Package Details
Itinerary (Click on each day for detailed itinerary)
Departure from Quito. A short 30-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.
After a delicious breakfast, we disembark on land for our first daylight close-and-personal tropical rainforest experience, where we will learn about the relationship between plants and animals while closely watching out for samples of Amazonia’s fascinating biodiversity at every turn.
After lunch, the M/V Anakonda navigates to one of the most pristine and little explored sections of Ecuadorian Amazonia, home to the legendary pink river dolphin, black caiman and anaconda. We may also find river turtles and various species of monkeys, as well as the primitive Hoatzin, a one-of-a-kind bird locally known as “the Stinky Turkey”. The only way to actually visit this flooded ecosystem is by canoe, a ride that will reveal the beauty of a lush jungle world.
For our more adventurous passengers, please inquire about our glamping program.
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.
We return on board the M/V Anakonda for lunch and a moment to relax while we navigate upstream. We will offer a lecture and documentary screening, and if time permits, learn about (and make) typical handicrafts of the area. In the afternoon, we explore one of the largest river islands of the Napo River.
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 fascinating protected area where more than 478 bird species and several monkey species have been recorded. This activity will extend into the evening, when we will have a chance to spot black caiman with the help of our flashlights. Return to the M/V Anakonda for dinner.
In the morning, disembark the M/V Anakonda and transfer by motorized canoe to Coca (1-hour ride); flight to Quito.
The detailed itinerary above is a standard model of our operation. We intend to offer everything as planned, but it is important to note depending on technical or operational difficulties beyond our control, the M/V Anakonda Amazon Cruise reserves the right to modify the itinerary without notice.
Includes
- Transportation to and from Coca airport and M/V Anakonda
- Accommodation on board
- All meals on board
- Scheduled visits according to the itinerary with a certified naturalist guide.
- Unlimited supply of hot water, coffee and tea
- Transportation to and from Quito airport
- Air Ticket Quito – Coca – Quito ($170 per person – subject to change)
- Admission to communities and parks ($50 per person – subject to change)
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
- Tips
- Wi-Fi Internet
- Personal expenses
- Other services not specified in the program
Napo River, Ecuador, South America - Anakonda Amazon Cruises
Destination Overview
Travel on board the M/V Anakonda, the only luxury ship in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest, and experience the Amazon in a most unique way! Visit the remote and pristine areas where few have had the opportunity to travel, and interact with the region’s 15 local communities, while enjoying the comforts, facilities and services of a 5-star boutique hotel on board with us in the middle of the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Our itineraries have been carefully customized by our CEO, Raul Garcia, who was the Captain of the Flotel Orellana for over 15 years. No one, aside from locals, knows the area better than Raul, which is why we are able to offer perfectly-balanced itineraries including onboard activities, Amazon excursions during the day and night and recreational activities as well. Our on board concierge will be pleased to help you coordinate any special guest requirements, should passengers opt for activities that are different from those planned for the group. We are able to coordinate alternatives to comply with all of our guest’s preferences!
Our 40 guests aboard the 148 foot-long M/V Anakonda may enjoy a wide variety of wine and fine dining, complete with the all-inclusive comfort of a five-star boutique hotel. Our 18 suites, each with an area over 172 square feet, feature sitting areas, large and comfortable beds, and wall-to-wall panoramic windows. The observation deck with two outdoor Jacuzzis and our al fresco lounge are ideal places to enjoy a cocktail, relax with a good book or simply appreciate the spectacular view.
Accommodation
The M/V Anakonda is the only luxury cruise liner in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest. Its 18 suites, each with an area of 172-258 square feet, are equipped with air conditioning and 24-hour electricity, each with a private bathroom with hot water and all necessary amenities, allowing our guests to enjoy their cruise with nothing to worry about. To accommodate families, Anakonda offers 2 sets of interconnected suites.
Passengers can socialize in the dining room, bar, observation deck with two outdoor Jacuzzis and in the al fresco lounge. There is also a small boutique where passengers can purchase souvenirs, or perhaps some vanity products that may have been left behind at home. Our guests will be assisted by our 25-person crew, including a concierge, purser, paramedic, 4 skilled nature guides, and 4 local guides.
Amenities/Attractions
Our guests may choose from four, five and eight-day itineraries, each one of them with spectacular highlights that will surely make every passenger trip a memorable experience. On our 8D/7N itinerary, we visit the Yasuni National Park, the Cuyabeno Wildlife reserve, and the Limoncocha and Pañacocha biological corridors, giving our passengers the opportunity to connect with the Ecuadorian Amazon and experience its wonders.
Dining
Travelers on board the M/V Anakonda will enjoy a wide variety of national and international fusion cuisine. We take traditional and well-known cuisine from all over the world and adapt it using fresh, local products. It’s not unusual for our guests to enjoy unique fare such as Quinoa Risotto or the famous “Encocado de Pescado” an exquisite fish prepared in coconut sauce
Seasons
The M/V Anakonda operates year round. Every trip is unique, based on the changing seasons. During the high water season, when the water levels of rivers and inlets rise, launch boats are able to venture deeper into the flooded forest. During the low water season, the river recedes to form beautiful sandy river beaches.
Location
The M/V Anakonda area of operation includes the Orellana and Sucumbios provinces.
Passengers’ journey will start by taking one of the three TAME’s (Ecuadorian Merchant Air Transportation EMAT in English) daily flights, from Quito to El Coca (the Capital of the Orellana province). In 45 minutes passengers will arrive to El Coca’s airport to meet our staff and be transported by canoes to the M/V Anakonda.
The Anakonda is the only luxurious cruise ship in the Ecuadorian Amazon jungle.