Quito and 4 Day Manatee Amazon Explorer Cruise
7 Days/6 Nights
From $2,619 per person
(Dbl. Occupancy, Not Incl. Airfare)
Overview
Explore Ecuador’s Amazon Basin on this four day cruise aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer. Starting in Quito, enjoy a city tour and visit to the Middle of the World Monument. Then fly to Coca to meet up with the ship, and navigate along the Napo River through Yasuni National Park, a 2.45 million acre biosphere reserve in the northeast of the country. Highlights of the cruise include jungle hikes, canoe expeditions, wildlife observation, and interaction with indigenous peoples.
Lodging, Meals, and Airfare: This tour includes accommodations for 6 nights (3 nights in Quito and 3 nights aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer), 11 meals (6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners), and domestic airfare in Ecuador.
Best Time to Go: June-November.
Destinations: South America, Ecuador, and Amazon.
Interests: Adventure, Camping, Culture & History, Expedition Cruising, Sea Kayaking, and Wildlife Viewing.
Places Visited: Quito and the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Note: The detailed cruise itinerary below is a standard model of the ship’s operation. The operator of the ship intends to offer everything as planned, but it is important to note depending on technical or operational difficulties beyond their control, the operator of the ship reserves the right to modify the cruise itinerary without notice.
Day 1 (Wed): Quito.
Day 2 (Thu): City Tour of Quito-Middle of the World.
Following the city tour, you will be driven to the “Middle of the World City” complex, which is located 11 miles north of Quito. Here, you will see the monument of the equatorial line, a 98 ft high stone trapezoidal monument with a brass globe on top. The monument forms the focal point of a park and leisure area with gift shops and restaurants. Overnight in Quito. (B)
Day 3 (Fri): Quito-Coca-Napo River-Manatee Amazon Explorer.
Once we have settled into the ship, we will be joined by expert local naturalist guides who will provide us with a brief and informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon, after which passengers will have their first opportunity to discover the exciting features of our cruise ship: spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and the observation deck that allows us to admire the changing rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River.
After dinner, we will plunge straight into the Amazon by going for a nighttime forest walk to observe the forest’s nocturnal activity and experience the thrill of the vivid noises and aromas that come from so much biodiversity. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,D)
Day 4 (Sat): Manatee Amazon Explorer-Pañacocha Biological Corridor.
In this little piece of paradise, we will participate in nature walks led by our local naturalist guides, and relax at a nearby campsite where we will enjoy a delicious Amazon-style BBQ and refreshing beverages.
After lunch, we will do some kayaking, and the bravest among us will enjoy a nice refreshing swim in the Piranha Lake! We promise it’s not as dangerous as it sounds!
Back on board the M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer, our guests will have the opportunity to attend a lecture given by our concierge and watch an educational documentary about the region. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 5 (Sun): Manatee Amazon Explorer-Parrot Clay Licks-Amazonian Communities-Observation Tower.
Later, we will visit a Quechua Cultural Center, where we will learn about Amazon communities and their ancestral culture, traditions, and cuisine. Members of the local community will teach us about indigenous lifestyles along the Napo River and we will have the opportunity to support the local community by purchasing handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs.
Before sunset, we will visit an observation tower in the rainforest canopy, which offers an astonishing 360-degree view of the Amazon basin and is the perfect photo opportunity! Birdwatchers and bird-lovers alike will especially enjoy this outing. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,LD)
Day 6 (Mon): Manatee Amazon Explorer-Coca-Quito.
Day 7 (Tue): Quito.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Itinerary Map
Prices & Dates
Price per Person
| Category | Single | Double | Triple |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Cabin | $4,079 | $2,619 | $2,249 |
| Deluxe Cabin | $4,839 | $3,139 | $2,689 |
Notes:
- The above prices are valid until December 31, 2020.
Departure Dates
Wednesday departures throughout the year.
What's Included
Price Includes
- South American Vacations’ expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
- Airport/hotel transfers including baggage handling.
- Hotel accommodations including taxes and service charges.
- Accommodations on board the M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer.
- All meals scheduled on board and others as indicated on the itinerary.
- Unlimited water, coffee, and tea during the cruise.
- Excursions as indicated on the itinerary including all applicable entrance fees.
- Optional Glamping in Pañacocha Protected Forest Reserve on Day 5.
- Local, English-speaking tour guides.
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare.
- Quito-Coca-Quito airfare ($230).
- Meals not indicated on the itinerary.
- Admission to local communities and natural reserves ($70).
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Gratuities to ship crew and guides (suggested $10-$15/day for ship crew, $10-$15/day for naturalist guides).
- Wi-fi Internet.
- Gifts and personal items.
- Travel insurance.
We will be happy to quote the cost of international airfare and travel insurance and to make these arrangements for you.
Additional Details
Group/Private: The transfers in Quito are private. All other services are operated on a group basis.
Elevations: Quito is 9,350 feet above sea level.
Passport/Visa: U.S., Australian, Canadian, and EU citizens require a passport valid for at least six months from date of entry and return ticket for stays of up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries are advised to contact the Ecuadorian embassy in their country before traveling.
Travel Insurance: In order to protect your travel investment from unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. We offer Allianz Global Assistance’s Classic Comprehensive and other plans. The Benefits and Coverage Limits are summarized on our Travel Insurance page. Call your travel counselor if you have any questions or to purchase a plan.
To Book This Trip: Call or email us to confirm the availability of this ship and the domestic airfare for your desired dates of travel. Once we have confirmed availability, you will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of $1,500 for single passengers, $1,200 per person for doubles, and $1,000 per person for triples, plus the cost of the international airfare (if we arrange it for you).
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