Overview  7/11 - 7/14

• Day 1, 7/11 - QUITO – COCA – NAPO RIVER. The adventure begins in the city of Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Currently the flight from Quito to Coca on Fridays departs at 9:00 a.m. After taking a short 30-minute flight from Quito to the Amazon city of Coca, located in the Orellana Province, we will transfer to the dock and board the motorized canoe to begin the 90-minute journey down the river, taking in the first sights and sounds of the Amazon. Soon, we will reach the Manatee Amazon Explorer and receive the welcome aboard. 
• Once we have settled into the Manatee Amazon Explorer, we will be joined by expert local naturalist guides who will provide us with a brief and informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon. After, guests will have their first opportunity to discover the exciting features of the cruise ship: spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and the observation deck that allows us to admire the changing rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River. 
• After dinner, we will plunge straight into the Amazon rainforest by going for a nighttime forest walk (optional excursion) to observe the forest’s nocturnal activity and experience the thrill of the vivid noises and aromas that occurs in places that are rich in natural biodiversity.
• Day 2, 7/12 - PAÑACOCHA BIOLOGICAL CORRIDOR. We continue to travel downstream to the Pañayacu River delta, where we will take a canoe trip to experience the sights of this fascinating water reserve. Pañacocha Lake is an ecosystem flooded by black waters. Pañacocha means “Piranha Lake” in the native Kichwa language. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to 9 species of primates, 500 species of birds and more than 100 fish species. This is the perfect habitat for piranhas, paiches (one of the largest freshwater fish in the world) and the white caiman.
• In this little piece of paradise, we will participate in nature walks led by the local naturalist guides and relax at a nearby campsite where we will enjoy a delicious Amazon-style BBQ with refreshing beverages.  After lunch, we will do some kayaking, and the bravest among us can enjoy a nice refreshing swim in the PiranhaLake! We promise it’s not as dangerous as it sounds! 
• Back on board the Manatee Amazon Explorer, the guests will have the opportunity to attend a lecture given by the concierge and watch an educational documentary about the region. 
• Day 3, 7/13 - PARROT CLAY LICKS – AMAZONIAN COMMUNITIES. This morning we will set out in 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 every day.
• Later in the afternoon, we will visit a Kichwa Cultural Center, where we will learn about Amazon communities and their ancestral culture, traditions, and cuisine. Members of the local community will teach us about indigenous lifestyles along the Napo River. Guests will have the opportunity to support the local community by purchasing handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs. Back on board the Manatee Amazon Explorer, we will be delighted with an exquisite farewell dinner. 
• Day 4, 7/14 - RETURN TO QUITO. This is where the adventure ends! Enjoy the last part of the return journey onboard and then disembark the Manatee Amazon Explorer to take the motorized canoe back to Coca around 9 am. (90 minutes ride approximately). Return flight Coca to Quito arriving around 12 pm. (You can choose to fly home later the same day, booking flights any time after 4 p.m.) Or you can self-book Wyndham at Quito airport and us the shuttle bus. Or we can book a hotel in Quito city center and arrange transfers.
• NOTE: The foregoing itinerary is the standard operating model. The cruise intends to offer everything as planned and will make every effort to do so, however depending on inclement weather, technical or operational difficulties beyond company's control, the Manatee Amazon Explorer reserves the right to modify the itinerary without notice. 

Costs

• Cost: $3450 per person in standard double cabin.
• Cost: $3897 per person in a deluxe double cabin
• Includes 4-day/3-night cruise + RT flights from Quito + community fee). All meals and drinking water are included on the cruise. The only cash you need is spending money for snacks or meals on the way. There may be a bar on board with adult beverages that cost extra. We'll confirm that later.
• Optional expenses: $45-$65 airport transfers to/from Quito hotels in shared cost for groups of 2-10 (each way); tips; $140 USD for 2 people per night in 3-star hotel in Quito ($70 each).
• Gratuities

The total for all three adventures is approximately $8100 . . .  PLUS

• Plus, the cost of international and domestic flights in Peru.  The domestic flights to Galapagos Islands and to the jungle cruise are included in the cost of those trips.
• Plus, any hotel nights required between segments.
  
• Plus, incidentals: gratuities, snacks, drinking water, alcohol.  See each segment description for other expenses not covered by overall segment fee.
• All prices quoted for each of the three segments are based on 2025 rates except domestic flights in Ecuador, which can change.  When it's time to make your reservation and put down a deposit, we will confirm flight costs then. But we wanted you to be able to plan ahead and begin saving now.

Note to anyone who chooses more than one adventure:

• Be aware that it is necessary to add the cost of one night at a hotel in Quito, Ecuador, between segments 1+2 and 2+3.
• If you choose all three segments, you will need to include the cost of two nights in Quito between each of the three segments.
  
• Depending on the time of your flight home, it may be necessary to reserve another night in Quito after your last segment.
  

Passport - If you are considering this trip at all, check your passport and renew now!

• A passport is required, obviously. If you do not have a passport or if yours will expire any time before January 2026, get it renewed soon --- or now. It can take 3-5 months, so allow plenty of time. 
• Passports MUST have at least six months of validity when traveling internationally.  That means six months after your date of return.  
• Most countries will not permit a traveler to enter their country unless the passport is set to expire at least six months after the final day of travel.
• Many countries require it to be valid for six months beyond your intended return date. If it expires before that, you may be denied boarding or entry upon arrival at your destination and must go straight home.

How to book your international flights

For women traveling Segment #1 Machu Picchu only:

• June 28 and July 3rd - Reserve Round trip from your home to Lima, Peru and back home. If you fly Delta, they are code share partners with Latam Airlines, and you may be able to bundle your international and domestic flights by calling their customer service toll free number. We don’t recommend using the “texting” option because they manage multiple bookings at the same time, and it ends up taking longer. If you call, you usually have the attention of one agent.

For women traveling Segments 1 + 2 (and optional #3) Machu Picchu and Ecuador (Galapagos and optional jungle extension):

1. June 28 Reserve one-way from your home to Lima, Peru. (If you fly Delta you may want to bundle your international leg with the domestic flight on Latam Airlines from Lima to Cusco. See details mentioned for travel to Machu Picchu only.)
2. July 3 - Reserve one-way from Cusco, Peru to Quito, Ecuador. Use Latam Airlines. (The layover in Lima can be tight. Choose a flight with at least two hours layover in Lima. It’s considered an international flight, and you will need to clear immigration as well as security.)
3. July 10 or 14 - Reserve one-way from Quito, Ecuador to your home at the end of the trip to Galapagos on July 10, after 2200 hours OR after 1600 hours on July 14 if going on Segment 3, the Ecuador jungle river cruise extension.

How to book your domestic flights in Peru

For women traveling to Machu Picchu only: 

• Reserve roundtrip flights between Lima and Cusco. Use Latam Airlines for the most choices and reliability. Sky Airlines also offers limited flights per day. 

For women traveling to Machu Picchu and Ecuador (Galapagos and optional jungle extension):

• Reserve one-way flight from Lima to Cusco.
• Reserve one-way flight to Ecuador from Cusco, Peru via Lima, to Quito, Ecuador.
  

• Expression of interest - by October 10, 2024
• Deposit due - by December 10, 2024 (30% of your total based on the number of segments you choose)
• Final payment due - by March 25, 2025

There are no strenuous hikes. However, all 3 segments include lots of walking. It’s a good excuse to get in shape!

All 3 segments require walking on dirt paths and uneven terrain. In addition, segments 2 and 3 require people to climb in and out of small boats (staff are on hand to assist). If anyone going to Galapagos doesn’t know how to swim or is not “water safe” (comfortable in ocean water) you can stay in the boat rather than snorkel.

Segment 1 - Machu Picchu includes the bonus of walking up and down uneven steps, steep inclines and rough cobblestone paths. Handrails and support may not be available. In Peru, we can provide trekking poles on request.

Segments 2 and 3 - Marine activities involve swimming in open water where the bottom may not be visible. No prior experience is required and your guides will always brief you about safety and the proper use of gear on every leg of the trip.