Trip Desciption
The luxurious Anakonda lauded as South America’s leading boutique cruise at the World Travel Awards, takes up to 40 passengers deep into the upper basins of the Napo and Aguarico Rivers, around the mega-diverse Pañacocha biological corridor and Yasuni National Park biosphere reserve – Ecuador’s largest protected animal reserve – for unprecedented wildlife watching opportunities and authentic cultural encounters.
Itinerary
The Anakonda Amazon Cruise is the only luxury river cruise navigating the Napo River in the Ecuadorian Amazon, designed for travelers who want to explore the rainforest in comfort and style.
PM: Our adventure begins in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. After a 30-minute flight from Quito to the Amazonian city of Coca, we will transfer to the dock and board our motorized canoe for a 90-minute journey down the river, taking in the beauty of the Amazon, until we reach the Manatee Amazon Explorer and receive our warm welcome aboard.
On the Manatee, we will be joined by expert local naturalist guides, who will provide us with a brief, informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon; and afterward, guests will have the opportunity to explore our cruise ship and admire the rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River. After a delicious dinner, we will take a nighttime forest walk to hear the sounds of the rainforest and observe the nocturnal wildlife.
AM: We will travel downstream to the Pañayacu River delta, where we will embark on a canoe trip to Pañacocha Lake (“Piranha Lagoon” in the native Kichwa language), an ecosystem flooded by blackwater river water. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to primates and birds and is the perfect habitat for piranhas, the Paíche or pirarucu (one of the world’s largest freshwater fish), the white caiman, and hundreds of other aquatic animals. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to primates and various bird species, which we will be able to spot during a walk with our guides.
PM: We will then recharge our energy with an Amazon-style barbeque at a community camp, and after a short rest, we will take part in aquatic activities such as kayaking and/or swimming. Back onboard the Manatee, we will build on what we learned with an interesting talk about the region given by our guides.
AM: We will set out on our motorized canoes early in the morning to witness one of the most incredible sights on this side of the Western Amazon - the famous parrot clay licks. This unique place is rich in minerals and attracts hundreds of colorful parrots, parakeets, and Amazon birds who meet up here to lick the clay which provides a healthy boost to their digestion.
PM: In the afternoon we will visit the Kichwa women’s community project, where we will learn about the indigenous lifestyle along the Napo river, their ancestral culture, and their community, and will have the opportunity to support them by purchasing handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs, as well as the opportunity to participate in the Charapas Turtle Conservation that we support together with the community.
AM: This is where our adventure ends! But first, we will enjoy our return to Puerto Providencia where we will disembark the Manatee Amazon Explorer and ride back to the city of Coca in the motorized canoe.
Includes/Excludes
Includes
- -TransfersTransfers to/from vessel when arriving on recommended flights to Coca
- -AssistancePersonalized airport assistance in Quito and Coca (when booking recommended domestic flight with us)
- -Accommodation in double/twin/triple cabins
- -Meals - All meals while on board
- -Extras water, coffee and tea
- -ActivitiesAll excursions as described in the itinerary
- -Guides Bilingual Naturalist Guides (English and Spanish)
- -Informations Use of VIP port lounge before and after cruise (when booking recommended domestic flight with us)
- -Excursion equipment Kayaks, walking sticks, boots, ponchos, binoculars (+$10 surcharge) and LED Torch (+$10 surcharge)
- -Flights Domestic flights $250 per person (there is an additional
Excludes
- -Gratuities (recommended at $100 per person)
- -International airfare
- -Cost of medical treatment, including evacuation
- -Cost of any relevant visa or reciprocity fee
- -Souvenirs, spa treatments or additional services such as laundry
- -Extras drinks Soft drinks or alcoholic beverages
- -Community Contribution Fees ($80 per person) Fees ($80 per person)
- -Wi-Fi ($15 per person for the entire cruise duration. Due to the remote area, this feature will only be functional in certain zones, at certain times)
- -Optional Glamping Excursion ($450 per night, per person, available for groups of 2 - 8 people)
- NOT INCLUDEDAnything not clearly listed as included
- Travel insurance
Anakonda Amazon Cruise – FAQs
The cruise begins in El Coca (Puerto Francisco de Orellana) in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Passengers usually fly from Quito (about 30 minutes) and then transfer by motorized canoe to the Anakonda cruise.
The cruise typically lasts 4 to 5 days, depending on the chosen itinerary.
The Anakonda features luxury suites with private balconies, air conditioning, and panoramic views. Social areas include a restaurant, bar, jacuzzi, and observation decks.
Guided rainforest walks
Canoe and kayak excursions
Birdwatching and wildlife spotting (pink dolphins, monkeys, exotic birds)
Visits to indigenous communities (Kichwa and Secoya)
Cultural experiences and conservation activities
