Ecuador Cruises

Most Amazon River cruises in Ecuador either begin or end in El Coca, a small town located at the confluence of the Coca and Napo Rivers, just a 30-minute flight from the capital, Quito.Officially known as Puerto Francisco de Orellana, after the 17th-century explorer, the town is more commonly called El Coca. Though it only dates back to the 1950s and doesn’t carry the same historical legacy as some other Amazonian port cities, it still has much to offer.As an important ecotourism hub, El Cola is a gateway to the Amazon’s incredible biodiversity. Visitors can enjoy kayaking or canoeing on the river and embark on wildlife excursions, with opportunities to see toucans, monkeys, pink dolphins and even elusive jaguars and pumas if you’re lucky.

The breathtaking destination of Manta, where the Pacific caresses its sandy shores and the verdant cliffs offer a mesmerizing backdrop. The climate, a tropical delight, ensures year-round warmth, making it a haven for those escaping colder realms. Manta thrives on providing an authentic local experience, far from the usual tourist paths, where traditions are not just observed but are a vibrant part of daily life. The lively Montecristi, known for its handwoven Panama hats, a misnomer that speaks to the local craftsmanship, punctuates this genuine slice of Ecuador. Here, every breeze carries a story, every corner a local legend, offering more than just a visit but an immersion.