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The Manatee will be awaiting near this river port and guests reach it by motor canoe on the Napo River. Once aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer.
FEATURES:
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 Excursion
ITINERARIES
Day 1. Quito – Coca – Yasuní National Park
Departure from Quito in the morning, flight to Francisco de Orellana (Coca), arrives 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 during 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 the location)
Day 2 Visiting the Pañacocha Biological Corridor
We will continue our navigation downstream to arrive close to 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 riverbanks
Day 3. Visiting a native house and CICAME Museum – Limoncocha Biological Reserve
In the morning we will visit a native house from the Kichwa, people who lives inside of the Yasunì National Park, including an interesting walk in a mature forest, if the time permits. After this, a short visit to the CICAME Archeological Museum, this interesting museum preserves the 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 Limoncocha 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
Day 1. Quito – Coca – Yasuní National Park
Departure from Quito in the morning, flight to Francisco de Orellana (Coca), arrives 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 during 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 behaviour and accessibility to the location).
Day 2. Visiting the Pañacocha Biological Corridor
We will continue our navigation downstream to arrive close to 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 riverbanks, as well as optional overnight at our camp for an extra cost of USD30,00 per person (includes tents, sleeping bags, food an a naturalist biologist English speaking guide)
Day 3. Visiting the Observation Tower – Native House
On the third day of our cruise, we will explore the “observation tower” built around a tree to observe the different ecosystems of the forest and a wide variety of birds. After lunch at the MANATEE, you will stop at a native house of the Kichwas where a native guide will bring into the light their way of life and traditions
Day 4. Visiting the Kapok Tree – Limoncocha Biological Reserve
In the morning we will continue to visit one of the tallest trees of the Rainforest, the Kapok. A native guide will also explain to us the use of medicinal plants; if time permits we will have a visit to the CICAME Archaeological 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 Limoncocha 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.
Day 1. Quito – Coca – Yasuní National Park
Departure from Quito in the morning (08:30h), flight to Francisco de Orellana (Coca), arriving to Coca around 09:00h, transfer to the Napo River port. Then the motorized canoe ride downstream will be approximately two hours, during the trip we will provide 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 behaviour 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 National Park to look for large rodents like capybaras and reptiles of the night, such us 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 National Park, 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 an Indian Community will give as 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 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 the home of 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 colourful 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). 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, 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 were we started our adventure. Early 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 National Park.
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
Day 1 Quito – Coca – Yasuní National Park
Departure from Quito in the morning (08:30h), flight to Francisco de Orellana (Coca), arriving to Coca around 09:00h, transfer to the Napo River port. Then the motorized canoe ride downstream will be approximately two hours, during the trip we will provide 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 behaviour 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 National Park 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 National Park, 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 as 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 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 – 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 the home of 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 unique 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 colourful blue-gray tanagers, kingbirds, social flycatchers and many more.
Day 7. Navigation along the Napo River – Pañacocha (Piranha Lake)
Protected ForestWe will continue our navigation upstream 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. At night, there will be an optional trip to explore the forest and Napo river banks.
Day 8. Exploring the Pañacocha Protected Forest
This will be a full day inside Pañacocha area to observe the local flora and fauna. There will be excursions whether by paddle canoe or hikes to give you an entire experience of the area. 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.Day 9. Yasuní National park and Limoncocha Biological ReserveEarly morning, we will stop at another area of the Yasuní National Park, 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. In the afternoon, our objective is to explore the Limoncocha Biological Reserve. This small conservation area was created in the eighties to protect Limoncocha or Lemon Lake where actually the population of black caimans is relatively well. Enjoy a nocturnal canoe ride to look for these beautiful and fascinating animals.
Day 10. Limoncocha B.R., CICAME museum and return home
The MANATEE AMAZON EXPLORER will arrive to the point where we started our adventure. Early morning, visit to Limoncocha to observe birds and the surrounding shore vegetation. After that stop by the CICAME Archaeological Museum that preserves pottery of the Omagua Culture, one of the first pre-Columbian residents of the Napo River basin. This is a good place to shop local handicrafts made from rainforest materials. In the afternoon continue to the city of Coca to take the flight back to Quito.
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