Some 60 million years ago, South America was an enormous island, partly submerged in the Atlantic. The Amazon River flowed west, as the Andes rose majestically eons later. Life gathered in isolated patches, like Noah's Ark, bearing the promise of continuity. Salt water retreated to the sea, rains clashed against mountain slopes, and the Panamanian land bridge gave way to genetic transactions with the North. The result? The greatest orchestration of life ever heard on Earth - whose symphonies delight the spirit as its rainbow of colors come alive with what scientists call "biodiversity". What's more, not even the most outlandish imagination, nor the most sophisticated multimedia equipment, could ever emulate this "divinely computerized programming".
In 1541, the very first Europeans set out from Quito to explore these dense jungles east of this ancient Incan capital in search of gold and cinnamon. Not the jungle or the natives ever revealed where the precious metal of "El Dorado" was to be found, as they floated for 800 miles down the Napo to come upon what they thought to be the Atlantic. But it wasn't the Atlantic - yet. It was the Great Amazon River, fed by over a thousand tributaries that emptied one third of the Planet's fresh water into the sea!
5 day / 4 night itinerary
Day 1: Monday - Quito / Manatee Amazon Explorer
Depart from Quito in the morning (11:00), flight to Francisco de Orellana (Coca), arriving to Coca at around 12:00. Transfer to the Napo River port then the motorized canoe ride downstream will be approximately one hour and 30 minutes. Once aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer will start navigating downstream. The courteous crew will attend to your needs and the guides will introduce you to the surprising Amazon world, its people, more than 600 species of birds, and hundreds of botanical wonders. The Manatee sails along different ecosystems and important natural reserves such as the Yasuní National Park and the Limoncocha Biological Reserve.
Day 2: Tuesday - Terra Firmae Forest, Lakes and Gorges
Morning disembarkation for a stroll on terra firmae forest, towards an internal lagoon on the Yasuni National Park, observing the different ecosystems and accompanied by the naturalist guide. The excursion includes the opportunity to swim and fish for the famous piranha, time to rest and lunch. The return to the mighty Napo River will be on board a native canoe, rowing along a small black water creek or gorge.
Day 3: Wednesday - Parrot Lick and the Limoncocha Biological Reserve
Early departure by motor canoe to visit a very special corner of the jungle, the clay banks of the river where different species of parrots gather daily to eat this clay that helps them digest the seeds they feed on, it is quite a sight, colorful and noisy! Then, back aboard the Manatee to sail upriver and reach one of the tributaries of the Napo to observe the flora and fauna, the surprising pygmy monkeys and then a trek to the facilities of what used to be South America's Summer Institute of Linguistics in Limoncocha, currently the only Biological Reserve of Ecuador. Upon reaching the Limoncocha Lake, we will board a canoe and travel along the banks of this marshy ecosystem, where over 470 species of birds have been recorded. There is a possibility to fish for piranha, and for a short walk. At night, it is possible to observe the black caimans that inhabit the lagoon; quite an experience... Late return to the Manatee for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Thursday - Culture / The Amazonian man / Giants of the Forest
The adventure today begins with a visit to the Museum of Pompeya, a small archaeological sample with Amazonian funeral urns that date back several centuries, as well as utensils and ways of life of the ancient denizens of the rain forest, which can still be seen today. We will also have the opportunity to see the giant trees of the Amazon, like the kapok, which rises over the forest canopy to more than 80 meters high, with huge, protrading roots. Guests can also try rowing the canoes on a tranquil tributary of the Napo River up to the house of a native family, to share a moment with them and learn their ways of life.
Day 5: Friday - Francisco de Orellana - Quito
The Return While the Manatee navigates upriver, the guides wrap up our knowledge of the great Amazon region. Then transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito. Note: Every night there will be additional activities such as conferences, review of the flora and fauna and night outings. This itinerary is subject to change for safety and technical reasons.
Important Notes:
1. You must wear a life vest during all boat and canoe trips.
2. Trained naturalist Guides offer advice, give informative talks and conduct all excursions.
3. There is an entrance fee to Yasuni National Park of USD 20 per person (subject to change) and must be paid by passengers directly.
4. The programs described are subject to change without notice, and can be operated in different sequences depending on climatic and operational conditions. All decisions are oriented in terms of passengers interest and safety.
5. For your comfort, bottled water is supplied during your stay, free of charge.
6. All meals are included in the cost of the program. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are available at extra cost.
7. Electricity is 110 volts
Activities
Hike on terra firmae forest
This hike will lead us under the gigantic trees, for a close view of the rain forest floor to see how the lower plants complete for sunlight, among vines and epiphytes, observing the flowers and fruits that are the nourishment of the animals and birds.
Swimming
There are plenty of opportunities to swim in the Amazon basin’s rivers and lakes; or just go into the water to freshen up and relax.
Night excursions
Whether by paddle canoe or short walk, the feel of the tropical rain forest at night is an entirely different experience.
Short or medium Length walks
Are included daily in the Amazon rain forest. One of the walks will be accompanied by a native guide, who will introduce you to the secrets of the medicinal plants and their applications.
Canoe trips
This wide, white water river, which itself flows into the Amazon. The dense, green walls of gallery forest are broken occasionally by the small holding of the Quichua settlements as you navigate downstream. The canoe trips along the rivers are excellent opportunities for viewing parrots, macaws, and herons and rivers turtles.
Paddle native canoes
There are many opportunities if you wish to paddle native canoes on the small black water rivers and lakes, alone or in small groups.
Explore small rivers
By motor canoe the small river’s still waters observing the vegetation of its banks: huge kapok and palm trees. The surprising pink dolphins may appear at any bend of the river. This is a great place to spot toucans, parrots, eagles and many other birds.
Bird watching
Birdwatchers are offered the opportunity of early morning outings – the best time, when the birds are very active. This is an optional activity, with no extra cost.
Conferences by naturalist guides
Each evening, the naturalist guides will discuss different topics related to the Amazon rain forest. Its flora, fauna, bird life, native communities and many other subjects.
