Cruising the Amazon & Galapagos, an unforgettable journey

Nestled within a ring of towering Andean peaks, Quito is the world’s second-highest capital and boasts one of the most breathtaking settings globally. Founded by the Quitu tribe in the first millennium, Quito was a significant part of the Inca Empire before its destruction and re-foundation by Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Benalcázar in 1534.

The city’s colonial center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978, is one of the largest and best-preserved in Latin America, offering a rich tapestry of museums, churches, and art galleries.

Overnight: Quito
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After breakfast, we depart from Quito on a brief 30-minute flight to the frontier town of Coca (Francisco de Orellana). From there, we’ll transfer to the dock and board a motorized canoe for a scenic 1½-hour journey down the river to the M/V MANATEE AMAZON EXPLORER. As we navigate, you’ll be captivated by the lush rainforest landscape and the majestic Napo River.

Upon boarding the M/V MANATEE, we’ll continue downstream, where you’ll discover the ship’s exceptional amenities: expansive social areas, luxurious suites, and an observation deck with stunning views. As night falls, embark on an evening walk to explore the nocturnal wonders of the rainforest and immerse yourself in the symphony of nature.

After a delightful breakfast, we disembark for our first daylight adventure in the tropical rainforest. Here, you’ll delve into the intricate relationships between plants and animals while marveling at the Amazon’s remarkable biodiversity.

Following lunch, the M/V MANATEE will navigate to a pristine and less-explored region of the Ecuadorian Amazon, home to the iconic pink river dolphin, black caiman, and anaconda. Keep an eye out for river turtles, various monkey species, and the primitive Hoatzin, known locally as “the Stinky Turkey.” A canoe ride will offer an intimate view of this vibrant and lush jungle ecosystem.

For adventurous souls, inquire about our exclusive glamping program.

Enjoy breakfast on board before visiting a local school situated along the Napo River. This visit offers a unique opportunity to engage with local children and gain insights into the educational system of a remote jungle community.

Return to the M/V MANATEE for lunch and relaxation as we cruise upstream. Attend a lecture and documentary screening, and if time allows, participate in crafting traditional local handicrafts. In the afternoon, explore one of the largest river islands on the Napo River.

After breakfast, journey to a 100-foot-high observation tower nestled against a giant kapok tree. From this vantage point, take in panoramic views of the Amazon Basin and its treetop canopies.

In the afternoon, visit the Limoncocha Biological Reserve, a protected haven where over 478 bird species and several monkey species have been recorded. This excursion will continue into the evening, giving you the chance to spot black caiman with the aid of our flashlights. Return to the M/V MANATEE for dinner.

This morning, disembark from the M/V MANATEE and transfer by motorized canoe back to Coca (1½-hour ride). From there, catch a flight to Quito.

Note: The detailed itinerary is a standard model of our operation. While we strive to adhere to this schedule, please note that the M/V MANATEE AMAZON EXPLORER reserves the right to modify the itinerary due to unforeseen technical or operational challenges.

Overnight: Quito

Discover Quito’s vibrant streets and historic squares, visiting key landmarks such as the grand Cathedral, the majestic Compañía, and the iconic San Francisco churches. Begin your exploration in the quirky Guapulo quarter, view the Congress building, and continue to the Old Town. Conclude the day at the Panecillo Hill for panoramic views of Quito, nestled between the Andes Mountains.

As part of your Quito Colonial City Tour, visit the “Equatorial Line” complex. This monument at latitude 0º 0′ 0″ offers a rare chance to stand in both hemispheres simultaneously. The complex features a park with gift shops and restaurants, and the Ethnographic Museum provides an overview of Ecuador’s diverse cultures and geography.

Overnight: Quito
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Depart Quito this morning with your guide to Otavalo, renowned for its artisan market. En route along the Panamerican Highway, stop in Calderon to see the traditional masapan figures and in Guayllabamba to sample the local chirimoya fruit. Enjoy scenic stops to admire the picturesque landscape and snow-capped mountains. Briefly visit San Pablo Lake before arriving in Otavalo.

Explore the renowned “Plaza of Ponchos” textile market, one of South America’s most famous markets. Discover a variety of handcrafted goods, including tapestries made on both Spanish and indigenous backstrap looms. After a day of shopping and interacting with the friendly Otavaleños, return to Quito in the late afternoon or early evening.

Overnight: Quito
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AM: Fly from Quito or Guayaquil to the Galapagos Islands. Before your flight, pay $20 at the Galapagos Government Council counter for the migration control card. The flight duration is approximately 2½ hours from Quito and 1½ hours from Guayaquil.

Upon arrival in San Cristobal, pass through an inspection point to ensure no foreign plants or animals are introduced to the archipelago. Here, you’ll also pay the Galapagos National Park entrance fee: $200 for adults and $100 for children (under 12 years old).

PM: Visit the Interpretation Center, which features lush gardens and stunning ocean views. Learn about the Galapagos Islands’ geological and human history, conservation efforts, and natural history. This center, the oldest museum dedicated to Galapagos natural history, aims to preserve the island’s unique environment.

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AM: Visit the Galapaguera, an excellent spot to observe Galapagos tortoises in their natural habitat. San Cristobal Island is home to endemic species like the Mockingbird (Nesomimus melanotis), lava lizard (Microlophus bivittatus), and Chatham Leaf-toed Gecko (Phyllodactylus leei). The expansive beach also serves as a nesting area for marine tortoises, with female tracks commonly visible between January and May.

PM: Explore Cerro Brujo, a stunning white coral beach ideal for swimming, bird watching, and snorkeling. This location, where Charles Darwin first set foot in 1835, offers views of seabirds such as blue-footed boobies and Nazca boobies. The bay is known for observing young tortoises and offers opportunities for swimming and exploring saltwater pools that were historically used for salt mining.

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AM: Visit Gardner Bay on the northeastern coast of Hood Island, known for its beautiful beach, perfect for relaxation, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Spot sea lions and potentially sharks in the clear waters. The area is also crucial for nesting marine tortoises, particularly the Chelonia mydas.

Here, observe three species of Darwin Finches: Geospiza fuliginosa, Geospiza fortis, and Certhidea olivacea, along with resident and migratory birds.

PM: Head to Suarez Point, a prime spot for viewing blue-footed boobies, albatrosses, and Nazca boobies. The highlight is the impressive blowhole, which spouts water up to 75 meters high. This site offers fantastic photo opportunities.

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AM: Explore Cormorant Point, home to one of the best flamingo lagoons in the Galapagos and one of the largest on the islands. The lagoon, nestled between tuff lava cones, provides a unique atmosphere for bird watching. Spot various shorebirds, including flamingos, common stilts, and white-cheeked pintail ducks. Visit two distinctive beaches: “Green Beach,” with its high olivine crystal content, and “Flour Sand Beach,” composed of coral.

PM: Discover Post Office Bay, historically known for the wooden barrel left by whalers in the 18th century, which has been used by mariners and tourists as a makeshift post office. Continue to Baroness Lookout for breathtaking views of the coastline from Enderby Islet to Post Office Bay, including Cerro Pajas, the flamingo pool, and Palo Santo forest.

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AM: Visit the Charles Darwin Station, where you can learn about the islands’ conservation efforts. Highlights include the National Park Information Center, the Van Straelen Exhibition Hall, the Breeding and Rearing Center for young tortoises, and exhibits on Lonesome George (the famous Pinta Island tortoise) and other Galapagos tortoises.

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Today after breakfast you will be met by your guide to be transferred to Quito Airport in time for your international flight.

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