Day 1: Friday Quito – Coca Rio Napo Our adventure begins in the city of Quito, Capital of Ecuador. After taking a short 30-minute flight from Quito to the Amazonian city of Coca, located in the province of Orellana, we will transfer to the dock and board our motorized canoe to begin our 90-minute trip down the river, enjoying the first views and sounds of the Amazon. Soon, we will arrive at the Manatee Amazon Explorer and be welcomed aboard. Once we have settled into the Manatee Amazon Explorer, we will be accompanied by expert local naturalist guides who will provide us with a brief and informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Afterwards, guests will have their first opportunity to discover the exciting features of our cruise: spacious social areas, comfortable suites and the observation deck that allows us to admire the changing landscape of the rainforest as we glide along the Napo River. After dinner, we will dive directly into the Amazon jungle taking a night walk through the forest (optional excursion) to observe the nocturnal activity of the forest and experience the excitement of the vivid noises and aromas that come from so much biodiversity.
Day 2: Saturday Pañacocha Biological Corridor We continue traveling downriver to the Pañayacu River delta, where we will take a canoe trip to experience the views of this fascinating water reserve. Lake Pañacocha is an ecosystem flooded by sewage. Pañacocha means "Piranha Lake" in the native Kichwa language. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to 9 species of primates, 500 species of birds and over 100 species of fish. This is the perfect habitat for piranhas, paiches (one of the largest freshwater fish in the world) and the white caiman. In this little piece of paradise, we will participate in nature walks guided by our local naturalist guides, and relax at a nearby campsite where we will enjoy a delicious Amazonian-style barbecue with refreshing drinks. After lunch, we will do some kayaking, and the bravest ones will be able to enjoy a nice refreshing swim in Piranha Lake. We promise it’s not as dangerous as it seems! Back aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer, our guests will have the opportunity to attend a lecture given by our concierge and watch an educational documentary about the region.
Day 3: Sunday Amazonian Communities This morning we will go out in canoes to observe one of the most incredible sights on this side of the western Amazon: the parrot clay licks. This unique place is rich in minerals and attracts hundreds of colorful parrots, parakeets and Amazonian birds every day. Later in the afternoon, we will visit a Kichwa Cultural Center, where we will learn about the Amazonian communities and their ancestral culture, traditions, and cuisine. Local community members will teach us about indigenous lifestyles along the Napo River. Guests will have the opportunity to support the local community by purchasing crafts, local products and souvenirs. Back aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer, we will delight in an exquisite farewell dinner.
Day 4: Monday Return This is where our adventure ends! Enjoy the last part of our return trip aboard and then disembark the Manatee Amazon Explorer to take the motorized canoe back to Coca (approximately 90 minutes of travel).
Our tourism executives are waiting for your message to help you plan your next adventure to the natural paradise of the Cuubeno ecological reserve.
Day 1: Friday Quito – Coca Rio Napo Our adventure begins in the city of Quito, Capital of Ecuador. After taking a short 30-minute flight from Quito to the Amazonian city of Coca, located in the province of Orellana, we will transfer to the dock and board our motorized canoe to begin our 90-minute trip down the river, enjoying the first views and sounds of the Amazon. Soon, we will arrive at the Manatee Amazon Explorer and be welcomed aboard. Once we have settled into the Manatee Amazon Explorer, we will be accompanied by expert local naturalist guides who will provide us with a brief and informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Afterwards, guests will have their first opportunity to discover the exciting features of our cruise: spacious social areas, comfortable suites and the observation deck that allows us to admire the changing landscape of the rainforest as we glide along the Napo River. After dinner, we will dive directly into the Amazon jungle taking a night walk through the forest (optional excursion) to observe the nocturnal activity of the forest and experience the excitement of the vivid noises and aromas that come from so much biodiversity.
Day 2: Saturday Pañacocha Biological Corridor We continue traveling downriver to the Pañayacu River delta, where we will take a canoe trip to experience the views of this fascinating water reserve. Lake Pañacocha is an ecosystem flooded by sewage. Pañacocha means "Piranha Lake" in the native Kichwa language. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to 9 species of primates, 500 species of birds and over 100 species of fish. This is the perfect habitat for piranhas, paiches (one of the largest freshwater fish in the world) and the white caiman. In this little piece of paradise, we will participate in nature walks guided by our local naturalist guides, and relax at a nearby campsite where we will enjoy a delicious Amazonian-style barbecue with refreshing drinks. After lunch, we will do some kayaking, and the bravest ones will be able to enjoy a nice refreshing swim in Piranha Lake. We promise it’s not as dangerous as it seems! Back aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer, our guests will have the opportunity to attend a lecture given by our concierge and watch an educational documentary about the region.
Day 3: Sunday Amazonian Communities This morning we will go out in canoes to observe one of the most incredible sights on this side of the western Amazon: the parrot clay licks. This unique place is rich in minerals and attracts hundreds of colorful parrots, parakeets and Amazonian birds every day. Later in the afternoon, we will visit a Kichwa Cultural Center, where we will learn about the Amazonian communities and their ancestral culture, traditions, and cuisine. Local community members will teach us about indigenous lifestyles along the Napo River. Guests will have the opportunity to support the local community by purchasing crafts, local products and souvenirs. Back aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer, we will delight in an exquisite farewell dinner.
Day 4: Monday Return This is where our adventure ends! Enjoy the last part of our return trip aboard and then disembark the Manatee Amazon Explorer to take the motorized canoe back to Coca (approximately 90 minutes of travel).
Our tourism executives are waiting for your message to help you plan your next adventure to the natural paradise of the Cuubeno ecological reserve.