Jan
min : 10°C
max : 18°C
We Love —
- This cruise includes jungle walks, kayak adventures and swimming activities that will take you into the very heart of the Amazon Basin.
- Holiday in style on board a stylish ship, highlights include an outdoor Jacuzzi with panoramic views and floor-to-ceiling windows throughout.
- This a once-in-a-lifetime trip will take you to the Amazon rainforest which is home to a dizzying variety of unique species.
New Voyage Privé —
Carefully selected by our experts especially for you
Wyndham Garden Quito won the Certificate of Excellence from the world's leading review website, which honours hotels & accommodations that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence.
Your Destination —
Given the remote and pristine nature of this jungle, the very best way to explore it is by navigating down the Napo River on a carefully - designed vessel set to explore the Amazon in style. The M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer allows our guests to experience unparalleled adventures in total comfort. Journey with us down freshwater rivers, both whitewater and black water, and encounter different Amazonian ecosystems, including the possibility to observe fascinating animals such as pink river dolphins, manatees, caimans and piranhas, as well as hundreds of native bird and primate species.
Your Itinerary in Brief —
Day 1: Arrival in Ecuador
Day 2: Quito - Ecuadorian Amazon Basin
Day 3: Panacocha Biological Corridor
Day 4: Parrot Clay Lick - Amazonian Communities - Observation Tower
Day 5: Indillama & Napa River - The Northern Side of Yasuni National Park
Day 6: The Heart of Yasuni National Park (Home of the Pink River Dolphin)
Day 7: Quechua FAmily & Life on Board
Day 8: Forest Adventure & Observation Canopy Tower
Day 9: Return to Quito
Day 10: Cotopaxi National Park
Day 11: Departure
Your Itinerary —
Day 1: Arrival in Ecuador
Fly into Quito and make your way to your shuttle transfer to the Wyndham Hotel for the first night of your tour.
Day 2: Quito - Ecuadorian Amazon Basin
After breakfast, please take the shuttle back to the airport for your internal flight to Coca. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the port where you will board a motorised canoe for a 1 hour 30 minute ride down this mighty river to your ship. Once you are settled, an expert local guide will give you an informative talk about the Amazon. After dinner, you will take your first foray into the Amazon with a nighttime walk.
Today you will embark on a canoe trip and experience the sights of this fascinating water reserve. Pañacocha Lake is an ecosystem flooded by blackwaters - Pañacocha literally means “Piranha Lake” in the native Quechua language.
The surrounding protected Rainforest is home to 9 species of primates, 500 species of birds and more than 100 fish species. This is the perfect habitat for Piranhas, the Water Monkey Fish (Arawana) and the White Caiman.
Afterwards, delve further into the jungle with your local naturalist guide, and relax at a nearby campsite where you will enjoy a delicious Amazon-style BBQ alongside refreshing beverages. After lunch, you will do some kayaking, and - if you're brave - a refreshing swim in the Piranha Lake (it’s not actually as dangerous as it sounds).
Return to your ship for a lecture on the region.
Day 4: Parrot Clay Lick - Amazonian Communities - Observation Tower
This morning, you will set out on 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 colourful parrots, parakeets and amazon birds, every day.
Later, you will visit a Quechua Cultural Center, where you will learn about Amazon communities and their ancestral culture, traditions, and cuisine. Members of the local community will teach you about indigenous lifestyles along the Napo River and you will also have the opportunity to support the local community by purchasing handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs.
Before sunset, you will visit an observation tower in the rainforest canopy, which offers an astonishing 360-degree view of the Amazon basin and is the perfect photo opportunity!
Begin the day kayaking along the Indillama River, one of the Napo River’s tributaries which leads you into Yasuni National Park. Kayaks are smooth and silent, providing the very best opportunity to observe wildlife. Canoes can also be used to travel in search of more wildlife. The choice is yours!
In these waters, you will find yourself surrounded by lush greenery. After an adventure-filled day, you may choose to take advantage of the ship's observation deck where you can relax and experience a magical view under the stars. Those who are more energetic may choose to unwind with a night walk through the jungle to observe nocturnal creatures.
Day 6: The Heart of Yasuni National Park (Home of the Pink River Dolphin)
Early in the morning, you will visit Yasuni National Park. This is a pristine and relatively undisturbed region of the Ecuadorian Amazon - the home of the legendary Pink River Dolphin! In this area, we can also find anacondas, river turtles and various primate species, as well as the ccolourfulHoatzin, a unique bird that is known locally as the “Stinky Turkey”.
Later in the afternoon, you will go canoeing in a blackwater lake, home to giant otters and the magnificent, albeit elusive manatee. You will also enjoy a pleasant hike in the Riparian/Gallery Forest, where you have the chance to spot a flock of birds and marvel at the intricate organization of a colony of leaf-cutter ants by the “Giant Fig Tree”, a truly majestic tree that is home to an abundance of wildlife, much like the “Giant Kapok Tree”.
Start the day with a visit to an authentic Quechua family located on the banks of the Napo River, where you will be immersed in the local culture. You will then board the M/V Anakonda Amazon Cruises for lunch and some leisure time as you continue your journey upstream.
You can participate in a cooking class with the chef who will share recipes and techniques for preparing exquisite traditional Ecuadorian food that you can replicate at home. Guests are also invited to try their hands at making traditional handicrafts.
Day 8: Forest Adventure & Observation Canopy Tower
Relax and enjoy the amenities on board - especially the outdoor jacuzzi - before disembarking to explore the nearby forest. In the afternoon, you will visit a canopy tower, with is built against a giant Kapok tree. The perspective at the top of this observation tower is truly glorious, looming above the lush treetops and providing a view of the sheer vastness of the Amazon Basin.
In the evening, you will take to the river on a canoe in search for black caimans with the help of your flashlight.
Disembark and take a motorised canoe back to Coca in time for your flight to Quito. Settle into your hotel and embark on a guided tour of the city.
Day 10: Cotopaxi National Park
Spend the day soaking up impressive scenery before returning to your hotel.
Day 11: Departure
Take the shuttle to the airport in time for your flight home.
Your Ship —
You will spend 8 nights in a Standard Cabin on a Full Board Basis (Breakfast, lunch and evening meal served in the main restaurant - excludes drinks).
Please note: some dining outlets/menu items and premium, branded and international drinks may not be included and may incur a surcharge payable locally. Meals, snacks and drinks may be available at selected times only
Your Cabin
2 Adults
Please note: Views from some staterooms may be obstructed
Wyndham Garden Quito —
You will spend 2 nights in a Standard Room with breakfast included.
Some services may incur additional charges, payable locally.
Your Room
2 Adults
Your Board Basis
Please note: some dining outlets/menu items and premium, branded and international drinks may not be included and may incur a surcharge payable locally. Meals, snacks and drinks may be available at selected times only.
Your Journey —
Flights: You may choose from Economy, Premium or Business class flights on sectors that they operate, at the next stage of the booking process.
The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Transfers: Shared transfers are included as per the itinerary.
