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Ecuador Tours and Travel

Galapagos Islands / Jungle Lodges & Cruises / Active Adventures
Traditional Tours & Hotels / Cuenca and the South

Manatee Explorer Amazon Cruise in Ecuador

The MANATEE AMAZON EPLORER wants to offer you the different itineraries of 4, 5, 8 or 10 days that we are currently operating. Below please find examples of the itineraries for the 4, 5 and 8 days all year round, departures are on Mondays and Fridays.

The yacht accommodates 30 passengers in 14 cabins doubles with a private bathroom, air conditioner, and hot water

Services: Dining room, bar, laundry, store, reading room and balcony. Canoes, bird watching, jungle walks, fishing, river exploration, lakes and lagoons, swimming, night camping in the jungle.
Type of vessel: River motor yacht
Capacity: 30 passengers, 12 crew
Length: 27 meters (89.1 feet)
Beam: 7 meters (23.1 feet)
Speed: 12 knots
Electricity: 110 and 220 volts, 60 hertz Generators: 2 Iveco, 60 kw
Engines: 2 John Deere, 250 HP each
Safety: Fire detectors, life jackets, 2 life boats
Decks: Main deck, Cabin deck, Sun deck
Navigation equipment: Furuno GPS, deep sounder and radar
Communications: VHF, HF, satellite phone
Facilities: Bar, restaurant, boutique, guest laundry, air conditioning, boots and rain ponchos.
Crew: 12 (include Naturalist Guide)
Activities: Canoes • Jungle Trekking • River & Lake Exploration • Calling on a Shaman and visiting Indigenous communities • Night Camping • Bird Watching

Deck Plans

In addition to our rainforest explorations, another important feature of the program will be our visits to the homes of forest residents. We will visit and learn what their lives are like, living on the edge of this vast trackless forest. A walk through their gardens is always interesting and we will learn their survival skills, which permit them to continue living in the complex tropical forest environment. Almost all forest dwellers collect plants for medicines and we will talk to them about which plants they collect and their uses. During our voyage you will have the opportunity to meet and interact with many different communities that live along the shores of the Napo River Basin.

Have just got back to Australia. Manatee trip was absolutely fabulous, loved every minute. Thoroughly recommend the trip to others. Staff great, food fabulous and all excursions well planned and very enjoyable. Thanks for booking me on the trip, I had a ball! Anne Jeffery

Programs of 4 or 5 Days (Fri.-Mon. or Mon.-Fri.)

PROGRAM FOUR DAYS - THREE NIGHTS

Day 1 Quito - Coca - Yasuní National Park
Depart from Quito in the morning, flight to Francisco de Orellana (Coca), arriving to Coca after a short 30 minutes trip. Transfer to the Napo River port then the motorized canoe ride downstream will be approximately one and a half hours; during the trip we will provide important information about the region. Once on board the Manatee Amazon Explorer will start navigating down the Napo River for the whole afternoon. At dusk our first live experience with the Ecuadorian Amazon basin will begin (night walk, visit to a Native House or canoe ride will depend on the river level, climatic conditions, wildlife behavior and accessibility to a location).

Day 2 Visiting the Pañacocha Biological Corridor
We will continue our navigation downstream to arrive at the mouth of the Pañayacu (Piranha River). After arrival, there will be a canoe trip through the Piranha River to see the sights of this interesting protected forest. There is a possibility to observe Pink River Dolphins, the agile Common Squirrel Monkeys and much more. The Piranha Lake area, is an ecosystem flooded by white waters. The rivers and lakes of that place are perfect habitat for the infamous Piranha, the Water Monkey Fish (Arawana) and White Caimans. At night, there will be an optional excursion to explore the forest and river banks.

Day 3 Visiting the CICAME Museum - Limoncocha Biological Reserve
We will organize a visit to the CICAME Archeological Museum, which preserves pottery from the Omagua Culture, one of the first forest pre-Columbian residents of the Napo River basin. This is also a good place to shop local handicrafts made from rainforest materials. In the afternoon, there will be a visit to the Limonocha Biological Reserve, an incredible area to find lots of birds, some monkeys and at night looking for the Black Caiman, return to the Manatee at night.

Day 4. Returning home
Return to the city of Coca to take the morning flight back to Quito. The canoe ride upstream will take around two hours.

PROGRAM FIVE DAYS - FOUR NIGHTS

Day 1 Quito - Coca - Yasuní National Park
Depart from Quito in the morning, flight to Francisco de Orellana (Coca), arriving to Coca after a short 30 minutes trip. Transfer to the Napo River port then the motorized canoe ride downstream will be approximately one and a half hours; during the trip we will provide important information about the region. Once on board the Manatee Amazon Explorer will start navigating down the Napo River for the whole afternoon. At night our first live experience with the Ecuadorian Amazon basin will begin (night walk or canoe ride will depend on the river level, climatic conditions, wildlife behavior and accessibility to a location).

Day 2 Visiting the Pañacocha Biological Corridor
We will continue our navigation downstream to arrive at the mouth of the Pañayacu (Piranha River). After arrival, there will be a canoe trip through the Piranha River to see the sights of this interesting protected forest. There is a possibility to observe Pink River Dolphins, the agile Common Squirrel Monkeys and much more. The Piranha Lake area, is an ecosystem flooded by white waters. The rivers and lakes of that place are perfect habitat for the infamous Piranha, the Water Monkey Fish (Arawana) and White Caimans. At night, there will be an optional excursion to explore the forest and river banks and also optional overnight at our camp for an extra fee.

Day 3 Visiting the Observation Tower - Kapok Tree
On the third day of our cruise, we will explore the Observation Tower build around a tree to observe the differents ecosistems of the forest and a wide variety of birds. After lunch at the Manatee, you will stop at a Native Museum of the Kichwas a native guide will bring into the light their way of life and traditions. This will be an opportunity to buy handicrafts made by the local people. Continue in the afternoon we will visit one of the tallest trees of the Rainforest, the Kapok, a native guide also will explain to us the use of medicinal plants.

Day 4 Visiting the CICAME Museum - Limoncocha Biological Reserve
In the morning we will have a visit to the CICAME Archeological Museum which preserves pottery from the Omagua Culture, one of the first forest pre-Columbian residents of the Napo River basin. This is also a good place to shop local handicrafts made from rainforest materials. In the afternoon, there will be a visit to the Limonocha Biological Reserve, an incredible area to find lots of birds, some monkeys and at night looking for the Black Caiman, return to the Manatee at night.

Day 5. Returning home
Return to the city of Coca to take the morning flight back to Quito. The canoe ride upstream will take around two hours.

Please note: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On daily basis of your tour you will be advised of any amendments.
The Expedition leaders will always be offering information about the region, tours, weather conditions, navigation, native cultures and probabilities to encounter wildlife through lectures, briefings, recaps and videos.

The exploration Trips for 8 and 10 days are only under request and can operate only with 16 passengers minimum, please see open dates of departure for 8 days cruise below. On the 8 day cruise visit two of the famous protected areas of eastern Ecuador, the Yasuní National Park and the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Come and enjoy a unique journey along the lush upper Napo River, one of the tributaries of the Great Amazon River. Come to explore one of the world's most diverse ecosystems with its fascinating wildlife and stunning scenery. Come to experience the roar of Howler Monkeys, meet indigenous rainforest people and much more…

PROGRAM EIGHT DAYS - SEVEN NIGHTS

Day 1 Quito – Coca – Yasuní National Park
Depart from Quito in the morning (8:30 am), flight to Francisco de Orellana (Coca), arriving Coca at around 09:00. Transfer to the Napo River port then the motorized canoe ride downstream will take approximately two hours, during the trip we will provide of a box lunch and important information about the region. Once on board the Manatee Amazon Explorer will start navigating down the Napo River for the whole afternoon. At night our first live experience with the Ecuadorian Amazon basin will begin (night walk or canoe ride will
depend on the river level, climatic conditions, wildlife behavior and accessibility to a location).

Day 2 Visiting the Yasuní National Park
On the second day of our cruise, we will explore one of the fantastic tributaries of the Napo River that comes from the core of the Yasuní National Park. At this river, we will navigate upstream in search of the evasive Giant River Otter, the mysterious Jaguar and the timid Spider Monkey. After our return from the excursion, the Manatee will continue its navigation to arrive near the international boundary with Peru. At night, there will be an excursion into the Yasuní N.P. to look for large rodents like Capybaras and reptiles of the night like Caimans (South American alligators). We may stay camping overnight to enjoy the jungle at night.

Day 3 Peruvian Border & Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve
After a morning excursion to observe plants, birds and more wildlife in the Yasuní N.P. The Manatee will navigate into the Aguarico River, the largest tributary of the Napo River to get through the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve, one of the highlights of our exploration. On our way to Cuyabeno, we will visit a Peruvian town and meet local people.

Day 4 Cuyabeno W. R. – The Forest Dwellers
A full day visit to the Indian Community will give us an idea of how indigenous people live in the forest. At the community, a local guide accompanied by our expedition leaders will enlighten you with the use of plants for medicinal use and other purposes. After a walk, you
will stop at a local house where these true forest dwellers will bring into the light their way of life and traditions. This will be an opportunity to buy handicrafts made by the local people. There will be plenty of traditional food and hospitality.

Day 5 Cuyabeno W. R. - Lagartococha
This remote area is accessible to you only through the Lagarto (Alligator) River, a black water river surrounded by freshwater mangroves (Coussapoa trinervia), Macrolobium trees, and Palm trees adapted to flooding conditions. Lagartococha (Alligator Lake) is not one but a system of lakes situated along the Ecuadorian-Peruvian boundary. This black water system is home to the legendary Pink River Dolphins, River Turtles, Black Caimans and the enigmatic Amazon Manatee. Moreover, if we look at the vegetation on the shores, we may well see Red Howler Monkeys, Three-toed Sloth, the leaf-eating bird locally known as Stinky Turkey (Hoatzin) and other wildlife. The canoe trip upstream will reveal the overwhelming beauty of this aquatic region. An overnight in the forest could be arranged for this day.

Day 6 Navigation and exploration along the Napo River
From this day, we will start our return to the point where we boarded the Manatee Amazon Explorer for the first time. There will be navigation throughout the entire day to relax and observe the Napo River banks, the forest and perhaps some wildlife. Late in the afternoon, after a relaxed
morning, we will explore the Napo River banks and tropical river islands in quest of birds like the ornamented Umbrella Bird, the colorful Blue-Gray Tanagers, Kingbirds, Social Flycatchers and many more.

Day 7 Navigation along the Napo River – Pañacocha (Piranha Lake) Protected Forest
We will continue our navigation upstream to arrive at the mouth of the Pañayacu (Piranha River). Upon arrival, there will be a canoe trip through the Piranha River to see the sights of this interesting protected forest. There is a possibility to observe Pink River Dolphins, the agile Common Squirrel Monkeys and much more. The Piranha Lake area, contrary to Lagartococha, is an ecosystem flooded by white waters. The rivers and lakes of that place are perfect habitat for the infamous Piranha, the Water Monkey Fish (Arawana) and White Caimans. At night, there will be an optional excursion to explore the forest and river banks.

Day 8 Yasuní N. P. – CICAME museum and return home
The Manatee Amazon Explorer will arrive to the point where we started our adventure. Early in the morning, we will visit the most accessible Parrot and Parakeet clay licks in Ecuador. There are blinds or hides to watch and enjoy this nature show so close! It is difficult to imagine hundreds,
sometimes thousands of parrots and parakeets coming all together at once into the clay licks. This area is also located inside of the Yasuní N.P.
Early afternoon visit the CICAME Archaeological Museum that preserves pottery from the Omagua Culture, one of the first forest pre-Columbian residents of the Napo River basin. After the visit, continue to the city of Coca to take the flight back to Quito.

2010 Dates: September 03 to 10, September 10 to 17, September 17 to 24, September 24 to October 01, October 01 to 08, October 08 to 15, October 15 to 22, October 29 to November 05, Nov 19 to 26, Nov 26 to Dec 03

Please note: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On a daily basis while on tour you will be advised of any amendments.

The Expedition leaders will always be offering information about the Amazon rainforest, the weather conditions, navigation, native cultures, plants and probabilities to encounter wildlife through lectures, briefings, recaps and videos. Overnight camps are offered at no extra cost.

BOOKING
REQUEST

2010 Prices per person in US$

	Single	Double	Triple	Child under 12
4 day	$895	$597	$508	$300
5 day	$1194	$794	$679	$398
8 day	$2071	$1553	$1194	$582

Airfare Quito-Coca-Quito USD141, Children USD74
National Parks entrance fees $20, Parrots salt lick fee $25.
Tariff Subject to change without previous notice, Prices are per person. A cancellation policy applies.

The Exploration Trips include:
• River Transportation.
• Accommodations in Single, Double or Triple Staterooms.
• All Meals (B, L, D), snacks, etc.
• Purified Water
• Excursions in the forest (all kind).
• Visits to Native Communities.
• Excursions Leaders (Biologists, Zoologists, Botanists, etc).
• Lectures by our Excursions Leaders.

Do Not Include:
• Air Fare Quito-Coca-Quito
• Travel Insurance
• Gratuities
• Bar Drinks, Soft Drinks
• Extras
• Entrance fees to National Parks

Activities

Paddle native canoes - There are many opportunities if you wish to paddle native canoes on the small black water rivers and lakes, alone or in small groups.
Explore small rivers - By motor canoe the small river’s still waters observing the vegetation of its banks: huge kapok and palm trees. The surprising pink dolphins may appear at any bend of the river. This is a great place to spot toucans, parrots, eagles and many other birds.
Bird watching - Birdwatchers are offered the opportunity of early morning outings – the best time, when the birds are very active. This is an optional activity, with no extra cost.
Conference by naturalist - Each evening, the naturalist guides will discuss different topics related to the Amazon rain forest. Its flora, fauna, bird life, native communities and many other subjects.

Amazon Rain Forest - Manatee Amazon Explorer Special No – No´s
•Don’t smoke in canopied forest or near wildlife.
• Don’t talk loudly. Whisper or communicated with hands near wildlife.
• Don’t throw or drop anything along the trails, even biodegradable food.
• Do not play radios or electronic devices that make foreign sounds in protected areas.
• Don’t laugh or make fun of another culture’s mannerisms; keep cultural encounter simple.
• Do not wear perfume or perfumed sprays as the sweet scent attract unpleasant flying insects.
• Keep hands off anything that may resemble a field project: net box, screen, enclosure, etc.
• Do not drink water from rivers, lakes or ponds, or eat any wild fruit found along the trails.

Photography Tips
It’s surprisingly dark beneath the rain forest’s dense canopy, so bring a fast film e.g. 400 ASA
or more and a flash. You’ll find a wide angle lens to be very useful and also a large telephoto
for the birds and monkeys. For best result with the myriad of colorful and spectacular insects
you’ll need a lens with a macro facility. It rains a lot in the rain forest, so have some plastic bags handy to protect your equipment.

For Birders
With over 500 birds identified to date, the Amazon is great place for bird watching. If you’d
like to keep track of what you see, ask your naturalist guide for a copy of our “birds checklist”.
Special early morning birding outings are scheduled.

IMPORTANT NOTES:
1. You must wear a life vest during all boat and canoe trips.
2. Trained naturalist Guides offer advice, give informative talks and conduct all excursions.
3. There is an entrance fee to Yasuni National Park of USD 20 per person (subject to change) and must be paid by passengers directly.
4. The programs described are subject to change without notice, and can be operated in different sequences depending on climatic and operational conditions. All decisions are oriented in terms of passengers interest and safety.
5. For your comfort, bottled water is supplied during your stay, free of charge.
6. All meals are included in the cost of the program. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are available at extra cost.
7. Electricity is 110 volts AC.

Technical Specifications

Type of vessel: River motor yacht
Capacity: 30 passengers, 12 crew
Length: 27 meters (89.1 feet) Beam: 7 meters (23.1
feet)
Speed: 12 knots
Electricity: 110 and 220 volts, 60 hertz
Generators: 2 Iveco, 60 kw
Engines: 2 John Deere, 250 HP each
Safety: Fire detectors, life jackets, 2 life boats
Decks: Main deck, Cabin deck, Sun deck
Navigation equipment: Furuno GPS, deep sounder and radar
Communications: VHF, HF, satellite phone
Facilities: Bar, restaurant, boutique, guest laundry, air conditioning, boots and rain ponchos.
Crew: 12 (include Naturalist Guide) Yasuní River Amazon Rain Forest Excursio

Phone: 800-232-5658 or 1-512-443-5393 email