Ship:  Manatee

Itinerary:  Amazon Exploration: Pañacocha Lakes Systems

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Previous Image   Next Image The Manatee Amazon Explorer in the afternoon sun

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Day 1 : Fly Quito-Coca. Transfer downstream and embark on the Manatee Amazon Explorer
Day 2 : Terra Firmae Forest, Lakes and Gorges
Day 3 : Parrots and the Limoncocha Biological Reserve
Day 4 : Culture / The Amazonian man / Giants of the Forest
Day 5 : Disembark / Fly Quito
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Days Dates Deck + Cabin Type
Single Double Triple
5 Jul 7, 2008
Aug 4, 2008
Sep 1, 2008
Oct 6, 2008
Nov 3, 2008
Dec 1, 2008
$1,065 $710 $605
All departures are not shown. Manatee has weekly 5D/4N departures every Monday.
CHILD DISCOUNT: Children under 12 pay only $355.
Destinations : Amazon, Ecuador, South America
Activities : Cultural Activities, Nature Viewing, Photography, River Cruising

Day 1 : Fly Quito-Coca. Transfer downstream and embark on the 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 : 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 : 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.

Day 4 : 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 : Disembark / Fly 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. 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.


Prices are based on a 3% cash discount.

Ship Description: Manatee

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The Manatee Amazon Explorer is an intimate way to explore the great Amazon--it holds just 30 passengers, and is a stunning example of jungle luxury.

The Manatee's expedition leaders are always on hand to answer questions and offer information on the Amazon rainforest, the weather conditions, navigation, native cultures, and plants. Travelers will learn about this unique region through daily explorations, lectures, briefings, recaps and videos.

Manatee Exploration Trips include:
• River Transportation
• Accommodations in Single, Double or Triple Staterooms
• All meals (B, L, D), snacks, etc.
• Purified water
• All forest excursions
• Visits to native communities.
• Excursion Leaders (Biologists, Zoologists, Botanists, etc).
• Lectures by our Excursion Leaders.


Manatee Amazon Explorer 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 lifeboats
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.

Manatee - Cabin on the Manatee Single
Comfortable cabin with two lower twin beds, A/C, picture window, and private bathroom. Single supplement is 50%.
Double
12 comfortable cabins with two lower twin beds, A/C, picture window, and private bathroom.
Triple
2 comfortable cabins with two lower twin beds and one upper berth, A/C, picture window, and private bathroom.
 
Manatee - Manatee Deck Plan

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