Manatee Amazon Explorer Program

Day 1 Quito – Coca – Yasuní National Park
Departure from Quito in the morning, flight to Francisco de Orellana (Coca), arrives to Coca after a short 30 minutes trip, transfer to the Napo River port. Then the motorized canoe ride downstream will be approximately one and a half hours; during the trip we will provide important information about the region. Once on board the MANATEE AMAZON EXPLORER will start navigating down the Napo River during the whole afternoon. At dusk, our first live experience with the Ecuadorian Amazon basin will begin (night walk, visit to a native house or canoe ride will depend on the river level, climatic conditions, wildlife behavior and accessibility to the location).

Day 2 Visiting the Pañacocha Biological Corridor
We will continue our navigation downstream to arrive close to the mouth of the Pañayacu ( Piranha River ). After arrival, there will be a canoe trip through the Piranha River to see the sights of this interesting protected forest. There is a possibility to observe pink river dolphins, the agile common squirrel monkeys and much more. The Piranha Lake area is an ecosystem flooded by white waters. The rivers and lakes of that place are perfect habitat for the infamous piranha, the water monkey fish (Arawana) and white caimans.

At night, there will be an optional excursion to explore the forest and riverbanks, as well as optional overnight at our camp for an extra cost of USD30,00 per person (includes tents, sleeping bags, food an a naturalist biologist English speaking guide)

Day 3 Visiting the Observation Tower – Native House
On the third day of our cruise, we will explore the “observation tower” built around a tree to observe the different ecosystems of the forest and a wide variety of birds. After lunch at the MANATEE, you will stop at a native house of the Kichwas where a native guide will bring into the light their way of life and traditions.

Day 4 Visiting the Kapok Tree – Limoncocha Biological Reserve
In the morning we will continue to visit one of the tallest trees of the Rainforest, the Kapok. A native guide will also explain to us the use of medicinal plants; if time permits we will have a visit to the CICAME Archeological Museum which preserves pottery from the Omagua Culture, one of the first forest pre-Columbian residents of the Napo River basin . This is also a good place to shop local handicrafts made from rainforest materials. In the afternoon, there will be a visit to the Limoncocha Biological Reserve, an incredible area to find lots of birds, some monkeys and at night looking for the black caiman. Return to the MANATEE at night.

Day 5. Returning home
Return to the city of Coca to take the morning flight back to Quito . The canoe ride upstream will take around two hours.

Please note: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On daily basis of your tour you will be advised of any amendments.

Do Not Includes:

• Air transportation Quito/Coca/Quito
• Travel Insurance

• Gratuities
• Extras (souvenirs, donations to communities)

Ask for our programs of eight days.

Jungle Discovery Program.

Day 1 We take the domestic flight from Quito to Coca with TAME airline at 8.10am. Transfer from the airport to Puerto Gregorio on the Aguarico river shore by private transport, arriving at 12:30pm. After a delicious lunch, we will take a motor canoe down river and reach at about 04:00pm the Yacht Jungle Discovery, waiting for us on the confluence of the Cuyabeno and Aguarico rivers. Navigating the Aguarico down river on board we can enjoy the view of the Amazon rainforest until we reach the entrance of the Zábalo River at about 06:30pm. Upon arriving we go on a true night adventure expedition to observe caimans. Afterwards we will have a welcome cocktail and dinner on board and the guide explains the next day's program.

Day 2 Breakfast at 06:00am. At 07:30am we start navigating Zábalo River upstream by motor canoe for about one hour. On the way we have the possibility to observe the fascinating wildlife of the Cofán reservation, like macaws, parrots, toucans and by chance as well monkeys. We will then go on a walk through the virgin forest accompanied by a Cofán native guide who explains the flora and fauna as well as the use of their medicinal plants. After returning to the yacht we have lunch and time to relax. In the afternoon we will go for piranha sport fishing. At 08.00pm dinner and briefing of the next day.

Day 3 Breakfast at 07:00am, followed by a walk through the forest along the Zábalo River . Our Cofán guide will again show and explain to us the biodiversity of the Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve. Lunch at noon on board. In the afternoon we visit the Cofán Community of Zábalo, about a half an hour the Aguarico down river. We will take part in the cultural activities of the community like Casabe preparing (yuca bread), their typical food and also the preparing of Yoco (a natural beverage). We also learn how to extract the chambira fibre out of a palm leave. This fibre is used for hammocks and bags. We will also have the opportunity to visit their turtle reproduction centre and to buy their handy crafts. In the late afternoon we will return with the Jungle Discovery up river to the entrance of the Cuyabeno River. After dinner we have the possibility to go on a night walk looking for insects, amphibians and other animals.

Day 4 Very early morning we will go on a hike to observe birds. After the breakfast we will navigate by motor canoe to the Black Water River , habitat of the Pink river dolphins. We go on a longer walk trough the forest together with a Kichwa native guide. In the afternoon we will visit a Kichwa family whose culture differs to the one of the Cofán and we have time for sport fishing. Dinner and Farewell cocktail.

Day 5 Breakfast at 06:00am. We will go on a walk along the Cuyabeno River . At 11:00am we will s et out back for Puerto Gregorio. On the way we enjoy a box lunch on a beach. Transfer back to the airport on Coca where we take the domestic flight to Quito at 05:30pm with Tame airlines.

Please note: While it is our intention to adhere to the route described above, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. On daily basis of your tour you will be advised of any amendments.

Do Not Includes:

Ask for our programs of eight days.

PASTAZA
KAPAWI LODGE

ACTIVITIES AT KAPAWI

There are three alternatives, according to your physical condition (not your age):

EASY: Programs that include short hikes in the rainforest (up to 3 hours) on well defined trails, visits to the Achuar communities as well as trips in canoes. Meals are served in the lodge or light meals are taken for the trip. Typical Achuar meals are also offered in their communities. During overnight stays can be in the lodge or in tents.

MODERATE: Programs that include medium-distance hikes in the rain forest (up to 5 hours), sometimes crossing flooded areas. Trips in canoes and visits to the Achuar communities are also covered. Light meals are taken for the journey or typical Achuar dishes are served in their communities. Overnight stays include the lodge, the Achuar communities and occasionally in tents.

DIFFICULT: Demanding hikes of many hours or days in poorly defined and often flooded trails. Porters will carry food and supplies. Overnight stays are in tents or in the Achuar communities. Exploration journeys to virgin areas are occasionally offered. Trips on inaccessible rivers are done in inflatable rafts. Excellent physical condition is required!

Groups are always lead by one Naturalist Guide and one Native guide. Some of the possible activities that can be done at Kapawi are:

Hiking.- Easy, moderate or difficult, a long the tropical rain forest visiting Achuar Communities.

Bird watching.- It can take 2 hours approximately, generally this activity starts early in the morning, at 6 a .m. approx. There have being seeing more than 530 bird species round the area.

Kayaking & canoe trips.- this activity can be done a long short rivers as the Capahuari or some lagoons near the lodge. The canoe trips can be taken along rivers as the Pastaza.  Canoe trips are part of the regular activities in companion of the naturalist and local guides.

Fishing.- Catch and release prohibited.

Camping.- this activity depends on the guests decision. Part of our staff takes the food to the camping area, we will try to give our guests the same services as they were staying at the lodge. This activity should be require in advance.

Achuar Community visits.- This is one of our best activities offered in Kapawi, it is because of the significant cultural contribution to the Achuar people. We give our guests a briefing about the Achuar Culture, their ethics codes and some suggestions about how to behave during this activity.

Self-guided path.- it can take 45 min approximately round the lodge.

Caiman watching.- This activity is done during the nights because these reptiles are nocturnal animals.

•  Night Hikes.- A very nice activity because it offers the opportunity to see a different perspective of the Rain Forest.

Note: Children under 7 years of age are not permitted at the lodge.

HOTEL SERVICES

Energy
The lodge is powered by solar energy. Sixty four solar panels of 75 watts each cover 60% of all the lodge's energy needs. Every room has 3 lamps: 1 in the bathroom and 2 in the bedroom. We kindly request you to conserve energy by using no more than three lamps at a time.

Water
The tap water is filtered through charcoal filters and purified with ozone. Bottled drinking water is available in your room.

Solar showers provide 5 gallons of hot water each day, remember this system work only with the sun light, if you observe a cloudy day we will not be able to provide you hot water. For your convenience we recommend that you take showers at the end of the day.

Rain
An umbrella is provided in each room that you can use to go to different areas of the lodge.

Night
No artificial illumination exists along the boardwalks since it could modify the behaviour of nocturnal animals. You should carry a flashlight with you at all times.

Swimming
Swimming can be safely done in lakes and calm rivers. Nevertheless, as the water level goes down in the dry season, this activity is not always available.

Bar
A very well supplied bar is opened until 10:00 p.m.

Meals
A variety of international and traditional cuisine is offered to our guests.

Breakfast: Starting at 5:00 a.m., a light breakfast is provided to birdwatchers (available upon request) . A full breakfast is available from 6:30 a.m.

Lunch: Is provided in the dining room from 1:00 p.m. Boxed lunches are provided to visitors taking full-day trips.

Dinner: Is served from 7:30 p.m.

Library
Our library is open all day long. Paperbacks, magazines and books are available.

Boutique
A small boutique that stocks essential items you may have forgotten (film, toothbrushes, toothpaste, sunscreen, insect repellent, hats etc.), as well as handicrafts and souvenirs.

Soap
All soaps used in the lodge are biodegradable. Please do not use non-biodegradable soaps.

Trash
Trash is sorted into four classes: biodegradable, paper, non-biodegradable (metal, plastics, glass, etc.) and batteries in the central area of the lodge. Ple ase deposit garbage in the appropriate trash containers which you will find in your room.

Satellite Communication
We have available the satellite phone that can be use 24 hours a day, the 7 days of the week, this service is available for use of all guests who visit lodge for international calls, the cost is $2,30 + 12% IVA per minute.

IMPORTANT: Due to the type of weather of the tropical rain forest some delays can be expected, our recommendation is for you to please consider adding an extra day to your itinerary after visiting Kapawi to make sure you meet your connecting flights to your next destination ( Galapagos Islands , etc.)