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

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.

PREPARING FOR THE AMAZON

The Ecuadorian Amazon basin is a special place, teeming with natural life and adventure at every turn. There is no telling what you will see or experience, and the unexpected is most certainly one of its treasures.

Of course, there are constants as well. The Amazon is located in the lowland equatorial tropics in a humid environment. Excursions on land usually take place in the mornings and afternoons, as the temperature rises at midday when we regularly are on board the Manatee Amazon Explorer. The weather is relatively constant throughout the year (we’re on the equator, so there are no sharply demarcated seasons).

It is a rainforest, so rain is a regular occurrence and is what makes the area so lush and beautiful. Rain showers are often short-lived and serve to cool the air, which is always welcomed and refreshing. The insects here are a unique, colorful, and natural part of the environment. Like most everywhere in the world, you’ll find mosquitoes, but you’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that they are quite manageable with a little repellent from time to time.

Forest trails can be uneven (a sturdy walking stick is helpful if you do not feel steady on your feet), and one can expect to encounter mud and puddles on specific segments. While a good pair of hiking boots with appropriate traction might be helpful, they are not always the best footwear. Usually, you are better off with rubber boots and a waterproof poncho (both of which we provide onboard). By the way, the clothes you bring along should be lightweight and quick-dry. (Please refer to our packing list below).

When we say that things are unexpected in the Amazon, we mean it! You never know what you will encounter, and there is always something new. The Amazon is so unique and magical that for those who experience this environment for the very first time, it can prove to be a profound and life-changing experience.

The sound of the forest is unbelievable. When paddling along one of the winding black-water streams, we invite you to close your eyes and try to take in the plethora of fascinating sounds that fill the air. We invite you to slow down, live in the present, and experience the natural beauty and richness all around you. Just let go, enjoy, and allow the spirit of the Amazon to envelope and enthrall you.
 
PACKING LIST
• Passport (and a color copy kept in a separate bag)
• Comfortable walking shoes or tennis shoes
• Walking stick (optional)
• Several lightweight pants (more than two)
• DON’T BRING JEANS!
• 3 or more long and short-sleeved shirts or blouses
• Vests with pockets are useful for carrying camera equipment and other accessories
• A windbreaker or sweater for breezy afternoons
• Waterproof socks (one pair per day)
• Small, sturdy umbrella (one)
• Shorts (at least one pair)
• T-shirts (at least three)
• Bathing suit/swimwear
• Cotton underwear
• Hat or cap
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen lotion
• Sunglasses
• A flashlight and extra batteries
• Binoculars (available on board as a rental item)
• Small waterproof backpack (available for purchase on board)
• Insect repellant
• Camera, spare batteries and enough memory cards
• Personal first-aid kit
• Plastic bags for storing wet clothing
• Your medications, if applicable. Don’t forget them!
• Cash – we also accept credit cards on board.
 
DO’S & DON’T’S

• Opt for neutral clothing colors and avoid conspicuous clothing in bright colors or white, so as not to distract or frighten animals. The more you can blend into your surroundings, the better!
• Make sure your electronic equipment is at least somewhat waterproof or packed in a waterproof bag or pouch, especially if you plan to use it during excursions.
• Speak softly when on forest trails or canoe trips – loud voices can scare away the wildlife that everyone wants to see.
• Watch your step and follow the group. Don’t try to get ahead of the guide or tour leader, and avoid lagging behind.
• Always tell your guide if you see something and don’t hesitate to ask questions. That’s what your guide is there for!
• Don’t Litter! Respect the forest and its wildlife. Bring a backpack or plastic bag in which you can discard plastic, wrappers, paper, and other waste.
• You are in good hands with our guides and staff. You can trust us! We have decades of experience showing guests the wonders of the Amazon. We are not only here to guide you and show you around, but also to take care of you and make you feel at home.
• Take advantage of as many outings as possible. The adventure lies “out there.” We guarantee that, given the right conditions, every outing we have selected for our itinerary has been customized to offer unique and extraordinary experiences.
• If you have physical limitations or concerns, do not hesitate to ask our guides if particular trails or activities are right for you. Most of them don’t require excessive physical effort, but please let us know if you are feeling any discomfort during an outing, and feel free to ask us for more information about what you may encounter once we have explained what it entails.
• Don’t hesitate to share your interests and preferences with our staff! It is important to us that you make this adventure your own. We can offer a certain degree of flexibility in terms of alternatives to our daily activities. Although it is not always possible, we will do what we can to personalize your Amazon cruise experience.

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 need wet landings. Uneven terrain may be present during hikes and daily nature excursions, and a degree of physical effort is occasionally required while embarking and disembarking. Travelers do not need vaccinations for malaria and yellow fever, although we recommend you consult your physician. Have proper travel and health insurance.

Dietary Needs:
Manatee Amazon Explorer requires written notification 30 days before departures from travelers requesting specific nutritional needs. Every effort will be made to cater to the requested dietary needs, as long as the products are available in Ecuador.

Insurance:
We strongly recommend that you plan to arrive in Quito an extra day before the cruise departure date, 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. Have a proper Travel and Health insurance to protect yourself.

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 with the adjustment, Manatee Amazon Explorer reserves the right to cancel the trip, offering a pro-rata refund per cruise night not used or 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 areas’ 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 guest who ignores, violates, or is unable to comply with these regulations. We appreciate your understanding.

MANATEE RATES 2024
All rates per guest and for double occupancy*
All suites feature a private balcony and panoramic views.
Maximum Capacity: 30 guests

RATES POLICY:
Third guest 45% discount (adult rate) in triple suite with additional sliding bed.
Single occupancy rate: Adult rate + 50%.
Children under 12 years old will receive 50% discount (one child per suite).
Maximum 3 guests per suite.

INCLUDES:
All meals on board.
All excursions, rain ponchos, and rubber boots.
Transfers to/ from the vessel when arriving on our recommended flights.
Exclusive access to our VIP Lounge in Coca City (before and after the cruise.)
Private & personalized assistance for Quito-Coca-Quito flights at both airports on our recommended flights.

DOES NOT INCLUDE:
Air tickets ($250-300 pp), contribution to local communities ($80), transfers to and from Quito airport, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, gratuities, and satellite internet.
 

NOTES:
Minimum recommended age: 6 years.
Maximum availability for Triple Suites: 4 triple suites (1 queen bed and 1 additional sliding bed).