Awaken Your Senses on an Amazon River Cruise
EXPERIENCE THE BEST WILDLIFE SAFARI IN THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE

There’s one thing you won’t find aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer cruise: an ordinary adventure. Experience the extraordinary in the heart of the Amazon, where one of the world’s most biodiverse regions is yours to explore. A quick flight from Quito transports you to a pristine world, offering a glimpse of nature as it once was.

Guided by passionate local experts, explore the Amazon's incredible biodiversity with stops at the most wildlife-rich locations along the river. Tune into the rhythm of the jungle as you kayak through serene waterways, hike lush jungle trails, or relax in the al-fresco-shaded lounge. Each day promises breathtaking sights and sounds, along with photo ops and memories you’ll rave about for years to come.

With only 20 suites, the M/V Manatee riverboat is built for intimate and immersive exploration. Imagine a soothing soak in the outdoor jacuzzi, surrounded by the symphony of the Amazon and panoramic views of the rainforest—a perfect addition to your bucket list adventure.

STARTING FROM
$3,411

Deluxe (USD per person)


* Add the above price to your Galapagos rates for the full price of your Ecuador adventure.

DESTINATIONS
Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest & Yasuni National Park
ACTIVITIES
Cruise Through Your Bucket List

Explore the Amazon River by small-ship cruise with kayaking, canoeing, and hiking excursions centered around unique encounters with wildlife.

DURATION
6 Days /
5 Nights
Take a Voyage of Discovery
WAKE UP TO THE WONDERS OF THE AMAZON JUNGLE

Experience what you've seen on nature docuseries come to life. Visualize spotting vibrant toucans soaring overhead, playful monkeys swinging through the trees, and the elusive jaguar prowling the jungle. As you glide along the river, keep an eye out for giant otters splashing in the water and colorful macaws perched in the canopy. Each day brings new encounters with the Amazon's incredible creatures.


CONTACT A SPECIALIST

Tour Images to Tease Your Sense of Adventure
Manatee explorer cruise in Amazon
Immerse yourself in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon in comfortable cabins or luxury suites with stunning jungle views.
White Heron in the Amazon Rainforest
Marvel at the astonishing diversity, including 2,500 species of butterflies and 500 species of birds.
Spider webs in the Amazon rainforest
Spot unique wildlife with expert Naturalist Guides while exploring the intricate river mazes and lush jungle trails.

CONTACT A SPECIALIST

Experience the Amazon Like a True Explorer
ENHANCE YOUR GALAPAGOS ADVENTURE WITH EVEN MORE WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

As a local Ecuadorian company, Quasar is passionate about helping you uncover the best of our homeland. The Amazon Jungle is brimming with gems waiting to be discovered, and riverboat expeditions are one of the top ways to explore this lush paradise. Our expert Guides are dedicated to showcasing the unique wonders of the Amazon, ensuring you make lifetime memories—perfect for birders and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Manatee boat in the Amazon at sunset
M/V MANATEE AMAZON EXPLORER

Cruise through the heart of the Amazon aboard the new M/V Manatee. Air conditioning and gourmet meals in the jungle? Absolutely! This riverboat delivers an unforgettable blend of comfort and adventure, making you feel right at home in the wild. Enjoy comfortable suites with stunning jungle views included.

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Red Howler Monkey in the Amazon Rainforest
PRISTINE SANCTUARY

Explore the untouched wilderness along the Amazon River, where every turn reveals diverse flora and fauna. The M/V Manatee stops at hidden wildlife locations, offering guided excursions through river mazes and jungle trails. Whether you're kayaking, hiking, or relaxing in the al-fresco-shaded lounge, the Amazon's beauty surrounds you.

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Tropical moth in the Amazon rainforest
BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT

The Napo River is a treasure trove of life, boasting over 500 species of birds, freshwater dolphins, half a dozen species of monkeys, caimans, tapirs, and 2,500 species of butterflies. Discover the vivid colors and sounds of this unique ecosystem with the help of our knowledgeable Naturalist Guides.

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Hot tub on the Manatee boat in Amazon
VISUAL MASTERPIECE

Get a glimpse of the stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and luxurious accommodations that make the M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer a must-visit destination. Picture yourself soaking in the outdoor jacuzzi, with a rainbow and sunset casting light over the river simultaneously. Every moment on this cruise is picture-worthy and unforgettable.

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Amazon River Cruise Itinerary in Brief
(Starting every Thursday)
DAY 01
  • INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT ARRIVAL TO QUITO & TRANSFER TO HOTEL
    AM | PM: Arrive in Quito (most flights arrive in the evening) and take a private transfer into the Colonial quarter of the city.
  • Meals included: No meals this day
  • Overnight: In Quito airport surroundings
DAY 02
  • FLIGHT TO THE AMAZON AND HOP ABOARD THE MANATEE AMAZON EXPLORER CRUISE
    After departing for the airport, take a short flight to El Coca, where you'll be whisked away to the Manatee Amazon Explorer riverboat by motorized canoe across the Napo River. In the evening, embark on a night walk where you'll witness nocturnal creatures and immerse yourself in the captivating sounds of the jungle.
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Overnight: Onboard Manatee River Cruise
DAY 03
  • THE PAÑAYACU RIVER DELTA AND LAKES
    Our journey downstream leads us to the Pañayacu River delta, where we'll embark on a mesmerizing canoe trip to explore the wonders of this unique water reserve. Navigate through the captivating Pañacocha Lake, an ecosystem flooded by black waters and home to a diverse range of flora and fauna.
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Overnight: Onboard Manatee River Cruise
DAY 04
  • THE PARROT CLAY LICKS
    Start your morning with a remarkable experience as we embark on canoes to witness one of the most incredible natural spectacles on this side of the Western Amazon: the parrot clay lick. Watch in awe as hundreds of colorful parrots flock to this natural formation to feast on the mineral-rich clay.
  • Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
  • Overnight: Onboard Manatee River Cruise
DAY 05
  • FLIGHT TO QUITO
    Embark on an early morning walk through the lush rainforest surrounding the Lodge before we set off on a boat ride down the Napo River. After our river journey, we'll take a short flight to Quito where you'll transfer to your hotel.
  • Meals included: Breakfast & Box Lunch
  • Overnight: In Quito airport surroundings
DAY 06
  • TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT FOR GALAPAGOS FLIGHT
    AM | PM: Take a private transfer to Quito's Airport where Quasar’s staff will be waiting to check you in for your flight to the Galapagos Islands.
  • Meals included: Breakfast
Preview Your Adventure
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Frog and butterfly in Ecuador
Guest Testimonials
Cruising the Amazon in Ecuador onboard the M/Y Manatee Amazon Explorer
Other Tour Options In Mainland Ecuador
CHOOSE BETWEEN ANY OF THE REGIONS BELOW
Essence of Quito: A Journey Through History and Charm
CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS FROM QUITO

Begin your journey in the heart of Quito's historic center, the very first UNESCO World Heritage site. Condé Nast even hails it as Latin America's Best Preserved Colonial City." On a private luxury tour, stay in authentic Spanish-style colonial hotels nestled amidst the old town's charm. Don’t be surprised if you feel like you’re in Europe—without the jet lag!

Wind your way through cobblestone streets and hilly lanes, passing centuries-old Spanish-style residences adorned with garden courtyards. Marvel at the opulent golden altar of La Compañia Church and savor a chocolate-tasting session featuring the finest cacao in the world. Colonial Quito is the perfect base for other day tours in the region, including Otavalo and the Andes Highlands.

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Quito & Beyond: Immersive Adventures in the Heart of Ecuador
DAY TRIPS & MULTI-DAY TOURS FROM QUITO

From Colonial Quito, embark on multi-day guided adventures to explore Ecuador's pristine national parks, colonial haciendas, and lush cloud forests like Cotopaxi and the mystical Mashpi.

Ecuador boasts pristine national parks, stunning colonial haciendas, and unspoiled cloud forests. For a taste of Ecuadorian country life, rustic mountain-side Haciendas preserve their essence while providing unique comfort and service. And if you seek unique wildlife encounters in the Central Andes Highlands, our Glamping experiences offer active exploration, gourmet cuisine, and unparalleled immersion in nature's wonders.

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Amazon Wildlife Safari: From Quito’s Heights to the Amazon’s Depths
SEAMLESS RAINFOREST ADVENTURE DEPARTING FROM QUITO

Combine an Amazon Adventure with your Galapagos Cruise or Mainland Ecuador tour for the ultimate wildlife safari in the Western Hemisphere. It’s surprisingly easy to journey from the high-elevation Colonial city to a luxury lodge in the Amazon Jungle.

Ecuador's headwaters offer prime habitat, exceptional wildlife viewing, and immersive river cruises in the Amazon basin. Extending your stay in the Amazon is the easiest and most cost-effective way to explore the Earth's largest tropical forest. A quick 30-minute flight from Quito takes you to Coca on the Napo River, followed by a scenic 2-hour motorized launch up the river to your lodge or river cruise. Here, you'll encounter Pygmy Marmosets (the world's smallest monkey species), blue morpho butterflies, and a rich variety of birds, from Toucans to Scarlet Macaws, in one of the planet's last truly wild frontiers.

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Southern Ecuador Discovery: Colonial Cuenca
MULTI-DAY TOURS

Most consider Cuenca the country’s most beautiful city, a step back in time reminiscent of Europe! We also call this vibrant urban hub Ecuador’s ‘city of rivers’. Cuenca is made for walking, a city that has preserved its cobblestone streets and whimsical feel. Modern shops and cafés mix with the Spanish-style mansions of old, with a slew of museums, churches, and squares to revel in. It’s the perfect place to pause, breathe, and indulge in fine dining.

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Galapagos Islands R&R: Post-Cruise Extensions
SANTA CRUZ OR SAN CRISTOBAL ISLANDS

After an unforgettable Galapagos Yacht Safari, don’t forget to sit back and reminisce. The Galapagos Islands are also home to beautiful beaches with soft white sand providing a feeling of paradise that deserves a few extra days to soak up the sun and relax.

For those seeking a luxury island tour, our carefully selected accommodations on Santa Cruz and San Cristobal Islands offer a tranquil haven where you can extend your Galapagos experience. Immerse yourself in the gentle rhythms of island life, take leisurely strolls along pristine shores, or simply savor the feeling of absolute relaxation as you indulge in spa treatments. The magic of Galapagos awaits.