MANATEE AMAZON EXPLORER
Experience the marvelous biodiversity of the Amazon Rain Forest. Beautiful and vibrant colors adorn the many species of birds, including macaws, parrots, hawks and the great harpy eagles. The great rivers of this region are the lifeblood of these birds and are home to caimans, fresh water river dolphins, piranhas, catfish and giant paiches. Butterflies of exquisite color, beauty and unusual size are common here, as well as the croaks of giant frogs. The howler monkeys also thrive here on a rich diet of insects only found in the Amazon.

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.

Features

• Canoes
• Jungle Trekking
• Eco-fishing
• River and Lake Exploration Calling on a Shaman and visiting Indigenous communities
• Night Camping Bird Watching

ITINERARY A 8 DAYS/ 7 NIGHTS
DAY 1 - FRIDAY: QUITO – COCA – NAPO RIVER – YASUNÍ 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.

DAY 2 - SATURDAY: BLACK WATER LAGOON
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, and return onboard for dinner.

DAY 3 - SUNDAY: WHITE WATER RIVER & YAKU KAUSAY AT THE YASUNÍ NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast served on board. We explore a white-water river in search of local fauna.

After lunch we stop at the Amazonian Water Museum (Yaku Kausay), and an optional night walk inside forest (depending on accessibility, river water levels, weather conditions, and wildlife behavior).

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. 

DAY 5 - TUESDAY: YASUNI NATIONAL PARK
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.

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.

For our more adventurous guests, we offer Glamping for the night. Please enquire.

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.

DAY 8 - FRIDAY: RETURNING HOME
We head back to the city of Coca to take the morning flight back to Quito. The canoe ride upstream takes around two hours.

ITINERARY B 8 DAY / 7 NIGHTS 
DAY 1 - MONDAY: QUITO – COCA – NAPO RIVER – YASUNÍ 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.

DAY 2 - TUESDAY: YASUNÍ NATIONAL PARK 
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.

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.  For our more adventurous guests, we offer Glamping for the night. Please enquire.

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.

DAY 5 – FRIDAY: POMPEYA & NAPO RIVER AT THE YASUNÍ NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast we will visit an Archeological/Ethnographic Museum on the Island of Pompeya for a unique look at the ancient cultures that lived and settled in the area.

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.

DAY 6 - SATURDAY: BLACK WATER LAGOON
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, and return onboard for dinner.

DAY 7 - SUNDAY: WHITE WATER RIVER & YAKU KAUSAY AT THE YASUNÍ NATIONAL PARK
Breakfast served on board. We explore a white-water river in search of local fauna.

After lunch we stop at the Amazonian Water Museum (Yaku Kausay), and an optional night walk inside forest (depending on accessibility, river water levels, weather conditions, and wildlife behavior).

DAY 8 - MONDAY: RETURNING HOME
We head back to the city of Coca to take the morning flight back to Quito. The canoe ride upstream takes around two hours.

5 DAY / 4 NIGHT ITINERARY
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 (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. 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.

DAY 2 - TUESDAY: Yasuni National Park
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.

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.  For our more adventurous guests, we offer Glamping for the night. Please inquire.

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.

DAY 5 FRIDAY: Returning home
We head back to the city of Coca to take the morning flight back to Quito. The canoe ride upstream takes around two hours.

4 DAY / 3 NIGHTS  ITINERARY
DAY 1 - FRIDAY: Quito – Coca – Napo River – Yasuní 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.

DAY 2 - SATURDAY: Black Water Lagoon
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, and return onboard for 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.

DAY 4 - MONDAY: Returning Home
Early departure from the Manatee and transfer back to Coca (two-hour canoe ride); return flight to Quito.