Quito and 4 Day Anakonda Amazon Cruise
7 Days/6 Nights
From $3,489 per person
(Dbl. Occupancy, Not Incl. Airfare)
Friday Departures Throughout the Year
Overview
Experience the Ecuadorian Amazon on this four day cruise aboard the luxurious Anakonda. Starting in Quito, you will have a city tour and then visit the Middle of the World Monument. You will then fly to Coca to meet up with the ship, and navigate along the Napo River through Yasuni National Park. Highlights of the cruise include canoeing on Pañacocha Lake, observing parrots and other birds at a clay lick, and interacting with indigenous peoples to learn about their culture and lifestyle.
Lodging and Meals: This tour includes accommodations for 6 nights (3 nights in Quito and 3 nights aboard the M/V Anakonda) and 11 meals (6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners).
Best Time to Go: June-November.
Destinations: South America, Ecuador, and Amazon.
Interests: Adventure, Camping, Culture & History, Expedition Cruising, and Wildlife Viewing.
Places Visited: Quito and the Ecuadorian Amazon.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 (Fri): Quito.
Depart to Quito. After passing through immigration and customs, proceed to the reception area, where our representative will be holding a sign with your name on it. You will be greeted and then transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Quito.
Day 2 (Sat): City Tour of Quito-Middle of the World.
In the morning, you will have a city tour of Quito. You will explore the bustling streets and squares of the largest historical centre in the Americas, and visit some of its most important churches such as the majestic La Compania and iconic San Francisco, guardians of a stunning multi-ethnic artistic and cultural heritage. You will drive through the traditional neighborhood of San Juan and finish the morning at the Panecillo hillside, with its breathtaking views of the old and modern parts of the city.
Following the city tour, you will be driven to the “Middle of the World City” complex, which is located 11 miles north of Quito. Here, you will see the monument of the equatorial line, a 98 ft high stone trapezoidal monument with a brass globe on top. The monument forms the focal point of a park and leisure area with gift shops and restaurants. Overnight in Quito. (B)
Day 3 (Sun): Quito-Coca-Napo River.
Our adventure begins in the city of Quito, Capital of Ecuador. 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 motorized 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 Amazon and receive our welcome aboard.
Once we have settled into the ship, we will be joined by expert local naturalist guides who will provide us with a brief and informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon. After, guests will have their first opportunity to discover the exciting features of our cruise ship: 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. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,D)
Day 4 (Mon): Pañacocha Biological Corridor.
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 fiches 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 the ship, our guests will have the opportunity to attend a lecture given by our concierge and watch an educational documentary about the region. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 5 (Tue): Parrot Clay Licks-Amazonian Communities.
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 colorful 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.
Back on board the ship, we will be delighted with an exquisite farewell dinner. Overnight aboard the ship. (B,L,D)
Day 6 (Wed): Return.
This is where our adventure ends! Enjoy the last part of our return journey onboard and then disembark the ship to take the motorized canoe back to Coca (approximately 90 minutes) and the flight to Quito. Overnight in Quito. (B)
Day 7 (Thu): Quito.
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to your final destination. (B)
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Itinerary Map
Prices & Dates
Price per Person
| Category | Single | Double | Triple |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Suite | $5,409 | $3,489 | $2,939 |
| Deluxe Suite | $6,429 | $4,159 | $3,509 |
Notes:
- The above prices are valid until December 31, 2023.
Departure Dates
Friday departures throughout the year.
What's Included
Price Includes
- South American Vacations’ expert pre-departure planning services and documentation.
- Airport/hotel transfers including baggage handling.
- Hotel accommodations including taxes and service charges.
- Accommodations on board the M/V Anakonda.
- All meals scheduled on board and others as indicated on the itinerary.
- Unlimited water, coffee, and tea during the cruise.
- Excursions as indicated on the itinerary.
- Local, English-speaking tour guides.
Price Does Not Include
- International airfare.
- Quito-Coca-Quito airfare ($250).
- Meals not indicated on the itinerary.
- Community entrance fee ($70).
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Gratuities to ship crew and guides (suggested $15/day for ship crew, $10/day for naturalist guides).
- Internet Wi-Fi.
- Gifts and personal items.
- Travel insurance.
We will be happy to quote the cost of international airfare and travel insurance and to make these arrangements for you.
Additional Details
Group/Private: All services in Quito are private and all services in the Amazon are operated on a group basis.
Elevations: Quito is 9,350 feet above sea level.
Passport/Visa: U.S., Australian, Canadian, and EU citizens require a passport valid for at least six months from date of entry and return ticket for stays of up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries are advised to contact the Ecuadorian embassy in their country before traveling.
Luggage Restrictions (Local Flights): One piece weighing 23 kg. (50 lbs.) or two pieces weighing a total of 23 kg. (50 lbs.).
Travel Insurance: In order to protect your travel investment from unforeseen circumstances that may arise before or during your trip, we strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance. We offer Allianz Global Assistance’s Classic Comprehensive and other plans. The Benefits and Coverage Limits are summarized on our Travel Insurance page. Call your travel counselor if you have any questions or to purchase a plan.
To Book This Trip: Call or email us to confirm the availability of this ship and the domestic airfare for your desired dates of travel. Once we have confirmed availability, you will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of $1,800 for single passengers, $1,300 per person for doubles, and $1,200 per person for triples, plus the cost of the international airfare (if we arrange it for you).
