Manatee Amazon Explorer

The entire vessel is wall-to-wall glass, which makes the jungle feel close enough to touch, even whilst on board. Decorated with tropical scenes and vivid artwork, there is a quiet reading lounge and a comfy presentation room where guides give you the 411 on the Amazon. The restaurant is bright and elegant and serves an array of local favourites and international fare. There is a bubbling hot tub on the Top Deck - a fantastic spot for stargazing.

There are 14 cabins all decorated with mustard and cream textiles, and bleached wooden panels bear the image of the local animal or bird the room is named after. The bathrooms are spotless with white walls, marble counters and, in the deluxe cabins, a Jacuzzi. Each cabin has a small, private balcony where you can enjoy a morning cuppa as the Amazon comes alive. There is plenty of closet space and the air-conditioning is a welcome respite after a day of exploring.

There is much to do on a cruise down the Amazon. Jump aboard a motorized canoe to see the lively parrot clay licks, where they gather in their numbers to eat and flirt, or kayak along the beautiful Indillama River whilst keeping your eyes on the water, trees and sky - you could see anything from a spider monkey to a lurking caiman. Leave the wildlife behind for a moment or two and visit the Kichwa women's community project, where you can pick up hand-crafted items, or learn to make cassava bread with a Secoya family.