Journey through the Amazon

The Amazon is the largest rainforest in the world, spreading across 9 countries and is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including colourful macaws, pink freshwater dolphins and the reclusive tapir.

Essential Experiences:

· Explore the UNESCO World Heritage city of Quito

· Cruise along the river banks of the steamy Amazon rainforest

· Observe the region’s diverse flora & fauna

The Tour: Our journey takes you to Ecuador for a cruise along the Rio Napo aboard our boat "The Manatee". Our 4 night cruise travels through different ecosystems including the Yasuni National Park and Limoncocha Biological Reserve. You will have the opportunity for guided walks and motor canoe trips to observe some of the incredible flora and fauna, which includes giant kopak tree, black caiman, two-toed sloths, pygmy monkeys and over 560 species of birds, as well as learn about local life in this part of the Amazon. We also include time in the UNESCO World Heritage listed city of Quito

Accommodation: The boat has been specifically designed for exploring the Amazon - its small size and shallow draft allow it to navigate parts of the river not easily accessible by other river crafts. The boat and its experienced crew have been specialising in the Amazon for over 20 years and have devoted many years to scientific research and study of the tropical rainforest. Hotels in Quito are of a good international standard.

EXTENSIONS & ALTERNATIVES:

• Journey through the Amazon + Galapagos: For anyone with an interest in wildlife, the islands of the Galapagos offer a perfect complement to your Amazon cruise. Set in the Pacific Ocean and home to an incredible array of wildlife, much of it endemic to these islands, they are a fascinating destination. Having cruised through the Amazon, we have based our extension at the Finch Bay Hotel, a small eco-fiendly resort on the island of Santa Cruz, perfect for relaxation or as a base from which to explore the islands.

» Day 1: LONDON TO QUITO

Fly London to Quito. On arrival transfer to your hotel for 2 nights. nb: The tour is based on a daylight flight, arriving the same day - however overnight flights departing a day earlier are also available.

» Day 2: QUITO

Introductory city tour, visiting Independence Plaza, the Jesuit church and San Francisco Monastery. (B)

» Day 3: QUITO TO COCA

Morning departure by plane from Quito to Francisco de Orellana (also known as Coca) where you will transfer by motor canoe along the Napo River to the Manatee Amazon Explorer. After boarding, the crew will give an introductory talk on the jungle and its wildlife as the boat commences its voyage through the spectacular rainforest scenery. (B,D)

» Day 4: AMAZON CRUISE

Disembark the vessel for a guided walk amid the tropical rainforest to a lagoon, observing the different ecosystems of the forest. At the lagoon there is the opportunity to swim, fish for piranha and relax before returning to the Napo River by canoe along a narrow creek. (B,L,D)

» Day 5: AMAZON CRUISE

Optional early departure by motor canoe to visit a spectacular parrot lick in a remote corner of the jungle. The area is clay-based, which the parrots eat in order to help them digest the seeds they consume – it is a wonderfully noisy and colourful sight! (Available at extra cost payable locally - currently US$25 but subject to change). After, continue up river to one of the small tributaries of the Napo River where there is the opportunity to observe the native flora and fauna - which includes pygmy monkeys. Trek to Limoncocha Lake and enjoy a trip by canoe to view some of the hundreds of different species of birds, which have been recorded in the area. As night falls it may be possible to see the black caiman which inhabit the lagoon before returning to the Manatee for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

» Day 6: AMAZON CRUISE

Visit the Museum of Pompeya with its collection of ancient Amazonian artefacts that date back several centuries. There is also a chance to see the giant trees of the Amazon, like the kapok, which rise over the forest canopy to more than 80 metres in height. There is also the opportunity to travel by canoe to visit a native family, to learn more about life in this part of the Amazon. (B,L,D)

» Day 7: COCA TO QUITO

After breakfast navigate up river and disembark for transfer back to the airport. Return flight to Quito and transfer to your hotel. (B)

» Day 8: QUITO

Day at leisure to explore this interesting city or take an optional excursion to Otovalo, set in the highlands about 2 hours outside of Quito and famous for its handicrafts market. (B)

» Day 9: QUITO TO LONDON

After breakfast transfer to the airport for the overnight flight to London. (B)

Destination introduction

Set between the mighty Atlantic and Pacific Oceans discover a land of spectacular natural wonders and ancient civilizations.

Our selection of touring holidays visit some of the regions most memorable and iconic sights: The Galapagos Islands, set out in the Pacific Ocean, whose unique eco-system inspired Darwin's theories on evolution; the high mountains of the Andes, which provide a spectacular backbone to the continent of South America; the hot and steamy Amazon rainforest, spread between 9 countries; and the famous Incan sites of Peru.