Depart by plane from Quito in the morning and arrive Francisco de Orellana (Coca) at approx. noon. Transfer to the Napo River port then by motorized canoe downstream approximately one hour and 30 minutes to join Manatee. Once aboard, the Manatee Amazon Explorer will start navigating downstream. The guides will give a briefing on the Amazon world, its people, and 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. (L,D)

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 the clay that helps them digest the seeds they feed on. 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. (B,L,D)

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 that illustrate the ways of life of the ancient inhabitants of the rain forest. There is also an 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, 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 see how they live. (B,L,D)

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. (B)

*Also available as a 5 days / 4 nights Cruise departing Mondays with visit to Terra Firmae Forest and Gorges.
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