Ecuador & Galapagos
The Amazon, snow-capped volcanoes and colonial Cuenca
Manatee Tour - 14 Night Itinerary
Experience Ecuador's landscapes and local markets, cruise the Amazon Rainforest, discover the Avenue of the Volcanoes and experience the spectacular Devil's Nose mountain railway
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Travel Highlights
- Journey through Ecuador's landscapes by road, river and train
- Browse for traditional goods at colourful indigenous markets
- Discover the pristine heart of the Amazon on a 7 night cruise
- Enjoy privileged encounters with remote communities and exotic wildlife
- Marvel at towering snow-capped volcanoes and shimmering lagoons
- Ride the spectacular Devil's Nose Railway through awesome mountain scenery
- Tour the colonial heart of Cuenca and visit a Panama Hat workshop
Tour Route
- Quito - 2 Nights
- Manatee Amazon Cruise - 7 Nights
- Return to Quito - 1 Night
- Avenue of the Volcanoes - 1 Night
- Cuenca - 2 Nights
- Guayaquil - 1 Night
This itinerary can be tailored to your preferences by our specialist advisors, who can provide a guaranteed price based on your choice of departure date, route, duration, flights, cabin, hotels, transport and excursions.
Request QuotationTour Itinerary
Quito
2 NightsDay 1 - Fly to Quito
Day 2 - Visit Otavalo Market
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Fly to Quito
Take a daytime flight to Quito, arriving the same evening, where you will be met by our representative and taken to your hotel for a 2 night stay. This is also the opportunity for our friendly and knowledgable guide to provide you advice, explain your programme and answer any questions you may have.
Wednesday, 26 March 2025
Visit Otavalo market
We take a guided trip to the Andean town of Otavalo to visit its magnificent market, where men and women with long plaited hair, dressed in their traditional clothes, sell all types of weavings, handicrafts and homegrown produce.
Gina Castillo
Casona de La Ronda
This delightful 22 room hotel has been converted from an original Colonial townhouse, and is located on the pedestrian La Ronda street, close to many bars and restaurants. The rooms are comfortable and traditionally styled, decorated with fabricsand patterns from local communities. The hotel alos has a small lounge and fireplace, and serves local cuisine…
Casa Gangotena
Situated in a newly-restored historic mansion overlooking Plaza San Francisco in the heart of the Old Town, the three-story Casa Gangotena has 31 luxury rooms: a showcase of eye catching style, contemporary design, antiques, furnishings, fine dining, modern technologies and quintessential comforts. Beautifully and eclectically appointed, the hotel invites its guests to explore and to…
Manatee Amazon Cruise
7 NightsDays 3-10 - Manatee Amazon Explorer 7 night Cruise
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Fly to Coca and embark the Manatee Amazon Explorer
Fly to Coca and transfer by motorised canoe on the river to join the Manatee Amazon Explorer, moored further downstream, for your 7-night cruise on a full board basis including excursions. After dinner, we experience the thrill of a night-time walk in the forest.
Friday, 28 March 2025
Napo River
We sail downstream on the Napo River, where we have the chance to observe pink river dolphins, black caiman and anakonda. We may also spot the primitive hoatzin. In the afternoon, we explore the rainforest by canoe with our guide, traversing along small tributaries and tiny streams, some even reaching into the jungle an inspiring experience.
Saturday, 29 March 2025
Canoeing and wildlife
Today we explore the Panayacu River Delta, where we take a canoe trip on the flooded backwaters and lake. This area is home to nine species of primates, 500 species of birds and is the perfect habitat for piranhas, water monkey fish and the white caiman. We also stop at a local village and visit the school.
Sunday, 30 March 2025
Clay licks and local community
This morning we visit a number of parrot clay licks, one of the most fascinating sights in the Western Amazon, where large numbers of parrots, parakeets and macaws congregate - attracted by the clay which they actually lick, hence the name. It is a quite extra-ordinary spectacle to experience. Later, we visit a local community of the Napo River.
Monday, 31 March 2025
Rainforest trails
Relax on the Manatee Explorer as she cruises on the mighty Napo River. In the afternoon, we explore the Yasuni National Park where we walk a trail in virgin rainforest, with a dense tree canopy. The expert local guides will bring the unique flora and fauna to life with fascinating insights into the eco system.
Tuesday, 01 April 2025
Local family visit and canoeing
Today we visit a local family to discover their way of life on the river. We will take a walk around the village and have time to meet the villagers and discuss how they life in this remote part of the world.
In the afternoon enjoy canoeing on a blackwater lake, home to giant otters.
Wednesday, 02 April 2025
Rainforest Observation Deck
Morning is a chance to relax as the ship sails on the Napo River. From the vantage point of the Manatee Explorer's observation deck observe Yasuni National Park, with its pristine, virgin rainforest. We arrive at an observation tower, providing a 360-degree birds eye view of the rainforest canopy.
Manatee
The Manatee Amazon Explorer reaches deep into areas of pristine Amazon Rainforest, bringing intrepid travellers into close contact with the extraordinary landscapes of the jungle, exotic plants and towering trees, remote communities and colourful wildlife. Guests stay in recently refurbished and comfortable air conditioned staterooms, stylishly decorated with panoramic jungle views from the balcony and…
Anakonda
Luxurious surrounds, magnificent pristine rainforest and an intimate knowledge of the landscape combine to make the Anakonda a wonderful choice for a three, four or seven night Ecuadorian Amazon cruise. Following detailed itineraries crafted by rainforest expert Raul Garcia, captain of the Flotel Orellana for over 15 years, intrepid travellers will reach deep into this…
Return to Quito
1 NightDay 10 - Return to Quito
- Full Description
Return to Quito
Return to Coca by motorised canoe after your week in the rainforest. Fly to Quito, for an overnight stay.
Avenue of the Volcanoes
1 NightDay 11 - Avenue of the Volcanoes
- Full Description
Avenue of the Volcanoes
Today we make an early morning start along the Andean mountains, stopping at a local hacienda for an included lunch. We visit the indigenous market at Latacunga or Saquisilli and continue along the Avenue of the Volcanoes, affording stunning views of the towering snow-capped peaks, valleys and villages, arriving at Riobamba where we overnight.
Cuenca
2 NightsDay 12 - Devil's Nose Railway
Day 13 - Cuenca and Panama Hat factory
- Full Description
Devil's Nose Railway
Experience one of the world's most spectacular train journeys along steep mountainsides and precipices on the awesome Devil’s Nose Railway. It is an exhilarating trip, something you will never forget. After an included lunch at a local restaurant, we continue to Cuenca where we stay for 2 nights, visiting the fascinating hillside Inca fortress of Ingapirca en route.
Sunday, 06 April 2025
Cuenca and Panama Hat Factory
Today we take a guided tour of the charming colonial city of Cuenca, with its cobbled streets and tree-lined squares. We visit the flower market, the magnificent cathedral and a Panama Hat workshop. You will have time to relax and make your own discoveries.
Guayaquil
1 NightDay 13 - Cajas National Park and Guayaquil
Day 14 - Fly back to the UK
Day 15 - Arrive in the UK
- Full Description
- Accommodation
Cajas National Park and Guayaquil
Our adventure continues today with a journey through scenic mountains to Cajas National Park where we stop for a walk and enjoy the stunning panoramic views, dotted with lagoons. After an included lunch in a local hacienda, we continue to the coastal city of Guayaquil, where we take a short guided tour including the old town and more modern waterfront promenade. We stay in Guayaquil overnight.
Tuesday, 08 April 2025
Fly back to the UK
Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight back to the UK.
Wednesday, 09 April 2025
Arrive in the UK
Arrive in the UK in the morning.
Hacienda La Danesa
Located an hours drive from Guayaquil, Hacienda La Danesa is an excellent way to begin or end your journey in Ecuador if you prefer the untamed countryside to staying in Guayaquil. Owned by the Olsen Peet family, the Hacienda has many lovely touches including a relaxing spa, beautifully designed rooms and many rural activities to…
Hotel del Parque
The beautifully restored 19th century mansion located in Guayaquil's Park Historico, a tropical paradise located in the centre of Guayaquil, ideally suited for a final night stay after an adventure in Ecuador. The hotel is a member of the respected Relais and Chateaux chain.
The public areas include extensive gardens, the Casa Julian Restaurant, fitness centre,…
Price Guidelines
| Season | Low Season | High Season |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Dates | 1 Jan-30 Jun, 6 Sep-15 Dec | 1 Jul-5 Sep, 16-31 Dec |
| Room Arrangement | First | First |
| Multiple Travellers - Twin Rooms | £7,125 | £7,555 |
Prices are a guideline per person, for travel within the next year and booking early and are subject to availability. Please see below what is included and request a detailed quotation with a guaranteed price for your specific departure date and for Special Events, Summer, Christmas, New Year's Eve & Easter.
What's Included
- 16 Days / 14 Nights
- International flights (1 overnight)
- Internal flights
- 7 night Manatee Amazon River cruise on a full board basis
- 14 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 7 dinners
- Transfers to and from accommodation
- Excursions with English-speaking guides
- All transportation as described
Complete a form or call our specialist advisors to start planning your trip. Please provide as much information as possible, and we will aim to respond to your enquiry the same or next working day.
Specialist Advice & Ideas
Since 1999, we focus on carefully crafting unique and authentic travel experiences in Latin America and beyond.
Create Your Perfect Tour
Your holiday is tailored by our specialist advisors to fit your preferences using our extensive kowledge of each destination
The Best Local Guides
We have developed an extensive network of expert local guides, hand-picked to provide exclusive excursions and authentic insights.
Travel with Confidence
Our local guides are your hosts providing support, information and so you visit the main sites and experience life like a local.
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