Manatee Amazon Explorer - Sample program descriptions |
MONDAY OR FRIDAY : Quito / Manatee Amazon Explorer,
Depart from Quito in the morning (11:00), flight to Francisco de Orellana (Coca), arriving Coca at around
12:00. Transfer to the Napo River port then the motorized canoe ride downstream will take approximately
two hours, during the trip we will provide of a box lunch and important information about the region. Once
aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer, a thrilling adventure of exploring the tropical rain forest and its
native communities will begin. 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.
TUESDAY : Terra Firmae Forest, Lakes and Gorges,
Morning disembarkation for a stroll on terra firmae forest, towards an internal lagoon in 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.
WEDNESDAY OR SATURDAY : 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.
THURSDAY OR SUNDAY : 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.
FRIDAY OR MONDAY : The Return,
While the Manatee navigates upriver, the guides wrap up our nowledge of the great Amazon region. Then
transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito.

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