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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!
Almost 500 years have passed since the discovery of this magnificent river system that flows through the world's largest primeval forest, containing 10% of all existing trees, 70% of all pharmaceutical compounds, and native Indians that live symbiotically with their unique ecosystem. This is the habitat of wildlife that is sure to be watching you - or vice versa - if you are lucky: freshwater dolphins, 500 species of birds, half a dozen species of monkeys, caimans, tapirs, 2500 species of butterflies.
Today, you can be a temporary guest in this magical wonderland for young and old. Our Amazon Manatee Explorer, designed for adventure, yet featuring the comforts and advantages of modern technology - is the result of over 20 years of experience in running expeditions others think are extinct. Our Manatee Amazon Explorer vessel meets the highest standards of sustainable ecotourism operation. Come aboard for an experience of a lifetime!
The Itinerary
DAY 1: Morning flight from Quito over the Eastern Cordillera and down into the airstrip at the town of Francisco de Orellana, a hub for sustainable oil production and named after the discoverer of the Amazon River back in 1541. The Manatee will be pulling up to dock in time for you to board this exciting adventure vessel, ready to take you on a rare journey packed with nature study, cultural interaction and even more of the magical wonders of the largest unexplored wilderness on earth. Navigation starts promptly during lunch until mid-afternoon to disembark to visit a local community at Pompeya, with its on-site archaeological museum for a lecture on the anthropology of the region (LD).
DAY 2: Monkey Island & Flood Forest Habitats
Eke your way through a network of black water streams to a flood forest habitat, fish for piranhas and spot some of the hiding wildlife. With luck, you might be able to see fresh-water pink dolphins. Enjoy a jungle barbecue and Amazon hammock siesta, a refreshing swim and back to our vessel in time for dinner and a lecture at the terrace-bar of the Manatee. Note: Optional overnight at an Indian camp under the star-filled sky and multiple nocturnal noises of the jungle, centered round an inviting campfire (BLD).
Note: Optional overnight at an Indian camp under the star-filled sky and multiple nocturnal noises of the jungle, centered round an inviting campfire.
DAY 3: Rainforest at Yasuni Biosphere Reserve
After breakfast, get a great terrace view of the jungle before disembarking to admire a superb parrot salt lick and trek into the interior rainforest, containing 70% of all pharmaceutical compounds, and native Indians that live symbiotically with this unique ecosystem. Arrival for lunch at a native campsite. Refreshing afternoon swim at a lake and some optional fishing before returning by paddle dugout through blackwater creeks to our vessel. Evening lecture at our inviting terrace-bar (BLD).
DAY 4: Observation Tower & Rain Forest Trek
Terrace breakfast for early-birds while the Manatee journeys upriver while hundreds of parrots and macaws start their morning flight. Take a dugout journey through winding streams, bordered by native huts and abundant flora, the canopy towering over our heads. Our silent approach offers incredible sounds coming from the rainforest's interior. Return to the Manatee in time for lunch. Afternoon visit to a native house on stilts and surrounded by locally cultivated plants. Learn how pineapples, bananas, tapioca, naranjilla, cocoa, coffee and other tropical fruits are grown that you normally see already packed at supermarkets! We will share an unforgettable encounter with these gracious people and learn about their unique lifestyles, traditions and medicinal plants. We then climb a hill for a magnificent view of the immense rainforest below. Upon returning to the ship and after a rewarding hot shower and relaxation on the terrace deck, our chef will delight us with a traditional farewell buffet, including a "surprise" dessert (BLD).
DAY 5: Francisco de Orellana / Quito
Arrival to Francisco de Orellana and return flight over the immense rainforest and midday landing in Quito (B).
Departure dates
5 days/4nights Monday and 4 days/3 nights Friday
| 5days/4 nights | 4 days-3 nights | ||||||||
| No of persons | DBL | SG | DBL | SG | |||||
| USD | $ 615 | $ 923 | $ 461 | $ 692 | |||||
| EUR | € 510 | € 766 | € 382 | € 574 | |||||
| GBP | £ 344 | £ 516 | £ 258 | £ 387 | |||||
| Domestic Flights: USD 120 / GBP 67 / EUR 99 | |||||||||
General Information
Rated: moderate
What is included?
Bi-lingual biologist/naturalist guides, all terrestrial and fluvial transport, food as stated, drinking water,
lodge accommodations where relevant, National Park entrance fees.
Not included:
Flight Quito - Lago Agrio - Quito, airport tax, bottled drinks except water, tips, items of a personal nature e.g. laundry,
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