Now this is a jungle adventure with a difference! Instead of staying put in a jungle lodge, you can cruise the rivers of the Amazon rainforest aboard the superb "Manatee Amazon Explorer" riverboat. Especially designed for river cruises in the jungle, this is a uniquely different way to experience the delights of the Amazon rainforest.
You won't want for comfort aboard, with each cabin offering air conditioning and comfortable lower beds; a great bar and lounge area, on-board laundry service, fantastic food, and all the other facilities you'd expect from this floating hotel. Added to this is a boat's ability to get you right where the jungle action is and you can see why it's such a hit with our customers.
Day One - Into the jungle
This morning we'll pick you up in Quito and take you for a short flight down to Coca, deep in the Amazon basin. Here we'll take you to the Manatee Amazon Explorer and, while you're enjoying lunch on the terrace, we'll cast off and head downriver as we begin our jungle adventure!
Day Two - Dolphins and Piranhas
This morning we will sail along some of the smaller tributaries to a flood forest area where we can fish for piranhas and hopefully get our first sight of pink river dolphins. After enjoying our grilled piranha and having a siesta we will have the chance to go swimming and a short jungle walk before rejoining the ship for dinner and a talk from one of our expert guides.
Day Three - Trekking in the jungle
After breakfast this morning we will disembark to head slightly inland to view an amazing parrot salt lick, where the parrots land in great numbers every morning to lick at the clay which helps them digest their main diet of seeds. After this we will trek into the interior of the rainforest to see some of the wildlife here. After having lunch at an indigenous campsite, we will return by dugout canoe to the Manatee for another night on-board.
Day Four - Dugouts and Digging in!
This morning we will head by dugout canoe through small winding streams deep into the rainforest. We will see dozens of parrots and macaws start their morning flight and enjoy the site of monkeys leaping through the canopy. In the afternoon we will visit an indigenous community to learn how they live from the land and we'll have the chance to sample some of the local delicacies. After this we will trek to the top of a nearby hill for an amazing panoramic view of the jungle before returning to the Manatee.
Day Five - Back to Quito
Sadly, our jungle adventure is almost at an end as we sail back to Coca and disembark for a flight back to Quito, where we'll meet you and take you back to your hotel.