THE MANATEE AMAZON EXPLORER
"An adventure River Boat"
Welcome to the Amazon Rain Forest region of Ecuador. Now you can really enjoy an adventure deep in the Amazon with comfort and safety aboard the new River Boat "The Manatee". It accommodates 28 passengers in double bedded cabins.Below you will find sample itineraries for 4, 5 and 8 days. Departures are on Mondays and Fridays.
SPACIOUS
CABINS WITH PRIVATE BALCONY
- Adventure lived in small groups (14
Cabins)
- 10 Standard Cabins with tower showers (20m2)
- 4 Deluxe Cabins with jacuzzi (24m2)
- Air conditioned cabins and floor to ceiling windows
SOCIAL AREAS
COMFORTABLE SPACES TO ENJOY NATURE
- Panoramic-view restaurant & bar
- Observation deck
- Outdoor jacuzzi
- Alfresco bar
THE AMAZON EXPERIENCE
EXPLORE, DICOVER, LEARN AND SHARE
- Cultural activities with local communities
- Swim in the Amazon Basin with pink river dolphins
- Kayak along black water lakes
- Camp at Panacocha (Piranha's lake)
ITINERARIES:
4
days-3 nights
DAY 1 FRIDAY: Quito-Coca-Manatee Amazon Explorer
Our adventure begins in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. After a
30-minute flight from Quito to the Amazonian city of Coca, we
will transfer to the dock and board our motorized canoe for a
90-minute journey down the river, taking in the beauty of the
Amazon, until we reach the Manatee Amazon Explorer and receive
our warm welcome aboard. On the Manatee, we will be joined by
expert local naturalist guides, who will provide us with a
brief, informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon; and
afterwards guests will have the opportunity to explore our
cruise ship and admire the rainforest landscape as we glide down
the Napo River. After a delicious dinner, we will take a
nighttime forest walk to hear the sounds of the rainforest and
observe the nocturnal wildlife. (L,D)
NOTE: PLEASE BE ADVISE THE ANAKONDA DEPARTS ON SUNDAYS FROM
COCA AND THE MANATEE ON FRIDAYS. Your itinerary will be adjusted
accordingly to the departure of each vessel.
DAY 2 SATURDAY: PAÑACOCHA, THE MYTHICAL PIRANHA LAGOON
We will travel downstream to the Pañayacu River delta, where we
will embark on a canoe trip to Pañacocha Lake (“Piranha Lagoon”
in the native Kichwa language), an ecosystem flooded by
blackwater river water. The surrounding protected rainforest is
home to primates and birds and is the perfect habitat for
piranhas, the Paíche or pirarucu (one of the world’s largest
freshwater fish), the white caiman, and hundreds of other
aquatic animals. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to
primates and various bird species, which we will be able to spot
during a walk with our guides. We will then recharge our energy
with an Amazon-style barbeque at a community camp, and after a
short rest, we will take part in aquatic activities such as
kayaking and/or swimming. Back on board the Manatee, we will
build on what we learned with an interesting talk about the
region given by our guides.
B, L,D
DAY 3 SUNDAY : PARROT CLAY LICKS AND AMAZON COMMUNITIES
We will set out on our motorized canoes early in the morning to
witness one of the most incredible sights on this side of the
Western Amazon - the famous parrot clay licks. This unique place
is rich in minerals and attracts hundreds of colorful parrots,
parakeets, and Amazon birds who meet up here to lick the clay
which provides a healthy boost to their digestion. In the
afternoon we will visit the Kichwa women’s community project,
where we will learn about the indigenous lifestyle along the
Napo river, their ancestral culture, and their community, and
will have the opportunity to support them by purchasing
handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs, as well as the
opportunity to participate in the Charapas Turtle Conservation
that we support together with the community.
B, L,D
DAY 4 MONDAY Manatee-Coca-Quito
This is where our adventure ends! But first, we will enjoy our
return to Puerto Providencia where we will disembark the Manatee
Amazon Explorer and ride back to the city of Coca in the
motorized canoe.
MEALS: B,
5
days/4 nights
DAY 01 MONDAY Quito-Coca-Manatee Amazon
Explorer
Transfer to the airport for 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. Late afternoon briefing on next day activities. (B,L,D)
NOTE: PLEASE BE ADVISE THE ANAKONDA DEPARTS ON WEDNESDAY FROM
COCA AND THE MANATEE ON MONDAYS. Your itinerary will be adjusted
accordingly to the departure of each vessel.
DAY 02 TUESDAY Manatee Amazon Explorer
Terra Firmae Forest, Lakes and Gorges
Morning disembarkation for a stroll on terra firma forest,
towards an internal lagoon on the Yasuní 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. (B,L,D)
DAY 03 WEDNESDAY Manatee Amazon Explorer
Parrots 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. (B,L,D)
DAY 04 THURSDAY Manatee Amazon Explorer
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 40 meters high, with huge,
protruding 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. (B,L,D)
DAY 05 FRIDAY Manatee-Coca-Quito
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. (B)
PROGRAM EIGHT DAYS - SEVEN NIGHTS
Special
departures for Groups
Day 1
Quito – Coca – Yasuní National Park
Depart from Quito in the morning (8:30 am), flight to Francisco
de Orellana (Coca), arriving to Coca at around 09:00. Transfer
to the Napo River port then the motorized canoe ride downstream
will be approximately two hours, during the trip we will provide
of 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 behavior 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 N.P. 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 N.P. 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 use 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 colorful
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 Explore 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 N.P.
Early afternoon visit the CICAME Archeological 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.
MANATEE
ACCOMMODATIONS:
4 Deluxe cabins with private whirlpool bathtubs (2 queen and 2
twin size bed)
10 Standard cabins (5 queen and 5 twin size bed)
FACILITIES:
All cabins feature private balconies
All cabins are equipped with air conditioning system and private
bathroom with hot water
2 cabins with queen bed, in any category, could be converted in
triple cabins designed for 2 adults and 1 child under 12 years
old, in sliding bed
INCLUDED:
On board accommodations
All meals on board
Scheduled visits according to the itinerary with a certified
naturalist guide
Unlimited supply of water, coffee and tea
Transfers to Coca from the vessel when arriving on recommended
flights
NOT INCLUDED:
Air ticket Quito – Coca – Quito, USD 250-300 per person (The
rate includes upon issuing the air ticket with us: private and
personalized assistance for Quito – Coca - Quito flights at both
airports. Exclusive access to our VIP Lounge (before and after
the cruise), with modern, well-equipped facilities and air
conditioning system, where we will provide our guests with
complementary coffee, tea, water and light snacks.
** For those passengers who choose not to purchase their air
tickets with us, an additional fee of USD 40.00 per person,
shall apply for the services listed above.
*
Subject to change without prior notice
Admission to local communities and natural reserves (USD 70.00
net per person for 4 & 5 day cruises, USD 80.00 net per person
for 8-day cruise)
* Subject to change without previous notice.
Transfers to and from Quito’s airport
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
Gratuities
Wi-Fi Internet (Due to the remote area of navigation, satellite
internet is only available in certain zones and during certain
times. Should our guests require this, we are able to offer it
for the price of $15 for the entire duration of the cruise)
Personal expenses
Other services not specified in the program
IMPORTANT NOTES:
Children rate applies 1 child per 1 adult. In case there are 3
children and 2 adults, the third child pays adult rate
The minimum age for navigate in our river cruise is 7 years from
the operation day
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
FIT RESERVATION POLICIES
A reservation is valid only when Tara Tours returns a written
confirmation to the client.
Once the reservation is confirmed, the client has a time limit
of 5 business days to send a deposit of 20% of the total invoice
to Tara Tours to hold and guarantee the reservation. Our system
automatically eliminates all reservations that don´t have a
deposit registered after the time limit specified above
The River Boat requires full payment 60 days prior the cruise.
FIT CANCELLATION POLICIES
CONFIRMATION DATE – 61 DAYS PRIOR DEPARTURE:
All deposits are non-refundable
60 – 00 DAYS PRIOR DEPARTURE:
Full payment will be applied as the cancellation fee.
In the event of cancellations, wire fees and credit card
commissions will be deducted when calculating refunds.
OPERATIONAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS
MEDICAL AND HEALTH:
Good physical health is required to best enjoy an Amazon River
Cruise. Visitor sites are accessible by small, motorized boats,
and will possibly require wet landings. Irregular terrain may be
present during hikes and daily nature excursions, and embarking
and disembarking occasionally requires a degree of physical
effort. Travelers do not require vaccinations for malaria and/or
yellow fever, although we recommend you consult your physician.
INSURANCE:
We strongly recommend Manatee Amazon Explorer travelers to plan
to arrive in Quito an extra day before cruise departure, given
that no refunds are applicable in the unlikely event that
weather-related flight cancellations cause you to miss your
embarkation, flight cancellation is beyond our control and as a
cruise operator, we must adhere to strict operating standards
which include our schedules. We advise travelers to purchase
trip cancellation insurance, to reimburse the cost of air
tickets and other non-refundable fees incurred during trip
reservations in the event of unexpected cancellations. Standard
International medical, baggage loss, and airline delay insurance
are also recommended.
VESSEL REPLACEMENT:
Manatee Amazon Explorer reserves the right to replace the cruise
vessel when required (i.e., force majeure or inclement weather).
Should travelers not agree to the adjustment, Manatee Amazon
Explorer reserves the right to cancel the trip, offering a
pro-rata refund per cruise night not used or, alternatively,
offer a credit toward a future cruise onboard the Manatee Amazon
Explorer.
VISITS TO THE AMAZON COMMUNITIES AND NATURAL RESERVES:
A portion of our excursions take place within protected areas,
and visitors are required to comply with these area’s rules and
regulations. Naturalist guides will inform guests about these
rules. Manatee Amazon Explorer, represented by its onboard
guides, reserves the right to deny access to any guests who
ignores, violates or is unable to comply with these regulations.
We appreciate your understanding.
DIETARY NEEDS:
Manatee Amazon Explorer requires written notification 30 days
prior to departures from travelers requesting specific dietary
needs. Every effort will be made to cater to these dietary
needs, as long as the products are available in Ecuador.
For questions or further information about these
programs
Have your Travel Agent call
Tara Tours at 1-800-327-0080 or
e-mail us tara@taratours.com