 |
| Airfare from/to Quito $120 | Yasuni National Park Fee: $25 | |||
Rates do not include beverages, gratuities, personal
items and are subject to change. 
