Amazon river discovery by cruise

Upon arrival at Quito airport, you will meet your guide, who will transfer you to your hotel. Nestled among a circle of Andean peaks, Quito is the world’s second-highest capital and boasts one of the most stunning settings globally. Originally settled by the Quitu tribe in the first millennium, Quito played a crucial role in the Inca Empire before being destroyed and re-founded by Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Benalcázar in 1534.

The colonial center, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1978, is one of the largest and best-preserved in Latin America. It is home to exceptional museums, churches, and art galleries.

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Photo: mehdi33300

Explore the vibrant streets and squares of the largest historical center in the Americas, visiting some of its most significant churches, including the impressive Cathedral, majestic Compañía, and iconic San Francisco, all guardians of a rich multi-ethnic artistic and cultural heritage.

We begin the tour in the quirky Guapulo Quarter, view the Congress Building, and then head to the Old Town. We conclude the day at the “Panecillo” hillside, offering breathtaking views of both the old and modern city, surrounded by the rolling Andes Mountains.

Additionally, we will visit the “Equatorial Line” complex. Its monument, located at latitude 0º 0′ 0″, offers a unique chance to stand in both hemispheres simultaneously or move between them in the blink of an eye. The monument is the centerpiece of a park with gift shops and restaurants.

The site holds significant importance in the solar-based Andean worldview, recognized by ancient Andean people thousands of years ago. The Ethnographic Museum at the complex provides a comprehensive overview of Ecuador’s diverse cultures and geography.

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Photo: jkraft5

After a short 30-minute flight from Quito to the Amazon city of Coca, located in the Province of San Francisco de Orellana, we will transfer to the dock. Here, we board our motorized canoe to begin our river journey, taking in the sights and sounds of the Amazon. Soon, we will reach the Manatee Amazon Explorer and receive a warm welcome aboard.

Once settled into the Manatee Amazon Explorer, expert local naturalist guides will provide an informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Guests will then have their first opportunity to explore the ship’s exciting features: spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and an observation deck offering stunning views of the rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River.

After dinner, we’ll embark on a nighttime forest walk to experience the Amazon’s nocturnal activity, with its vivid noises and aromas stemming from the region’s remarkable biodiversity.

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© Amazon Cruise

Early in the morning, we will visit Yasuni National Park, a pristine and relatively undisturbed region of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Guests will be thrilled to discover that this area is home to the legendary Pink River Dolphin! We may also encounter anacondas, river turtles, various primate species, and the colorful Hoatzin, a unique bird locally known as the “Stinky Turkey.”

Later, we will canoe in a blackwater lake, home to giant otters and the elusive manatee. Enjoy a pleasant hike in the Riparian/Gallery Forest, where we may spot a flock of birds and marvel at the intricate organization of a leaf-cutter ant colony near the “Giant Fig Tree,” a majestic tree rich in wildlife, similar to the “Giant Kapok Tree.”

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Photo: AlxPortilla

We start the day by visiting an authentic Quechua family living on the banks of the Napo River. This cultural immersion offers an opportunity to learn directly from the local community.

We then return to the Manatee Amazon Explorer for lunch and some leisure time as we continue our navigation upstream. Guests will enjoy onboard activities, including a cooking class with our expert chef, who will share recipes and techniques for preparing exquisite traditional Ecuadorian dishes with fresh, organic ingredients.

Guests are also invited to try traditional handicrafts, enjoy a relaxing massage at the Rainforest Spa, take in the ever-changing scenery from our Amazon Hot Tub, savor a cocktail at our Bar and Lounge, or simply admire the sunset and stargazing from our Observation Deck Lounge. For those seeking adventure, a kayaking activity is available.

This day, we also offer a camping program for adventurous guests as an alternative way to explore this enchanting destination.

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Photo: eismannhans

Relax and enjoy the Manatee Amazon Explorer in the morning, then disembark to explore the nearby forest. Discover a myriad of unique animal and plant species native to the Amazon basin.

In the afternoon, visit a canopy tower built against a giant Kapok tree. The view from this observation tower is spectacular, offering a panoramic perspective above the lush treetops and showcasing the vastness of the Amazon Basin.

In the evening, venture into the river on a canoe to search for black caimans with the help of our flashlights.

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Photo: RollingEarth

DAY 7: FLIGHT TO QUITO

Our Amazon journey concludes. In the morning, disembark from the M/V Manatee and transfer by motorized canoe to Coca (a 1½ hour ride). From there, take a flight to Quito.

At Quito’s airport, we will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel.

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DAY 8: QUITO SIX SENSES TOUR

Experience the Six Senses Tour through Quito, an innovative program involving psycho-sensory experiences that engage all human senses. The Six Senses Tour Quito, created by Latin Trails, combines psychology and sensory methods to offer guests a complete life experience of ancient places and traditional meals in the marvelous city of Quito.

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Photo: Moiz_Cukurel

The adventure ends. You will be taken to the airport for your international flight.

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© Quiport