Amazon Explorer

May 2 - 9, 2010

View Information About
The Amazon Explorer Tour

Dear Friend,

Exciting news!

In May 2010, we are returning to one of our world’s remote and seldom visited locations – the Amazon. On this one-week journey, we will be in the heart of one of earth’s most biologically diverse places that is home to an amazing array of exotic wildlife.

When one hears the words “the Amazon”, the first things that often come to mind are the jungles of Brazil and the mighty river that runs through it. That’s NOT where we’re going. The Amazon river running through Brazil is a major waterway used by large ocean-going cargo vessels, cruise ships and such, that call at large cities that have grown up along the river. In some places, the river is so wide you cannot see from one shore to the other.

We are going to what we call the “real” Amazon. The rivers we’ll be exploring are amongst those that make up the inception of the Amazon River, running through Ecuador long before they ever reach Brazil. We’ll be traveling on a 30-passenger riverboat, the Manatee Amazon Explorer, that has 14 comfortable and fully equipped cabins, all air-conditioned with private facilities.

Our day trips will be by motorized canoe as we travel narrow tributaries that run through national parks and biological reserves. Activities will include nature walks, village visits, bird watching, nighttime game viewing, canoe trips and a host of nature-oriented possibilities. Click here for a summary of all the possibilities.

One thing is certain: If you love wildlife and the outdoors, you will love this trip. This is a photographer’s heaven!

Following our 5-day Amazon adventure, we’ll enjoy two days in Ecuador’s capital, Quito. (Note: Quito is at about 9,000 feet altitude, so be sure when considering this trip that you do not have a medical condition that precludes spending time at higher altitudes.) Our hotel “Sebastian” is perfectly situated in the heart of this historic city. We’ll tour the city and also see the attractions of the surrounding area, including local markets and a place where you can literally straddle the equator – one foot in the northern hemisphere and one in the southern!

This will be our fourth journey to the Amazon – a trip that normally costs more than $4,000. We are thrilled to be able to offer our 2010 Amazon Explorer at a price of just $2,895 per person, double occupancy ($4,310 single), including the following:

• Roundtrip economy class flights between Chicago and Quito, Ecuador.
• Flights between Quito and Coca, Ecuador.
• 3 nights 1st class Quito hotel “Sebastian” (or similar)
• 5-day/4-night cruise aboard the Manatee Amazon Explorer
• 17 meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
• Sightseeing in Quito with an English-speaking guide
• Daily excursions during the cruise
• Trained naturalist guides aboard the riverboat
• Gratuities for all included services during the Quito portion
• Services of your Cruise & Tour escorts

Not included:

• Passport fees (US passport valid 6 months beyond our return date required)
• National park and private reserve entry fees totaling US$45
• Gratuities to riverboat crew and staff
• Ecuador departure tax of US$48
• Laundry, phone calls and meals not included, alcohol and items of a personal nature
• Airline taxes of $78.70
• Any fuel surcharge or increase in taxes and fees after 12-05-09
• Travel insurance

IMPORTANT: DUE TO THE CAPACITY OF THE MANATEE AMAZON EXPLORER, WE CAN ONLY ACCOMMODATE A MAXIMUM Of 24 PARTICIPANTS.

I urge you to make an early decision on this trip. It’s an old cliché, but this truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. CALL TODAY to hold your place – 1 (800) 383-3131.

Warm regards,

Peggy R. Crull
President

P.S. Family or friends in other parts of the country are welcome to join you for this adventure. We can arrange flights from any major city that will connect with our flight schedule. Prices will vary from other cities.