While cruising on the Napo, Amazonas and its tributaries rivers on the Yacht “Jungle Discovery” we explore the Ecuadorian and Peruvian Amazon Basin. Setting out from Puerto Francisco de Orellana (Coca), we follow Francisco de Orellana’s legendary expedition. He was the first European to cross the whole continent from the Pacific to the Atlantic in search of the mythical golden city “El Dorado” and the hidden valley of the cinnamon trees.

With the Flotel “Jungle Discovery” we will be navigating on the Aguarico and Napo rivers in Ecuador and the lower Napo and the Marañón in Peru. Along its journey to the Atlantic the river Amazon changes several times its name. The upper part in Peru is called Marañón, crossing the border to Brazil it changes to Solimões and when the Río Negro, one of the biggest tributary river, joins in, then the river gets its well known name Amazonas.

On this journey we walk through the virgin rainforest, row on hidden lagoons and visit small indigenous villages on the river bench to learn more about their culture and habits. But also we visit bigger settlements and the city of Iquitos and get a glimpse of the modern life in the Amazon basin. On all our expeditions we are accompanied by our qualified naturalist and native guide.

This cruise we start with a minimum of 15 passengers. We gladly assist you as well with a follow up program in Peru.

YACHT FLOTEL "JUNGLE DISCOVERY"
ADVENTURE IN THE AMAZON BASIN FROM COCA TO IQUITOS
FOR 8 DAYS - 7 NIGHTS

Day 1 We take the domestic flight from Quito to Coca with TAME airline at 8.10am. Transfer from the airport to Puerto Gregorio on the Aguarico river shore by private transport, arriving at 12:30pm. After a delicious lunch, we will take a motor canoe down river and reach at about 04:00pm the Yacht Jungle Discovery, waiting for us on the confluence of the Cuyabeno and Aguarico rivers. Navigating the Aguarico down river on board we can enjoy the view of the Amazon rainforest until we reach the entrance of the Zábalo River at about 06:30pm. Upon arriving we go on a true night adventure expedition to observe caimans. Afterwards we will have a welcome cocktail and dinner on board and the guide explains the next day's program.

Day 2 Breakfast at 06:00am. At 07:30am we start navigating Zábalo River upstream by motor canoe for about one hour. On the way we have the possibility to observe the fascinating wildlife of the Cofán reservation, like macaws, parrots and by chance as well monkeys. We will then go on a walk through the virgin forest accompanied by a Cofán native guide who explains the flora and fauna as well as the use of their medicinal plants. Lunch on board. In the afternoon we visit the Cofán Community of Zábalo, about a half an hour the Aguarico down river. We will take part in the cultural activities of the community like Casabe preparing (yuca bread), their typical food and also the preparing of Yoco (a natural beverage). We also learn how to extract the chambira fiber out of a palm leave. This fiber is used for hammocks and bags. We will also have the opportunity to visit their turtle reproduction centre and to buy their handy crafts.
At about 04.00pm we will return to the yacht by canoe and continue our trip downstream until reaching the Lagartococha Lake System.

Day 3 In the morning we depart in paddling canoes to do some bird watching in Lagartococha, and then we return to the yacht for breakfast. Later in the morning we go for an excursion on foot, to learn about the forest and its inhabitants, and with some luck, to see some animals! The visit to some of the Lagartococha lagoons goes on all day. In the afternoon, we go for sport fishing, and back to the yacht for a rest. At night we do some caiman observation until 8.00pm. During the night, the “Jungle Discovery” takes us down the Aguarico River to the border location of Pantoja on the Napo River.

Day 4 In the morning, we pass the border to Peru . We continue the Napo River down until Santa Maria , which we will reach by 3.00pm. There we will visit the Secoya community on the Santa Maria river and learn about how this ethnic group makes food and objects of utility. We will be shown for example how string is won out of the leaves of the chambira palm tree, and how “casaba”, a traditional flat cake, out from manioc is made. After our return to the yacht, we enjoy dinner and continue our trip during the night until Campo Serio.

Day 5 During breakfast, the “Jungle Discovery” takes us to the Loroyacu River. We navigate in motor canoe upstream on this small river and visit its beautiful lagoon where it is possible to observe a great variety of birds and the pink dolphins. Back to the yacht and continuation of the navigation to Santa Clotilde.

Day 6 In the morning we visit the small town of Santa Clotilde . We learn about the ways of life of the locals in the Amazon, their history and problems. Then we navigate downstream on Napo River until we reach Mazan.

Day 7 Departure from Mazan towards the confluence of the Napo with the Amazon. Here we visit the village of Francisco de Orellana , named after the conquistador who was the first European to navigate the Amazon River . After the tour, we continue our way up the Amazon until about 10.00pm, where we anchor at the river border.

Day 8 Navigating further upstream, we reach the city of Iquitos at about 1.00pm. City tour in the afternoon where we visit museums and colonial houses from the rubber time. Transfer to the Hotel or the airport.

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