Itinerary

Day 1 (Mon) – Coca / Napo River / Yasuni National Park

Departure from Quito.  A flight takes us to the frontier town of Coca (Francisco de Orellana) – and transfer to the dock, where we will embark on a motorized canoe and navigate down river to board the M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer. Throughout the journey, have a chance to admire the rainforest landscape and banks of the great Napo River. Immediately after boarding the M/V Manatee, continue navigating downstream. An evening walk is organized after sunset; it gives the opportunity to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity and listen to the incessant sounds of nature.

Day 2 (Tue) – Border with Peru (Heart of Yasuni)

After breakfast, enjoy a tropical rainforest experience, where you will learn about the relationship between plants and animals while closely watching out for samples of Amazonia’s fascinating biodiversity at every turn. After lunch, the M/V Manatee navigates to one of the most pristine and little explored sections of Ecuadorian Amazonia, home to the legendary pink river dolphin, black caiman and anaconda. We may also find river turtles and various species of monkeys, as well as the primitive Hoatzin, a one-of-a-kind bird locally known as \"the Stinky Turkey\". The only way to actually visit this flooded ecosystem is by canoe, a ride that will reveal the beauty of a lush jungle world.

Day 3 (Wed) – Island Exploration

Breakfast on board. We visit a school located on the banks of the Napo River, where we will have the opportunity to interact with children of the area and learn about the educational system of a remote jungle community in Ecuador.
We return on board the M/V Manatee for lunch and a moment to relax while we navigate upstream.  We will offer a lecture and documentary screening, and if time permits, learn about (and make) typical handicrafts of the area. In the afternoon, we explore one of the largest river islands of the Napo River.

Day 4 (Thu) – Parrot's Clay Licks / Limoncocha Biological Reserve

Breakfast on board. We set out to visit one of the most amazing spectacles this side of western Amazonia known as parrot licks, these unique pools of mud become rich in minerals and attract hundreds of parrots, parakeets and amazons every day. If weather permits, we will have a chance to marvel at this astonishing natural phenomenon. We will also visit a small community arts and crafts shop, an excellent place to find souvenirs to take back. In the afternoon, we visit Limoncocha Biological Reserve, a fascinating protected area where more than 478 bird species and several monkey species have been recorded. This activity will extend into the evening, when we will have a chance to spot black caiman with the help of our flashlights. Return to the M/V Manatee for dinner.

Day 5 (Fri) – Coca / En Route

In the morning, disembark the M/V Manatee and journey by motorized canoe to Coca (1 ½ hour ride) to transfer to the airport for your flight.