Ecuadorian Amazon Cruise Adventure

A fascinating 4-night river cruise in the Amazon basin, then colonial Quito & the indigenous market at Otavalo; optional extension to the Galapagos

Overview

from$3899Tour + Flights 8days

price per person, double occupancy,* based on Oct 11, 2020 departure from

$500 – $600 Instant Savings. Expires Mar 5, 2020.* All prices reflect savings.

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Style	Small Group TourTravel with a small, intimate group of no more than 24 likeminded travelers (and often much fewer), escorted by an English speaking guide and/or tour manager for some or all of your journey. More of these packages Tour escorts & guides for some segments
Departures	May – December 2020
Themes	Active, Nature & Wildlife, River Cruises
Activity Level	Moderate
What to Expect	This fast-paced, locally hosted tour involves a significant amount of walking or hiking, often on uneven terrain, as well as getting in and out of boats including wet landings. Good physical fitness required to fully enjoy the trip.
Already booked?	Find everything you need to know before you go, including information about passport & visa requirements, flights, luggage, and more.

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Dates

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Ecuador is traditional villages and picturesque colonial cities nestled in the shadows of the Andes Mountains. It is the primitive rainforests and diverse wildlife of the Amazon and the windswept islands teeming with unrivaled endemic species in the Galapagos. It’s the culture of indigenous tradition and European influence that weaves its way through the food and music, the art and architecture, and the traditional Sierra way of life like the strands of a straw basket or a rushing river through lush, dense rain forest.

The wealth of experiences is incredibly diverse for such a small country, and you will explore it all on our small group cruise-tour. Cruise through the Amazon basin along the Napo River, a tributary of the mighty Amazon River aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer. Guided by an expert naturalist who knows the territory and its flora and fauna, take night walks through the Amazon, explore the river by guided canoes and kayak, search for pink river dolphins, anacondas, monkeys, caimans, turtles, manatees & more, and enjoy the amenities of your beautiful river boat. After, explore the capital city of Quito and the quaint market town of Otavalo along the Avenue of the Volcanoes.

And then, why not complete your tour of Ecuador’s world-renowned highlights with an optional extension to the Galapagos? You’ll spend three nights exploring the islands and wildlife that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution before you return home with a newfound appreciation for this South American gem, with memories that will last a lifetime and a newfound appreciation of nature at its best.

Package includes

Flights
Cruise
Coach
Transfers
Hotel
Meals
Guides

Round-trip flights from Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL) including fuel surcharges and taxes and fees
All transfers, ground transportation & domestic flights
4-night cruise on the Napo River in the Amazon basin
3 nights superior class accommodations in Quito
17 Meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches & 5 dinners
Comprehensive sightseeing tours
Entrance fees

Optional add-ons

Optional Galapagos Islands Extension

Why you'll love it

Cruise the Napo River for 4 nights aboard the superior Manatee Amazon Explorer.
Marvel at the Amazon basin's rich biodiversity including pink river dolphins, manatees, black caimans, and giant otters.
Visit a Quechua family and learn about everyday life on the banks of the Amazon's Napo River.
Create delicious Ecuadorian cuisine during a cooking class hosted by the ship’s expert chef.
Ascend a canopy tower and enjoy sweeping views high above the lush treetops of the Amazon rain forest.
Discover the “Middle of the World” at Quito's Equatorial Monument.
Browse through stalls full of handmade, multicolored sweaters, ponchos, hats, necklaces and more at the indigenous Otavalo Market.
Enjoy breathtaking views of Peguche Waterfall, a spiritual site that inspired many tales, myths and legends among the people of Otavalo.

Itinerary at a Glance

1 Depart USA/Arrive Quito, Ecuador
2 Quito, Coca & Napo River
3 Yasuni National Park
4 Quechua family & life on board
5 Forest adventure & canopy observation tower
6 Coca & Quito
7 Quito
8 Quito & Otavalo, depart Quito

Galapagos Islands Post-Tour Optional Extension

8 Quito & Otavalo
9 Quito, Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island
10 Sailing to North Seymour
11 Tortuga Bay
12 Galapagos, Quito & Departure

Dates & Prices

Instant Savings: Get $500 – $600 off if you book by Mar. 5, 2020!

Dates & Prices, with flights per person, double occupancy*"Your Price" column already reflects discounts & Instant Savings
2020 DEPARTURES
Dates	Regular Price	Instant Savings	Your Price
Departs U.S.: Sun, Feb 16, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Feb 23, 2020 Feb 16 – Feb 23	$4599	–	–	Departed
Departs U.S.: Sun, Mar 8, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Mar 15, 2020 Mar 8 – Mar 15	$4599	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Sun, Apr 26, 2020 Finishes: Sun, May 3, 2020 Apr 26 – May 3	$4499	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Sun, May 10, 2020 Finishes: Sun, May 17, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! May 10 – May 17	$4599	–$600	$3999	Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Jun 21, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Jun 28, 2020 Jun 21 – Jun 28	$4599	–	–	Closed
Departs U.S.: Sun, Jul 5, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Jul 12, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Jul 5 – Jul 12	$4799	–$500	$4299	Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Aug 2, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Aug 9, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Aug 2 – Aug 9	$4699	–$500	$4199	Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Sep 13, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Sep 20, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Sep 13 – Sep 20	$4599	–$600	$3999	Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Oct 11, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Oct 18, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Oct 11 – Oct 18	$4499	–$600	$3899	Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Nov 8, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Nov 15, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Nov 8 – Nov 15	$4499	–$500	$3999	Select
Departs U.S.: Sun, Nov 29, 2020 Finishes: Sun, Dec 6, 2020 Book by Thu, Mar 5, 2020 (midnight ET) to get the Instant Savings! Nov 29 – Dec 6	$4499	–$500	$3999	Select

If you want a few extra days to explore on your own, we may be able to arrange for you to stay later than the scheduled dates, including extra hotel nights and separate airport transfers, for an additional charge. Ask us about prices and availability when you reserve. More information Want to extend your trip?

Options & Fees

Ecuadorian Amazon Cruise Adventure
Rooming Selection/Cabin Categories¹
Standard cabin, double occupancy	included
Standard cabin, single room supplement	+$1399
Deluxe cabin, double occupancy	+$549
Deluxe cabin with single room supplement	+$2199

1. Cabin upgrades are subject to availability. We will confirm your cabin selection usually within 1 business day of your reservation.

Galapagos Islands Extension¹
Galapagos Islands Extension
Mar 8, 2020	unavailable
All other dates	+$2099
Rooming Selection
Double occupancy	included
Single room supplement	+$499

1. The Galapagos Islands extension is subject to availability and requires a minimum of 2 passengers to operate. Flights for this extension must be confirmed separately with the airlines, which typically takes 3 to 5 business days after we receive your booking, and we will notify you immediately upon confirmation.

So that we can offer you the best deals, our packages are, like most hotels and cruises, priced based on double occupancy rooms or cabins. We charge solo travelers an extra fee to cover the extra costs of single occupancy rooms or cabins. (Consider: if you booked a $200/night hotel room solo, you would pay the $200 yourself; but if a couple booked the same room, each one would pay only $100.) But you only pay extra for the rooms or cabins, nothing else, including meals, sightseeing, tips, etc. Why are single rooms more?

Flights & Departure Cities

Departure Airports
Miami (MIA) or Ft. Lauderdale (FLL)¹	included
Los Angeles (LAX)	+$450
Jul 5, 2020	unavailable

1. Departures will be from either MIA or FLL based upon availability when you make your reservation. Your flight itinerary showing which airport you are departing from will be emailed to you in 24-48 hours

This package offers round-trip flights from the cities listed above, subject to availability.

Want to fly from another city? We can arrange flights from most major cities. Ask us for a quote for flights from your preferred city when you reserve, and we'll get back to you with the price and availability within 3 business days. Of course, you can also book your own connecting flights. More information

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart USA/Arrive Quito, Ecuador

Depart the USA for your flight bound for Quito, Ecuador
Upon arrival in Quito this evening, meet our representative and transfer by hotel shuttle service to your hotel for check-in

Wyndham Quito Airport

Full Day Itinerary

This evening, arrive in Quito (9,350 feet above sea level) and after customs formalities, you will be met and transferred by scheduled shuttle service to your hotel for check-in and overnight.

Day 2 Quito, Coca & Napo River

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Coca
Short transfer to the dock to board a motorized canoe
Journey down the river to reach the Manatee Amazon Explorer
Experience the sounds and aromas of the forest during a night walk

Manatee Amazon Explorer Breakfast & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your short flight to the Amazon city of Coca. Upon arrival, drive to the dock and board a motorized canoe which will take you to your riverboat on the Napo River. Relax, and enjoy your first experience of the sights and sounds of the Amazon!

After settling in, you will be joined by expert local naturalist guides who will provide a brief and informative introduction to the Ecuadorean Amazon. Then, you can discover the different features of the ship, such as the observation deck, where you can admire the changing rainforest landscape as you glide down the Napo River.

After dinner, immerse yourself in the Amazon during a guided nighttime forest walk to observe the nocturnal activity and experience the thrill of the vivid sounds that come from such biodiversity.

Day 3 Yasuni National Park

Visit the habitat of the legendary pink river dolphin
Canoe in a black water lake, home to giant otters and the elusive manatee
Enjoy a pleasant hike through the riverside forest

Manatee Amazon Explorer Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Early this morning, visit Yasuni National Park. This pristine area of the Ecuadorean Amazon is home to the legendary pink river dolphin. Other wildlife found here include anacondas, river turtles and various primate species, as well as the colorful Hoatzin, a unique species of bird.

Later this afternoon, go canoeing in a black water lake, home to giant otters and the magnificent, but elusive manatee. Then, enjoy a pleasant hike in the riparian forest, for a chance to spot a flock of birds and marvel at the intricate organization of a colony of leafcutter ants by the “Giant Fig Tree”, a majestic tree that is home to an abundant diversity of life.

Day 4 Quechua family & life on board

Visit a local Quechua family
Participate in a cooking class
Enjoy the amenities of the ship

Manatee Amazon Explorer Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Start the day by visiting an authentic local Quechua family on the banks of the Napo River. Immerse yourself in the culture as you learn about life in the Amazon directly from members of the local community.

Then, return to your ship for lunch and leisure time as you sail upstream. Enjoy a cooking class with the ship’s expert chef, who will share recipes and techniques using fresh, organic ingredients to prepare delicious Ecuadorian food that you can replicate at home. You will also have a chance to try your hand at making traditional crafts. Or enjoy any of the onboard facilities: be pampered at the Rainforest Spa, soak in the scenery from the hot tub on the observation deck, sip a delicious cocktail at the bar and lounge, or just admire the sunset and the night sky from the observation deck lounge. For those looking for something more active, you can explore the surrounding nature by kayak!

Day 5 Forest adventure & canopy observation tower

Walk through the forest to look for various plants and animals
Visit a canopy tower for a breathtaking view of the Amazon basin
Search for black caimans from a canoe at night

Manatee Amazon Explorer Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Enjoy a leisurely morning aboard your ship. Later, explore the forest on foot, discovering a myriad of plants and animals endemic to the Amazon basin.

In the afternoon, visit a canopy tower built against a giant Kapok tree. This observation tower offers a glorious view above the lush treetops, offering a glimpse of the vastness of the Amazon basin.

This evening, venture into the river on a canoe to search for black caimans with the help of a flashlight!

Day 6 Coca & Quito

Return to Coca by motorized canoe
Flight to Quito, transfer to your hotel for check-in

Swissotel Quito Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Your river adventure ends as you return to Coca by motorized canoe. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Quito. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Day 7 Quito

City tour of Quito and Equatorial Monument

Swissotel Quito Breakfast, lunch & dinner

Full Day Itinerary

Today, enjoy a city tour of Quito. Arguably one of the loveliest of all South American cities, Quito offers a spectacular setting surrounded by mountains and several snow-capped volcanoes, including the still-active Mt. Pichincha. Begin your walking tour at the Presidential Palace. Continue to the Monastery of San Francisco, Quito's oldest church and the largest colonial building constructed in Latin America. Visit the largest neo-gothic basilica in the Americas, noted for its gargoyles in the form of native Ecuadorian animals such as iguanas, armadillos and Galapagos tortoises. The next stop, La Compañía de Jesús, has an ornate and richly sculptured facade and interior, with colored columns, 10-sided altars, and gilded balconies.

After lunch, drive north of Quito to the Equatorial Monument, the Mitad del Mundo ("Middle of the World"), commemorating the exact place where Charles Marie de la Condamine established the Equator, where you can stand with one foot in the northern and one in the southern hemisphere.

For those interested in seeing a spectacular panoramic view over Quito and the snow-capped surrounding volcanoes of Cayambe, Cotopaxi and Chimborazo, take a ride on the Teleférico. This gondola lift transitions to approximately 13,285 ft above sea level for a breathtaking experience. For those who opt out of the Teleférico ride, enjoy a visit to the Quito National Museum. NOTE: The Teleférico experience reaches high altitudes and may not be suitable for all passengers. Warm clothes are suggested.

This evening, dinner will be at a local restaurant.

Day 8 Quito & Otavalo, depart Quito

Explore the Otavalo Market
Visit the Peguche Waterfall
Transfer back to the airport for your overnight flight home

Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast travel to Otavalo, the land of the “Otavaleños” Ecuadorian community where all families speak Quichua as their first language and Spanish as their second. See women garbed in colorful embroidered clothing, and men in broad-brimmed hats with blue ponchos.

Explore the Otavalo Market located around the Plaza de Ponchos, the most famous indigenous market in Ecuador. The Otavaleños travel to the town to sell a multicolored variety of handicrafts including sweaters, ponchos, hats, necklaces and other handmade products.

Following lunch, visit the Peguche Waterfall. The area includes a park with a hiking trail and several bridges which offer good views of the falls.

Later today, transfer back to Quito Airport. Enjoy the comforts of the Layover Stay lounge before your international flight back to the USA that will depart late tonight.

Or, take advantage of your already included international airfare and extend your trip to the Galapagos Islands.

Galapagos Islands Post-Tour Optional Extension

Why not take advantage of your already included international airfare to visit the Galapagos Islands, one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders? You'll return to the U.S. 4 days after the return dates shown.

Day 8 Quito & Otavalo

Explore the Otavalo Market
Visit the Peguche Waterfall
Transfer back to Quito and check in to your airport hotel

Wyndham Quito Airport Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast travel to Otavalo, the land of the “Otavaleños” Ecuadorian community where all families speak Quichua as their first language and Spanish as their second. See women garbed in colorful embroidered clothing, and men in broad-brimmed hats with blue ponchos.

Explore the Otavalo Market located around the Plaza de Ponchos, the most famous indigenous market in Ecuador. The Otavaleños travel to the town to sell a multicolored variety of handicrafts including sweaters, ponchos, hats, necklaces and other handmade products.

Following lunch, visit the Peguche Waterfall. The area includes a park with a hiking trail and several bridges which offer good views of the falls.

Later today, transfer to your hotel near Quito Airport.

Day 9 Quito, Baltra Island & Santa Cruz Island

Transfer via hotel shuttle to the airport for your flight to the Galapagos Islands
Flight from Quito to Baltra Island, gateway to the Galapagos
Take a short ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island
See Los Gemelos lava chambers
Explore a 600-acre private giant tortoise reserve
Continue to Puerto Ayora for check-in and welcome drink

Hotel Solymar or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your flight to Baltra, gateway to the Galapagos Islands to begin your adventure. Next, take a short ferry ride across Itabaca Channel to Santa Cruz Island, then drive through the various micro climates on your way to the village of Puerto Ayora on the south side of the island.

Today you'll see Los Gemelos (The Twins), two enormous collapsed lava chambers - an awe-inspiring visual reminder of the power of nature. The path to the lava chambers a wonderful introduction to the great biodiversity of the Santa Cruz Highlands, teeming with endemic flora and fauna, including a Scalesia Forest draped in liverwort and mosses, as well as numerous birds such as Darwin Finches.

Afterward, drive to a 600-acre private reserve where giant Galapagos tortoises freely roam, graze and sleep. Feel free to mingle with these gentle giants. As prehistoric as these creatures look, wait until you hear what they sound like! Galápago is Spanish for tortoise, and the islands were named for these amazing creatures. There will be a selection of field boots for your use if conditions are muddy.

Next, you'll have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the remnants of an illuminated lava tunnel. Created by ancient lava flows, the tunnel is 1350 feet long with a ceiling nearly 20 feet high in most places, adorned with stalagmites & stalactites, mineral-colored walls, and a rippled lava floor. Visit the Charles Darwin Research Station before continuing to Puerto Ayora to check into your hotel.

Day 10 Sailing to North Seymour

Sail aboard a yacht from Itabaca Channel to North Seymour Island
Enjoy the variety of bird life
Hike along the trail to one of the largest sea bird colonies on the Galapagos

Hotel Solymar or similar Breakfast & lunch

Full Day Itinerary

Leave your hotel early in the morning and head to Itabaca Channel to board your yacht. Depending on the winds, the trip to North Seymour takes about 45 minutes.

North Seymour is a wonderful island to hike on. The island is mostly flat and arid. The vegetation consists primarily of palo santo (incense stick), cactus, and saltbush. The island is also breeding grounds for a wide variety of seabirds, including blue-footed boobies, swallow-tailed gulls, and frigatebirds.

Enjoy lunch on board the yacht as you return to Santa Cruz Island and to your hotel.

Day 11 Tortuga Bay

Hike to the beach at Tortuga Bay for a chance to observe marine iguanas, sea turtles and pelicans
Return by speedboat to Puerto Ayora
Enjoy the afternoon at leisure

Hotel Solymar or similar Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

Take a leisurely hike along a comfortable footpath for about 45 minutes to reach Tortuga Bay. Here you can relax on the beach, rest on the white sand or take a swim. In this area, you may also encounter iguanas, sea turtles and pelicans. Return by speedboat to Puerto Ayora and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Additional full day trips to other islands are available locally.

Day 12 Galapagos, Quito & Departure

Fly from Baltra airport to Quito
Relax at the Layover Stay lounge until your overnight return flight to the USA

Breakfast

Full Day Itinerary

After breakfast, drive back to Itabaca Channel, cross by ferry to Baltra Island and take your flight back to Quito. At Quito airport, relax and enjoy the amenities at the Layover Stay lounge until it is time to board your overnight return flight to the USA.

Hotels & Ship

Hotels

Wyndham Quito Airport

First Class

Experience the warmest of welcomes when you visit the 4-star Wyndham Quito Airport hotel. With a prime location at the Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), the Wyndham Quito Airport is your top choice for an overnight stopover or day-room in transit. From the moment you step into the lobby, you will find impeccable services and amenities. Relax in your well-appointed room, indulge in the finest international dishes at the onsite restaurant or meet up with friends at the lobby bar for a signature cocktail.

More information

Swissotel Quito

Superior First Class

Swissotel Quito is one of the city’s top luxury hotels, located in the commercial and residential area of the Floresta neighborhood.

More information

Hotel Solymar

First Class

Hotel Solymar is centrally located on Puerto Ayora's main street and within walking distance of a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops. The hotel features ocean access on Pelican Bay, and a beautiful patio for guests to enjoy the nature of the Galapagos.

More information

In the unlikely event that a particular hotel is not available, a similar or better hotel may be substituted.

Cruise Ship

Manatee Amazon Explorer

The Manatee Amazon Explorer provides a beautiful way to explore and discover the Ecuadorian Amazon. With cruises from Coca, on the Napo River, this expedition vessel allows you to reach many parts of the jungle that would otherwise be inaccessible, and discover the vast biodiversity that inhabits this part of the world’s largest rainforest.

More information

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Trip Details

What should I know before I go? We've compiled a comprehensive checklist, including information on how to pay your balance due, flights & transfers, packing & luggage, and more.
Do I need a visa or other documents? Are there any entry requirements? Please review the visa & entry requirements.
Can I make changes to my trip? Want to upgrade your seats? Depart from another city? Stay a few extra days? Something else? Just ask!
Can I bring my kids? Are there any age restrictions? To book this package, you must be 18 or older. Your traveling companions must be 8 or older at time of travel.
Should I purchase travel protection? Yes! Protect your travel investment with a travel protection plan, available to U.S. residents (excluding overseas territories).
What's the fine print? Review the terms & conditions for this package.
What should I know about Ecuador? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.
What should I know about Galapagos? Check out our guide for practical travel tips, the best time to go, videos, and more.