Ecuadorian Amazon Cruise aboard The Anakonda

Our adventure begins in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito. After taking a short 30- minute flight from Quito to the Amazon city of Coca, located in the Orellana Province, we will transfer to the dock and board our motorised canoe to begin our 90-minute journey down the river, taking in the first sights and sounds of the Amazon. Soon, we will reach The Anakonda and receive our warm welcome aboard. Once we have settled in, we will be joined by expert local naturalist guides who will provide us with a brief and informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon. After, we have time to explore the ship's spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and the observation deck that allows us to admire the changing rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River. After dinner, we will plunge straight into the Amazon rainforest by going for a nighttime forest walk (optional excursion) to observe the forest’s nocturnal activity and experience the thrill of the vivid noises and aromas that come from so much biodiversity.

Meals:  L,D

We continue to travel downstream to the Pañayacu River delta, where we will take a canoe trip to experience the sights of this fascinating water reserve. Pañacocha Lake is an ecosystem flooded by black-waters. Pañacocha means “Piranha Lake” in the native Kichwa language. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to 9 species of primates, 500 species of birds and more than 100 fish species. This is the perfect habitat for piranhas, paiches (one of the largest freshwater fishes in the word) and the white caiman. In this little piece of paradise, we will participate in nature walks led by our local naturalist guides, and relax at a nearby campsite where we will enjoy a delicious Amazon-style BBQ with refreshing beverages. After lunch, we will do some kayaking, and the bravest among us can enjoy a nice refreshing swim in the Piranha Lake! We promise it’s not as dangerous as it sounds. Back on board we will have the opportunity to attend a lecture given by our concierge and watch an educational documentary about the region.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we will set out on canoes to observe one of the most incredible sights on this side of the Western Amazon – the parrot clay licks. This unique place is rich in minerals and attracts hundreds of colourful parrots, parakeets, and Amazon birds every day. Later in the afternoon, we will visit a Kichwa Cultural Center, where we will learn about Amazon communities and their ancestral culture, traditions, and cuisine. Members of the local community will teach us about indigenous lifestyles along the Napo River. Guest will have the opportunity to support the local community by purchasing handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs.

Meals:  B,L,D

We will begin the day kayaking along the Indillama River, one of the Napo River’s tributaries, which leads us into Yasuní National Park. Kayaks are smooth and silent, providing the very best opportunity to observe wildlife. Canoes can also be used to travel in search of more wildlife. The choice is yours. In these waters, you will find yourself surrounded by lush greenery. After an adventure-filled day, you may choose to take advantage of our observation deck where you can relax and experience a magical view under the stars. Our more energetic guests may choose to unwind with a night walk through the jungle to observe nocturnal creatures.

Meals:  B,L,D

After a delicious breakfast, we will go on a motorised canoe to spend some time exploring one of the large islands where we could see eagles, oropendolas, woodpeckers, and many other birds. We will be back on board for lunch and have time to relax and enjoy the spectacular and ever-changing scenery from the observation deck. Later in the afternoon, we will visit Yasuní National Park, a pristine and relatively undisturbed region of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Our guests will be pleased to learn that this is the home of the legendary pink river dolphin. In this area, we can also find anacondas, river turtles and various primate species, as well as the colourful hoatzin, a unique bird that is known locally as the stinky turkey. Near Yasuní live the Secoya's, a minority community that our guests will have the opportunity to visit and share their traditions and lifestyle.

Meals:  B,L,D

We will begin the day by visiting an authentic Kichwa family on the banks of the Napo River, where we will have the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community about their lifestyle. We will then board the Anakonda and participate in a cooking class with our expert chef, who will show us how to prepare exquisite traditional Ecuadorian fare. Guests are also invited to try their hand at traditional handicraft or take in the magnificent Amazon environment from our open-air hot tub, enjoy cocktails at our bar and lounge, or delight in some nighttime stargazing from our Observation Deck. Our more active guests will have the opportunity to explore nature in this area by kayak.

Meals:  B,L,D

We start the day by visiting an observation tower built in a giant millenary kapok tree, where guests can marvel at the impressive 360° view from the top overlooking the treetops of the forest canopy and contemplate the sheer vastness of the Amazon. In the afternoon, we will explore the primary forest and spot the different plant and wildlife species endemic to this ecosystem. We can also find the strange and unique bird known as the hoatzin, or as it’s known locally, the “stinkbird”.

Meals:  B,L,D

This is where our adventure ends! But first, we will enjoy our return to Puerto Providencia where we will disembark the Anakonda Amazon Cruise and ride back by motorized canoe to Coca, before flying back to Quito where our trip concludes.

Meals:  B