DAY SEVEN
After a week of peering through binoculars at the canopy, our final day shifted focus toward the people who act as the forest’s stewards. It was a day of cultural immersion, unusual tastes, and a high-stakes turtle race.
Clay Licks
The “early bird gets the worm,” but in the Amazon, the early bird gets front-row seats at the riverbank clay licks. We headed out at the crack of dawn to watch parrots congregate on the exposed cliff. Unlike the forest lick we visited earlier in the week—where we sat in a silent blind—this was a river-based viewing. We watched from the water as orange-winged, yellow-crowned, and mealy parrots socialized and snacked on the mineral-rich clay. While the distance made them a bit harder to spot without binoculars, the sheer number of birds was a spectacular sight.
While departing, we were treated to an up-close glimpse of a red howler monkey family, complete with a baby clinging to the back of its mother.
Living in the Amazon
In what was the most meaningful cultural connection of the trip, Victor brought us to his own Kichwa village, Sani Warmi. There, the women of the community graciously shared their food and traditions with us. We sipped wayusa, a caffeinated herbal tea families drink at dawn while discussing the night’s dreams, and helped prepare maito, seasoned tilapia wrapped in bijao leaves and grilled over an open flame, followed by a local staple: chontacuro grubs, which tasted remarkably like bacon! We finished the meal with artisanal chocolate made from cacao grown in their own forest gardens. It was, without exaggeration, some of the best chocolate we’ve ever had.
After lunch, we tried our hand at the traditional blowgun. After a brief (and slightly terrifying) moment where I nearly swallowed the dart instead of blowing it, I managed to get close to the target but clearly needed more practice.
KidTripster Tip: The village women sell exquisite beaded necklaces and mini blowguns. We regretted not bringing enough small-denomination cash and had to settle for a few chocolate bars. Pack more cash than you think you’ll need for these village stops.
Turtle Release
After an afternoon nature walk, Victor surprised everyone with a batch of charapa turtles. These turtles lay their eggs in the riverbanks during the dry season, where they are often illegally harvested. Since 2010, the cruise line has worked with local communities to collect and protect these eggs until they’re old enough to be released.
Victor turned the conservation effort into a race, drawing a start line in the mud. We cheered as the hatchlings made their determined crawl toward the Napo River.
Last Toast
Our week ended with a celebratory dinner on the outdoor deck and a video slideshow of our adventures. I have nothing but high praise for the service on the Manatee. From the cabin stewards providing the constant rotation of fresh towels needed for multiple humidity-driven showers to Vicente, the bartender who anticipated my morning coffee and evening cocktails, the staff made the experience feel remarkably personalized.
KidTripster Tip: On your last night, you can settle your account via credit card, but all staff tips must be paid in cash. We weren’t prepared for this and had to make an inconvenient, last-minute stop at an ATM in Coca on our way to the airport. The crew shares a general tip pool, but guides are typically tipped separately.
Keep reading: Click “8” below to see how our journey concluded.
