Manatee Amazon Explorer Rainforest Cruise

(2 customer reviews)

One of very few cruises on the Napo River, the Manatee visits wildlife hotspots and local communities in the Ecuadorian rainforest.

Trip Length: 4, 5, or 8 Days
Destinations: Napo River & Amazon Rainforest, Ecuador
Lodging: First Class Cruise
Activities: Wildlife viewing, cultural visits, naturalist walks

WHY THIS TRIP

A river cruise is one of the best ways to experience the Amazon, and the Manatee Amazon Explorer can access remote and rarely visited places in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest! Due to the inherent mobility of a cruise, you experience more regions and diverse wildlife and landscapes than you could by staying in a sedentary jungle lodge.

TRIP DESCRIPTION

Over the course of an itinerary the Amazon Manatee Explorer visits as many as four protected areas: Yasuni National Park, the Cuyabeno Reserve, Limoncocha and Pañacocha biological corridor. While shorter cruises don’t visit all of these areas, they still see new sites and regions every day.

Sustainable travel is at the core of the Amazon Manatee Explorer, and the boat is both Smart Voyager Certified and Rainforest Alliance Verified. The entire operation is based on sustainability, and it works to make sure 15 local communities and indigenous groups benefit from your trip to the Amazon. Passengers have the opportunity to connect with the destination and generate memorable experiences by interacting with both local people and wildlife on the same trip.

The itineraries are carefully designed to allow you to interact with the unique wildlife of the region and have the perfect combination of day and night excursions, on board events, and recreational activities.

On board the Manatee, you will wake up to entirely new Amazonian scenery every day. You will enjoy the great comforts of the Manatee Amazon Explorer: Cabins fully equipped with Air Conditioning, private bathrooms with hot water and 24-hour electricity. The ample social Areas include inside and al fresco dining areas, a sun deck, library and Satellite TV and Internet access.

To see and experience the best of the Ecuadorian Amazon take a cruise on board Manatee Amazon Explorer!

LOCAL PROVIDER: ADVANTAGE TRAVEL

Advantage Travel believes in the importance of sharing and exploring the fascinating diversity that each and every corner of our planet holds in an exclusive and responsible manner. The company has been generating outstanding experiences throughout the world for more than 20 years, and continues to explore for more. Currently it owns and operates two river cruises, the Anakonda Amazon Cruises and it legendary Manatee Amazon Explorer. Each is certified by Smart Voyager and Rainforest Alliance, which guarantees a sustainable and environmentally responsible operation without compromising the comfort of its high-quality service.

With the goal of offering personalized service that exceeds the expectation of each traveler, Advantage Travel strives to make a difference in the travel industry. It works with and supports exchange programs and communities throughout Ecuador with the aim to share Ecuador with the world, and the world with Ecuador.

Itinerary

Click the Abbreviated Itinerary to see the Detailed Itinerary

Itinerary


DAY 1 (Friday): Quito – Coca – Napo River – Yasuni National Park

Morning departure from Quito (a short 30-minutes flight) arriving at the city of Coca (Francisco de Orellana); transfer to the Río Napo port; journey by motorized canoe downstream (90 minutes) to board the M/V MANATEE, all the while observing the ever-changing forest-clad riverbanks of the silty-brown headwaters of the Amazon River. Soon after boarding, the M/V Manatee will start navigating downstream, a great opportunity for observing from our sundeck the amazing flora and fauna of the region. After lunch, an initial outing on one of our trails will introduce you to the wonders of the tropical rainforest, an easy walk that will bring you to your first encounters with the Amazon Basin. After dinner, enjoy an optional nocturnal walk into the forest to discover the mysteries of this unique environment and see how life emerges in the dark right before your eyes. (Lunch, Dinner)

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 or observation towers, and return onboard for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3 (Sunday): Kury Muyu & Parrot Clay Lick

Breakfast served on board. Today we will enjoy a cultural & ethnic encounter with the locals. We will spend some time at one of the forest communities to learn about their everyday lives. Take advantage to shop for local handcrafts and souvenirs. Later we head over to the Parrot Clay licks, a great place to witness one of the most exciting wildlife spectacles in Amazonia. After lunch, explore one of our local jungle trails as we head to a most unique water museum, where you will learn about many of the creatures that inhabit this environment. After the visit, conditions permitting, paddle your way downstream back to the Napo and enjoy more opportunities to observe wildlife. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4: (Monday): Return to Quito

Early departure by canoe from the Manatee.  Enjoy your last two hours observing wildlife from canoes.  Return flight to Quito. (Breakfast)


DAY 1 (Monday): Quito – Coca – Napo River – Yasuni National Park

Morning departure from Quito (a short 30-minutes flight) arriving at the city of Coca (Francisco de Orellana); transfer to the Río Napo port; journey by motorized speedboat downstream (90 minutes) to board the M/V MANATEE, all the while observing the ever-changing forest-clad riverbanks of the silty-brown headwaters of the Amazon. Soon after boarding, the M/V Manatee will start navigating downstream, a great opportunity for observing from our sundeck the amazing nature and wildlife of the region. After lunch, an initial outing on one of our trails will introduce you to the wonders of the tropical rainforest, an easy walk that will bring you to the first encounters with the Amazon basin. After dinner, enjoy an optional nocturnal walk into the forest to discover the mysteries of this unique environment and see how life emerges in the dark right before your eyes. (Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 2 (Tuesday): Peruvian Border/Cuyabeno Reserve

After a delicious breakfast we will disembark to visit one of the local family homes. During the visit, we will have the opportunity of meeting representative members of the Amazonian community, learning from their culture, talents and ways of life. We will understand how these giving and joyful people live, utilize and protect their resources, and how the cherish the fragility of their ecosystem. After lunch, the Manatee continues navigation towards one of the most pristine black-water systems of the Amazon Basin, home to legendary Pink River Dolphins, Black Cayman and the enigmatic Amazonian Anaconda. We may also spot river turtles and a series of monkey species such as the Black-mantled Tamarin, Red Howler or Squirrel Monkeys, as well as Three-toed Sloths and the primitive Hoatzin, a bizarre bird locally called ‘Stinky Turkey’ (Pavo Hediondo). The canoe trip upstream will reveal the overwhelming beauty of this aquatic jungle world. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3 (Wednesday): Flooded Forest & Monkey Island

This morning, we will explore a swamp forest from the comfort of a high rise board walk, a very good chance to discover the wildlife that frequents these “moretales”, or morete palm forests, where birds, primates and different aquatic creatures congregate. afterwards, we visit a local home where funerary urns from the xvii century have been discovered and excavated. after lunch, and a short time to unwind as the manatee navigates upstream, we will spend some time exploring one of the large islands, where many surprises can be found. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4 (Thursday): Kury Muyo & Clay Licks

Breakfast is served on board. We will enjoy a cultural & ethnical encounter with the locals communities. We will spend some time at one of the communities to learn about their everyday lives. Here, you’ll be able to shop, a great opportunity to purchase local handcrafts. Later we head over to the Parrot Clay licks, where we will witness one of the most exciting wildlife spectacles in Amazonia. In the afternoon, we visit the Limoncocha Biological Reserve, an incredible natural reserve with over four hundred bird species. Search for Black Caiman after dusk. Evening return to the Manatee. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5: (Friday): Return to Quito

Return to the city of Coca to take the morning flight back to Quito. The canoe ride upstream will take around two hours. (Breakfast)

DAY 1 (Friday): Quito – Coca – Napo River – Yasuni National Park

Morning departure from Quito (a short 30-minutes flight) arriving at the city of Coca (Francisco de Orellana); transfer to the Río Napo port; journey by motorized canoe downstream (ninety minutes) to board the M/V MANATEE, all the while observing the ever-changing forest-clad riverbanks of the silty-brown headwaters of the Amazon River. Soon after boarding, the M/V Manatee will start navigating downstream, a great opportunity for observing from our sundeck the amazing flora and fauna of the region. After lunch, an initial outing on one of our trails will introduce you to the wonders of the tropical rainforest, an easy walk that will bring you to your first encounters with the Amazon Basin. After dinner, enjoy an optional nocturnal walk into the forest to discover the mysteries of this unique environment and see how life emerges in the dark right before your eyes. (Lunch, Dinner)

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 or observation towers, and return onboard for dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 3 (Sunday): Kury Muyu & Parrot Clay Lick

Breakfast served on board. Today we will enjoy a cultural & ethnic encounter with the locals. We will spend some time at one of the forest communities to learn about their everyday lives. Take advantage to shop for local handcrafts and souvenirs. Later we head over to the Parrot Clay licks, a great place to witness one of the most exciting wildlife spectacles in Amazonia. After lunch, explore one of our local jungle trails as we head to a most unique water museum, where you will learn about many of the creatures that inhabit this environment. After the visit, conditions permitting, paddle your way downstream back to the Napo and enjoy more opportunities to observe wildlife. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 4 (Monday): Pompeya – Napo River – Yasuni National Park

In the morning we will visit a very interesting butterfly house and research project at one of the nearby communities. After lunch, we will enjoy an easy walk in terra firme forest and discover the animated forest understory of the Amazon Basin. After dinner, enjoy an optional nocturnal walk to discover the mysteries of this unique environment and see how life emerges in the dark right before your eyes. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 5 (Tuesday): Peruvian Border/Cuyabeno Reserve

After a delicious breakfast we will disembark to visit one of the local family homes. During the visit, we will have the opportunity of meeting representative members of the Amazonian community, learning from their culture, talents and ways of life. We will understand how these giving and joyful people live, utilize and protect their resources, and how the cherish the fragility of their ecosystem. After lunch, the Manatee continues navigation towards one of the most pristine black-water systems of the Amazon Basin, home to legendary Pink River Dolphins, Black Cayman and the enigmatic Amazonian Anaconda. We may also spot river turtles and a series of monkey species such as the Black-mantled Tamarin, Red Howler or Squirrel Monkeys, as well as Three-toed Sloths and the primitive Hoatzin, a bizarre bird locally called ‘Stinky Turkey’ (Pavo Hediondo). The canoe trip upstream will reveal the overwhelming beauty of this aquatic jungle world. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 6 (Wednesday): Flooded Forest & Monkey Island

This morning, we will explore a swamp forest from the comfort of a high rise board walk, a very good chance to discover the wildlife that frequents these “moretales”, or morete palm forests, where birds, primates and different aquatic creatures congregate. afterwards, we visit a local home where funerary urns from the xvii century have been discovered and excavated. after lunch, and a short time to unwind as the manatee navigates upstream, we will spend some time exploring one of the large islands, where many surprises can be found. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 7 (Thursday): Kury Muyo & Clay Licks

Breakfast is served on board. We will enjoy a cultural & ethnical encounter with the locals communities. We will spend some time at one of the communities to learn about their everyday lives. Here, you’ll be able to shop, a great opportunity to purchase local handcrafts. Later we head over to the Parrot Clay licks, where we will witness one of the most exciting wildlife spectacles in Amazonia. In the afternoon, we visit the Limoncocha Biological Reserve, an incredible natural reserve with over four hundred bird species. Search for Black Caiman after dusk. Evening return to the Manatee. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

DAY 8: (Friday): Return to Quito Return to the city of Coca to take the morning flight back to Quito. The canoe ride upstream will take around two hours. (Breakfast)

travel logistics

Getting To and From the Trip: 

These are the recommended flights for this trip:

  • Flight: TAME EQ 211* Route: Quito – Coca Departure: 9:00 am Arrival: 9:30 am
  • Flight: TAME EQ 212* Ruta Coca – Quito Departure: 10:00 am Arrival: 10:30 am

Note: Flights can be booked for you and added on to your total trip cost.

You are responsible for getting yourself the Quito airport in time to check in for your flight to Coca (we can arrange this for you at an additional cost).  Upon arrival into Coca, you will be met by a representative of the Manatee Amazon Explorer and transferred by vehicle the short distance (approx 5 min) to the Coca dock.  Here you will board a motorized canoe for a 2 hour journey up river to meet up with the Manatee Amazon Explorer.  A boxed lunch will be provided en route.

Trip Start: This trip starts upon arrival into Coca. Flights to/from Quito and Coca are arranged for you and will be added on to your total trip cost. You will be met at the Coca Airport and transferred to the port where a motorized canoe will take you 2 hours along the Napo River to meet up with the Manatee Amazon Explorer.

* The airfare for the flight Quito - Coca - Quito is not included in the cruise fee. Tickets are added on to your total trip cost (US $210.00 - subject to change).

Trip End: At the end of your trip, you will be transfered to the Coca Airport.

Complete Your Trip

This is a trip segment to the Ecuadorian rainforest starting with pick up and drop off at the Coca Airport.  Flights to Coca are arranged by the Manatee Explorer and depart from Quito.  You will need to overnight at least one night in Quito prior to departing to Coca and typically one night upon return before departing on your next adventure.

We can easily make this trip a complete package by taking care of all the necessary logistics in Quito, other parts of mainland Ecuador, and/or the Galapagos. Click the links below to view our recommended Quito Hotels

In addition to the Ecuadorian Amazon, we specialize in trips to the Galapagos, mainland Ecuador, Machu Picchu and Peru, Chile, Argentina, Patagonia, Brazil, Belize, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico.

 

Prices & Dates

2023 PRICES:

Rates are per person

4 Days / 3 Nights (Friday to Monday)

  • Standard Cabin
    • Double Cabin: $2,070.00
    • Triple Cabin: $1,758.00
    • Single Cabin: $3,104.00
    • Children under 12 years old: $1,036.00
  • Deluxe Cabin
    • Double Cabin: $2,591.00
    • Triple Cabin: $2,197.00
    • Single Cabin: $3,859.00
    • Children under 12 years old: $1,295.00

5 Days / 4 Nights (Monday to Friday)

  • Standard Cabin
    • Double Cabin: $2,586.00
    • Triple Cabin: $2,200.00
    • Single Cabin: $3,880.00
    • Children under 12 years old: $1,295.00
  • Deluxe Cabin
    • Double Cabin: $3,232.00
    • Triple Cabin: $2,745.00
    • Single Cabin: $4,824.00
    • Children under 12 years old: $1,616.00

8 Days / 7 Nights (Monday to Monday, or Friday to Friday)

  • Standard Cabin
    • Double Cabin: $4,138.00
    • Triple Cabin: $3,516.00
    • Single Cabin: $6,211.00
    • Children under 12 years old: $2,070.00
  • Deluxe Cabin
    • Double Cabin: $5,170.00
    • Triple Cabin: $4,393.00
    • Single Cabin: $7,716.00
    • Children under 12 years old: $2,585.00

Notes & Additional Expenses

  • Airfare Quito – Coca – Quito: about $230 per person (subject to change without previous notice). This includes check in assistance, and access to the VIP airport lounge. These flights must be booked through the cruise operator, or you will be charged a $40 per person penalty for booking flights on your own.
  • Community Entrance Fees: $70 per person for 4 and 5 day cruises, or $80 for 8 day cruises (subject to change without previous notice). This fee will be added to your overall trip rate.
  • Discount for children under 12 years can only be applied to 1 child per 1 adult.  For example, if there are 2 adults and 2 children, the discount with apply to both children. If there are 2 adults and 3 children, the discount will only apply to 2 children, the 3rd child must receive the full adult rate.
  • Triple cabins are for 2 adults and 1 child only, not for 3 adults.
  • The minimum age for children is 7 years old.

 

2024 PRICES:

For 2022 pricing, please inquire using the “I am Interested” button above or by calling 1-866-386-4168.

 

 

 

 

What's Included / Not Included

INCLUDED: 
  • Transfers between the Coca Airport and the Manatee
  • On board accommodation
  • Programmed visits according to itinerary with a certified, expert natural guide
  • Unlimited water, coffee and tea
  • All meals while on board

Terms & Conditions: http://detourdestinations.com/terms-and-conditions/advantage-travel

NOT INCLUDED: 
  • Airfare Quito – Coca – Quito: about $230 per person (subject to change without previous notice). This includes check in assistance and access to the VIP airport lounge. These flights must be booked through the cruise operator, or you will be charged a $40 per person (subject to change) penalty for booking flights on your own.
  • Communities entrances fees: $70.00 per person on 4 or 5 day cruises, or $80.00 per person on an 8 day cruise (subject to change). This fee will be added to your overall trip price.
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Tips and gratuities to your guide and crew
  • Internet Wi-Fi on board
  • Personal or medical expenses
  • Any other service not mentioned herein
  • Accommodations and services in Quito (can be booked on your own, or added upon request).
  • International flights to and from Quito (These can be booked on your own, or through our flight partners at Exito Travel. For a quote, please let us know your home airport.)
  • Travel insurance (recommended)

Accommodations

The Manatee has the capacity to accommodate up to 28 passengers in 14 of its charming double, triple, or single cabins. All cabins have large picture windows that look out onto the rivers and jungle. There are 10 Standard Cabins, and 4 Deluxe Cabins. All cabins are equipped with air conditioning, closets, private bathrooms complete with a special shower massage, hot and cold water, 24 hours of electricity, and 110-voltage outlets and switches. The Deluxe Cabins have private jacuzzis.

STANDARD CABINS 

DELUXE CABINS

 

 

Rooming Options

ROOMING OPTIONS: Double, Triple

 

2 reviews for Manatee Amazon Explorer Rainforest Cruise

  1. Jeanne L. –

    Layna George of Detour Travel helped us plan the trip of a lifetime to the headwaters of the Amazon (Nappo River, Ecuador), small boat cruise around the Galapagos Islands and highlights of Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu Peru. She was able to tailor our trip to our comfort level from both a physical and financial perspective. The tour companies that she booked for us for each leg of our trip were exceptional, meeting us at the airport, facilitating our transfers and transportation as well providing a personal guide in Peru. All of the exchanges were in English and were safe and trustworthy. Layna also provided us guidance in packing for each of destinations, the suggested tipping guidelines as well as answers to any other questions we might have. Her choices in hotels were superior to ours as far as quality and location. Based on this trip, I would not hesitate to use Detour Travel and Layna to book any trip to South American!

  2. Dawn W. –

    The trip was excellent and we were well cared for in all our transitions. The Manatee is a lovely ship and the crew was all very kind. The staterooms and the meals were exceptional as was our guide Diego! The Angelito (our boat in the Galapagos) is a small boat, the rooms being quite small but worked adequately. The food was fair and it took them a few meals to be aware of food allergies and were quite limited on substitutions. The guide, Rosie, was very informative and a joy to be around. Our guide, William and driver were accommodating during our time in Cusco and Machu Picchu, letting us change a tour time after having a long previous day. They were great and always on time, but I wasn’t fond of the “Factory Tour” – seemed a bit pushy to buy merchandise. I would book another trip of this caliber with Detour again, and will highly recommend them to others.

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