Amazon Group Adventure Trips and Tours
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Ecuador Amazon Cruise
Cruise the upper reaches of the Amazon Basin aboard a comfortable river boat. From a privileged view, travel along Ecuador's Napo River though natural reserves, and wake to howler and pygmy monkey troops at the water's edge. Take shore trips along forest paths, visit native homes in the forest and experience a huge parrot lick. Your floating hotel has everything you need: educational talks, swimming or bird watching right from the deck, and a front row seat as the great river comes alive at night.
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Itinerary
Day 1 Quito/Manatee River Cruise
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Francisco de Orellana (Coca). Transfer to the Napo River port then the motorized canoe ride downstream will be approximately one hour and 30 minutes. Once aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer we'll start navigating downstream. The courteous crew will attend to your needs and the guides will introduce you to the surprising Amazon world, its people, more than 600 species of birds, and hundreds of botanical wonders. The Manatee sails along different ecosystems and important natural reserves such as Yasun National Park and the Limoncocha Biological Reserve. The warm and humid climate remains relatively constant throughout the year, giving this area its botanical category of "Ever wet Tropical Forest". Normal daytime temperature highs are 32C (90F) and nighttime lows are 23C (74F). The average annual temperature is 24C (76F).The Amazon region contains the world's largest tropical rainforest, the world's largest river, and perhaps the greatest diversity of wildlife to be found anywhere. More than 4000 species of birds, 2000 species of fish, 60 species of reptiles, including the caiman and the anaconda, the world's largest non-venomous snake, and a great variety of mammals such as the jaguar, peccary, giant anteater, tapir, capybara and pink river dolphin.In addition to rainforest explorations, another important feature of the program will be visits to the homes of forest residents. We will visit and learn what their lives are like, living on the edge of this vast trackless forest. A walk through their gardens is always interesting and we will learn their survival skills, which permit them to continue living in the complex tropical forest environment. Almost all forest dwellers collect plants for medicines and we will talk to them about which plants they collect and their uses. During our voyage you will have the opportunity to meet and interact with many different communities that live along the shores of the Napo River Basin.Travelling around Ecuadorian Amazon offers an unforgettable experience. Keep your eyes and ears open and you could be rewarded with some wonderful encounters; meet a troop of red howler monkeys moving above the canopy, spot a pair of brilliantly coloured scarlet macaws darting through the treetops, spot a pair of piercing orange eyes of black caiman aboard a dugout canoe at night, or catch a glimpse of the Amazon pink river dolphin. These are all memories that you will carry long after leaving the Amazon.ActivitiesHike on terra firme forest. This hike will lead us under the gigantic trees, for a close view of the rain forest floor to see how the lower plants compete for sunlight, among vines and epiphytes, observing the flowers and fruits that are the nourishment of the animals and birds.SwimmingThere are plenty of opportunities to swim in the Amazon basin's rivers and lakes; or just go into the water to freshen up and relax.Night excursionsWhether by paddle canoe or short walk, the feel of the tropical rain forest at night is an entirely different experience. Short or medium Length walksThese are included daily in the Amazon rain forest. One of the walks will be accompanied by a native guide, who will introduce you to the secrets of the medicinal plants and their applications. Canoe tripsThis wide, white water river flows into the Amazon. The dense, green walls of gallery forest are broken occasionally by the small holding of the Quiches settlements as you navigate downstream. The canoe trips along the rivers are excellent opportunities for viewing parrots, macaws, herons and rivers turtles. There are many opportunities if you wish to paddle native canoes on the small black water rivers and lakes, alone or in small groups.Explore small rivers by motor canoe observing the vegetation of its banks: huge kapok and palm trees. The surprising pink dolphins may appear at any bend of the river. This is a great place to spot toucans, parrots, eagles and many other birds. Bird watchingBirdwatchers are offered the opportunity of early morning outings, the best time when the birds are very active. This is an optional activity, with no extra cost. Conference by naturalistEach evening, the naturalist guides will discuss different topics related to the Amazon rain forest. Its flora, fauna, bird life, native communities and many other subjects.Day 2 Amazon
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 this clay that helps them digest the seeds they feed on, it is quite a sight, colourful and noisy! 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; quite an experience. Late return to the Manatee for dinner and overnight.Day 3 Amazon
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 and ways of life of the ancient denizens of the rain forest, which can still be seen today. We will also have the opportunity to see the giant trees of the Amazon, like the kapok, which rises over the forest canopy to more than 80m in height, with huge, protrading 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 learn their ways of life.Day 4 Amazon/Quito
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. Note: Every night there will be additional activities such as conferences, review of the flora and fauna and night outings. This itinerary is subject to change for safety and technical reasons.Trip Details
| Accommodation | Cabins on river boat (3 nts) |
| Brochure Notes | A five day version of this tour is available, see TSE05M |
| Departure | Fridays |
| Group Size | No Minimum |
| Meals Included | All meals on cruise (not including drinks) |
| StartFinish | ex Quito |
| Transport | Local Flight, Bus, Boat, Canoe |
Trip Price |
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| USD | 1269.00 |
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