Anakonda - Amazon cruise
Voyage through the endless heart of bio-diversity and the fabulous prism of life of the Amazon. You may combine the 4 and 5 days itineraries into an 8 day/7 night cruise commencing on Wednesday or Saturday.
Day 1 – Sunday
Quito – Coca – Napo River
Departure from Quito. A short 40-minute flight takes us to the frontier town of Coca (Francisco de Orellana) – and transfer to the dock, where we will embark on a motorized canoe and navigate down river about 1 hour, to board the M/V ANAKONDA AMAZON CRUISE. Throughout the journey we have a chance to admire the rainforest landscape and banks of the great Napo River.
Immediately after boarding the M/V Anakonda, we continue navigating downstream. Passengers will have their first opportunities to enjoy the exciting features of our cruise ship: the spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and an observation deck that offers spectacular views. An evening walk is organized after sunset; it gives us the opportunity to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity and listen to the incessant sounds of nature.
Day 2 – Monday
Visiting the Pañacocha Biological Corridor
We will continue our navigation downstream to the Pañayacu River delta; take a canoe trip up the river to experience the sights of this fascinating reserve. We will seek out Pink River Dolphins, Common Squirrel Monkeys and much more. Pañacocha (Piranha Lake, in Quechua) is an ecosystem flooded by white waters. The rivers and lakes here are the perfect habitat for the infamous Piranha, as well as the Water Monkey Fish (Arawana) and White Caiman.
After a refreshing swim (for the courageous!), we will enjoy a delicious Amazon-style BBQ meal and refreshing beverages at a nearby camping site. In the afternoon, we will head out on exploration trails, and return onboard for dinner.
Day 3 – Tuesday
Clay Licks – Sani Warmi & Yasuni National Park
Breakfast on board. We set out to visit one of the most amazing spectacles this side of western Amazonia known as parrot licks, these unique pools of mud become rich in minerals and attract hundreds of parrots, parakeets and amazons every day. If weather permits, we will have a chance to marvel at this astonishing natural phenomenon.
Later we will visit the Sani Warmi Kichwa Interpretation Center, where a group of Kichwa women will speak of their customs, cuisine and everyday life. They have created the center in order to showcase their culture, and it is a unique opportunity to learn about Amazonian lifestyles along the Napo River. You will also have the opportunity to buy crafts, local products and souvenirs.
After lunch, we will make a stop at the Yakukawsay Kichwa Interpretation Centre, and end with an interesting evening walk through the forest (depending on accessibility, river water levels and weather conditions).
Day 4 – Wednesday
Quito
In the morning, disembark the M/V Anakonda and transfer by motorized canoe to Coca (2-hour ride); flight to Quito.
Day 1 – Wednesday
Quito – Coca – Napo River
Departure from Quito. A short 40-minute flight takes us to the frontier town of Coca (Francisco de Orellana) – and transfer to the Napo River port, where we will embark on a motorized canoe and navigate down river approximately 1 1/2 hours, to board the M/V ANAKONDA AMAZON CRUISE. Throughout the journey we have a chance to admire the rainforest landscape and banks of the great Napo River.
Immediately after boarding the M/V Anakonda, we continue navigating downstream. Passengers will have their first opportunities to enjoy the exciting features of our cruise ship: the spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and an observation deck that offers spectacular views. An evening walk is organized after sunset; it gives us the opportunity to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity and listen to the incessant sounds of nature.
Day 2 – Thursday
Border of Peru (The Heart of Yasuní National Park)
This morning, after a delicious breakfast we will disembark to visit one of the local family homes. During the visit, we will have the opportunity of meeting representative members of the Amazonian community, learning from their culture, talents and ways of life. We will understand how these giving and joyful people live, utilize and protect their resources, and how they cherish the fragility of their ecosystem.
After lunch the Anakonda continues navigation to one of the most pristine black-water systems of the Amazon Basin. We take the canoes to explore the smaller tributaries to observe exotic plants, colorful birds and unique wildlife.
Some of the species we hope to see in this black water system include Pink River Dolphins, River Turtles, Black Caimans and the enigmatic Amazon Manatee. Moreover, the vegetation on the shores is home to Red Howler, Black Tamarind and Squirrel Monkeys, Three-toed Sloths, and the Hoatzin – a pre-historic,leaf-eating bird, known locally as ‘Stinky Turkey’!
For our more adventurous guests, there is the opportunity to go Glamping for the night. Please enquire for more details.
Day 3 – Friday
Meeting the Community – Activities on Board – Island Exploration
Breakfast on board. We visit a school located on the banks of the Napo River, where we will have the opportunity to interact with children of the area and learn about the educational system of a remote jungle community in Ecuador.
In the afternoon, while the Anakonda sails upstream, there is time to relax. There is plenty to do on board, though: our chef gives cooking lessons in Ecuadorian and Amazon cuisine; locals give classes in making fiber handicrafts; and the naturalist guides give lectures on a variety of Amazon-related topics such as culture, biodiversity, geography, the oil industry and sustainability.
Later, we will spend some time exploring one of the large islands, where many surprises of the primate variety can be found!
Day 4 – Saturday
Observation Tower – Limoncocha Biological Reserve
In the morning after breakfast, visit an observation tower 100-feet high, built against a giant kapok tree. From the top of the tower, we will be blessed with this unique perspective of the forest, looming over the treetops and the greatness of the Amazon Basin.
In the afternoon, we visit Limoncocha Biological Reserve, a beautiful and fascinating protected area home to more than 478 bird species as well as a variety of monkey species.
After nightfall, we go in search of Black Caiman, before returning to the Anakonda for dinner.
Day 5 – Sunday
Quito
In the morning, disembark the M/V Anakonda and transfer by motorized canoe to Coca (2-hour ride); flight to Quito.
Tour Cost
4 days/3 nights
5 days/4 nights
8 days/47 nights
Contact us for triple and child rates.
Onboard accommodations, all meals on board. Scheduled excursions according to the itinerary with a certified naturalist guide, unlimited supply of water, coffee, and tea. Transfers from/to the vessel when arriving on our recommended flights.
Air ticket Quito – Coca – Quito, USD 270.00 per person. Admission to local communities and natural reserves (USD 70.00 net per person for 4 & 5 day cruises, USD 80.00 net per person for 8-day cruise). Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages . Gratuities. Personal expenses.
