The Upper Amazon Basin - Adventure Guide to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands - page 344

Nuevo Mundo Travel and Tours is at Av. Coruña N26-207 and
Orellana in Quito, /fax 2-

2565-261, www.nuevomundotravel.com, [e-mail].
ec, [e-mail]. This is a professional, Ecuadorian-
owned outfitter. Their guides are exceptional. They are priced at the
high end of the market, but you get good value. Their president,
OswaldoMuñoz, is a foundingmember of the Ecuadorian Ecotourism
Association. They specialize in cultural and natural history tours to
the Cuyabeno Reserve.

2-2564-448/2-2553-826/2-2509-431,

Flotel Francisco de Orellana is a world-renowned 140-foot
riverboat that cruises along the Río Aguarico and some of the most
pristine sections of the Cuyabeno Reserve. The Flotel is a wonderful
alternative means of exploring the largest rainforest on earth. Dur-
ing a three- or four-night tour you can experience a variety of rain-
forest excursions with planned activities. Birding, wildlife viewing,
and photography are not only spectacular, but almost as accessible
from onboard as on the trails. You'll see everything from prolific bird
life to freshwater dolphins to floating, moonlit caimans. If you're
lucky, you will have the opportunity to swim with the dolphins.

From the spacious sun deck on top of the boat enjoy the world of the
Amazon without lifting a finger. If the weather changes, enjoy a good
book in the upper deck's bar and lounge room. The comfortable dining
room serves delicious food and is a great place to mingle with other
travelers. Rooms are simple, yet adequate, with bunk beds, dresser,
closets, and private baths with hot water. The boat can accommodate
up to 48 passengers.

Planned excursions occur primarily in the mornings and afternoons,
while the Flotel cruises along the Río Aguarico during the midday
meal, siesta and at night. Jungle excursions include raised platform
walks with local indigenous guides, which seems to be a relatively
functional relationship between the company and natives. Each eve-
ning the guides give a preview of the following day, and the crew are
all well-equipped with pressed-white uniforms - just picture The
Love Boat . In addition, there is a full-time medical doctor onboard.
The guides are always available, friendly, and extremely knowledge-
able about the region's flora and fauna, as well as cultural and envi-
ronmental issues. They're also more than willing to give salsa lessons
on the deck at night, if you buy thema cocktail or two! Although this is
primarily a luxury jungle cruise, they do support conservation, scien-
tific research, environmental education, and indigenous community
development. Overall, the Flotel serves as a fine example of how tour-
ist excursions can be conducted in a relatively benignmanner. $$$$