Have questions? We're here.
Two kayakers making their way down the Amazon River.

Exploring the Amazon Rainforest

Example 8 Day Cruise aboard Manatee
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Ecuador trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip
Talk with an expert
This 8-day journey takes you into the endless heart of the Ecuadorian Rainforest, which extends its fabulous prism of life throughout the Amazon Basin. This inspiring adventure provides many unexpected, astonishing encounters with the teaming wildlife of the Yasuni, the largest of Ecuador's continental National Parks. Your journey includes the chance to see the famous pink river dolphin, visit local communities, kayak, watch for wildlife, and much more.
Three turtles hitch a ride on a log down the river.Getting a guided tour through the Amazon.A Squirrel Face Monkey watches from high in a tree.Venture into the Amazon on a Manatee river cruiseTwo kayakers making their way down the Amazon River.
Highlights
  • Admire the rainforest landscape and banks of the great Napo River
  • Seek out pink river dolphins and common squirrel monkeys
  • Visit the Sani Warmi Kichwa Interpretation Center
  • Visit a school located on the banks of the Napo River
Activities
Places Visited
Activity Level: Variable
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
0

Full Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Quito | Fly to Coca | Embark

Depart from Quito in the morning and after a 30 minute flight arrive at Francisco de Orellana (Coca). At the airport, meet your naturalist guides who accompany you on a short transfer to the Napo River port. Embark on a motorized canoe ride downstream for approximately an hour and a half. During the trip listen to important information about the region. Once on board the M/V Manatee, enjoy lunch and begin navigating down the Napo River. In the evening, there is a welcome cocktail and a presentation about the trip, and an optional nocturnal forest walk.

Day 2: Panacocha Biological Corridor

Continue down the Panayacu River delta. Stop for an exploratory canoe trip and experience the sights and sounds of this fascinating reserve. Seek out pink river dolphins and common squirrel monkeys. Flooded by white waters, the rivers and lakes which comprise the Pañacocha ecosystem provide the perfect habitat for water monkey fish, white caiman, and the infamous piranha. After a refreshing swim (for the courageous!), enjoy a delicious Amazon-style BBQ meal and refreshing beverages at a nearby camping site. In the afternoon, disembark and hike the trails that circle the area.

Day 3: Parrot's Clay Licks | Amazonian Communities

n the morning set out on canoes to observe one of the most incredible sights on this side of the Western Amazon, the parrot clay licks. This unique place is rich in minerals and attracts hundreds of colorful parrots, parakeets and amazon birds. Afterward, visit a Kichwa Cultural Center, where you can learn about Amazon communities and their ancestral culture, traditions, and cuisine. Members of the local community will teach you about indigenous lifestyles along the Napo River, and you have the opportunity to support the community by purchasing handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs. 

Day 4: Indillama and Napo River | Yasuni National Park

Today, choose from two different activity options that allow you to search for amazing wildlife. You may kayak though the Indillama River, one of the Napo River's effluents that goes into Yasuni National Park. This is a great excursions for wildlife observation, kayaks are great silent vehicles to flow down river.

On the other hand, you can choose to go in a canoe ride through the Napo River. It's up to you!

Day 5: Yasuni National Park

Early in the morning, visit Yasuni National Park, a pristine region of the Ecuadorian Amazon, home to the legendary pink river dolphin. In this area, you can also find anacondas, river turtles, and various primate species, as well as the colorful hoatzin, a unique bird known locally as the “stinky turkey”. In the afternoon, take a motorized canoe to a black-water lake, home to giant otters and the elusive manatee, and enjoy a pleasant hike in the riparian/gallery forest, with the chance to spot flocks of birds and marvel at the intricate organization of a colony of leaf-cutter ants.

Day 6: Kichwa Family | Life onboard

Start the day off by visiting an authentic Kichwa family on the banks of the Napo River, where you receive the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community. Then board the Manatee for lunch as we continue upstream. Guests will participate in a cooking class with our expert chef and prepare exquisite traditional Ecuadorian. Guests are also invited to try their hand at traditional handicrafts or enjoy our onboard facilities, including the Rainforest Spa, the spectacular view from our Amazon Hot Tub, cocktails at our Bar and Lounge, and stargazing from our Observation Deck.

Day 7: Forest Adventure | Observation Canopy Tower

Guests can relax and enjoy the Anakonda Amazon Cruises during the morning and disembark to explore the nearby forest for a walk to discover a myriad of different animals and plant species that can only be found in the Amazon basin.

In the afternoon, visit a canopy tower, built against a giant Kapok tree. The perspective at the top of this observation tower is truly glorious, looming above the lush treetops and providing a view of the sheer 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.

Day 8: Disembark | Coca | Fly to Quito

  • 1 Breakfast
Return to the city of Coca to take the morning flight back to Quito. The canoe ride upstream takes around an hour and a half.

Ship/Hotel

Manatee

Manatee

Manatee

The Manatee Amazon Explorer is an intimate way to explore the great Amazon - it holds just 30 passengers, and is a stunning example of jungle comfort and luxury.
Manatee Sun Deck
Manatee
Manatee

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Deals

Early Booking Discount 22854
Book by February 28, 2025, and enjoy a discount of up to 10%.  This offer applies from June 1, 2025, to December 20, 2026,  except Christmas and New Year’s Eve. The discount is subject to availability and cannot be combined with other promotions. A non-refundable deposit of 20% is required at the time of booking. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Click for departure dates
Up to 40% Off for the 2nd Guest 26587
Book by February 28, 2025, and enjoy a discount of up to 40% for the 2nd guest. This offer applies to select departures from January to May 2025.
  • Anakonda Amazon Cruise: 40% OFF for the 2nd guest
  • Manatee Amazon Explorer: 30% OFF for the 2nd guest
The discount is subject to availability and cannot be combined with other promotions. A non-refundable deposit of 20% is required at the time of booking. Additional restrictions may apply. Please contact us for details.
Click for departure dates
Per person starting at
$4,585 2-3 travelers
Standard
20 sq meters, 10 cabins, 8 with twin single or double beds and 2 triple occupancy cabins with a twin bunk and a single bed. Each cabin features large picture windows and a balcony. Equipped with air conditioning, closets, bedside table, 24 hours of electricity and 110-voltage outlets and switches.
Deluxe
24 sq meters, 4 suites with twin single or double beds, or a double bed and a single pull out bed in the triple occupancy cabins. Each cabin features large picture windows, a balcony, and private Jacuzzi style baths. Each cabin is equipped with air conditioning, closets, bedside table, 24 hours of electricity and 110-voltage outlets and switches.
Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 7 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Transfers to/from the vessel when arriving on recommended flights.
  • All excursions, rain ponchos, and rubber boots.
  • Exclusive access to VIP Lounge in Coca city (before and after the cruise).
  • Private & personalized assistance for Quito - Coca - Quito flights at both airports on the recommended flights.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Transportation to and from Quito airport.
  • All alcoholic & Non-alcoholic drinks
  • Satellite internet
  • Contribution to local communities

Map

When to Go

Inquire

* By providing your phone number, you consent to receive direct phone calls or SMS messages from our Trip Planners to get the process started. We do not share your information with third-parties.
Travel Agents

We Love to Talk Travel

Call 1.800.344.6118
or
Chat Now
The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor
TrustScore 4.8 | 407 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
total score
Based on 407 reviews on
review score
1 month ago
My travel consultant went out of her way to make sure everything went smoothly, everything from the flight reservations to the final booking.
johnw
review score
5 months ago
We have told everyone we know about Adventure Life. What a great company to work with and no detail is missed. Call them for your next adventure!!
Paul Rupert
review score
5 months ago
Clara was great to work with. She presented lots of options and always responded promptly. And she found excellent options within our price range.
Colorado Traveler
review score
8 months ago
Erin C. was incredibly helpful and thorough. I had answers immediately or within the same day.
Marilyn Snook
review score
9 months ago
The staff at Adventure Life made planning my family's trip to the Galapagos Islands as easy as possible. They listened to what we were hoping to experience and made thoughtful suggestions about how to accomplish our vacation goals while meeting the needs of travelers ages 17-76! They patiently answered questions and follow up questions in the months leading up to the trip. They helped us trouble shoot and customize the trip in every way possible. The logistics involved in traveling from Boston to the Galapagos are innumerable. The Adventure Life staff helped us arrange every detail and the team they assembled in the Galapagos was tremendous. I have never done a trip this big before and after working with Adventure Life this time--would not hesitate one second in working with them again.
Jennifer Howard Schroeder

Ecuador Travel Guide

Favorite Ecuador Ecuador All Trips

Top Ecuador Travel Destinations

Ecuador Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Ecuador

Ecuador Trips by Duration

Ecuador Trips by Activity

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By

Kassandra Magruder Adventure Life employee profile
Kassandra M
Plan My Trip
We love travel, talk with an expert 1.800.344.6118