Quito and 8 Day Anakonda Amazon Cruise

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.

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)

Departure from Quito.  A short 30-minute flight takes you to the frontier town of El Coca (Francisco de Orellana) – and transfer to the dock, where you will embark on a motorized canoe and navigate down river about one hour, to board the M/V Anakonda.

Since safety on board is of utmost importance, navigation will not begin until a safety evacuation drill has been completed.  Throughout the journey you have a chance to admire the rainforest landscape and sand banks of the great Napo River.

Immediately after boarding the ship, you continue navigating downstream.  This will be the first of many opportunities you will have to enjoy the exciting features of the ship: the spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and an observation deck that offers spectacular views.

Once you have comfortably settled into your suite, you will be joined by local naturalist guides who will give you a complete and condensed introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon.  Following this Amazonian induction, you will enjoy dinner under the mesmerizing sunset.  An evening walk is organized after sunset; giving you the opportunity to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity while listening to the incessant sounds of nature.  Overnight aboard the ship.  (B,D)

Navigation continues downstream to the Pañayacu River delta; you take a canoe trip up the river to experience the sights of this fascinating reserve.

Upon reaching the Pañacocha Lake (Piranha Lake, in native language Quechua) you will be marveled by the unique creatures that inhabit the area: squirrel monkeys, and of course the infamous Piranhas.  Pañacocha’s Lake ecosystem makes it the perfect habitat for the Piranha, as well as water monkey fish, known locally as Arawana and the White Caiman.

After a refreshing swim (for the courageous!), you will enjoy a delicious Amazon-style BBQ meal and refreshing beverages at a nearby camping site.  In the afternoon, you will head out on exploration trails, and return onboard for dinner.

Undoubtedly, after an entire day in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, there will be plenty of questions.  Luckily for the passengers, you will have the chance to speak to local guides, who will be happy to answer all of our questions.  The local guides will also be given the time to discuss other subjects related to the Ecuadorian Amazon during the evening briefing.  Overnight aboard the ship.  (B,L,D)

After breakfast on board, weather permitting, you will have a chance to marvel at an astonishing natural phenomenon as you set out to visit one of the most amazing spectacles located on this side of the western Amazonia, known as Parrot Clay Licks.  These unique pools of mud are rich in minerals and attract hundreds of parrots, parakeets and amazon birds every day.

Later you will visit the Sani Warmi Kichwa Interpretation Center, where a group of Kichwa women will speak and share their customs, cuisine and daily life with you.  These women created the center in order to showcase their culture.  The visit to the Center is a unique opportunity to learn about the Amazonian lifestyle along the Napo River.  You will also have the opportunity to buy handmade crafts, local products and souvenirs.

Afterwards, you will enjoy lunch on board, as the ship navigates to Puerto Pedro.  Weather permitting and as an optional excursion, you could make a short stop at the Yakukawsay Kichwa Interpretation Centre, where you can climb a ceibo tree and enjoy an astonishing view of the Amazon from its wooden tower.  This is a great chance for birdwatching activities.  Overnight aboard the ship.  (B,L,D)

Today you have the option to kayak through one of the Napo River’s tributaries that goes into the Yasuni National Park, the Indillama River.  This visit enables great excursions for wildlife observation, with kayaks which are the best silent vehicles to flow down river.

On the southern bank of the Napo River you will visit a path that runs through the tropical forest.  On the way, you may visit the Yaku Kawsay Interpretation Center, which is a museum that provides information on the fauna that is found in the Amazon basin: pink dolphins, manatees, and paiches, among others.  Or you can choose to go on a canoe ride in search of more wildlife through the Napo River. It’s up to you!  Overnight aboard the ship.  (B,D)

After breakfast, you disembark on land for your first daylight close-and-personal tropical rainforest experience.  It is on this morning adventure, where you will learn about the relationship between plants and animals while closely watching out for samples of Amazonia’s fascinating biodiversity at every turn.

After this extraordinary encounter with the Ecuadorian Amazon, you will enjoy lunch aboard.  The ship 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.  You 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.  Throughout the day, the ship will continue navigating alongside the Ecuadorian-Peruvian border.

After such an incredible day in the Amazon, you will end the night accompanied by a delicious dinner and by local guides, ready to answer any and all questions pertaining to the Ecuadorian Amazon.  Glamping is available (additional cost) for our more adventurous passengers.  Overnight aboard the ship.  (B,L,D)

The ship will continue upstream, en route to the Pañacocha Lake (Piranha Lake, in the native Quechua language).  Here you will marvel at the unique creatures that inhabit the area, including Common Squirrel Monkeys, and of course the infamous Piranhas.

The ecosystem of the Pañacocha Lake and its surrounding areas make it the perfect habitat for the Piranha, as well as the Water Monkey Fish, known locally as Arawana, and the White Caiman.  Later, you will be given the once in a lifetime opportunity to visit an Authentic Indigenous home, belonging to the Oraco family.

After, you return to the ship for lunch and take a moment to relax while navigating upstream.  After lunch, cultural lectures, documentary screenings, and hands on experiences regarding topics about local handcrafts and cuisine will be offered.  In the afternoon, you will explore one of the largest river islands of the Napo River, home to hundreds of Amazonian monkeys.

Unquestionably, after an entire day in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon, you will have more questions than answers about the Amazon.  Luckily for you, dinner will be accompanied by local nature and cultural guides who will make sure everyone on board is an expert on Ecuadorian Amazonia.  Overnight aboard the ship.  (B,L,D)

After breakfast, you will set out to visit one of the most amazing spectacles located on this side of the western Amazonia, known as Parrot Clay Licks, these unique pools of mud are rich in minerals and attract hundreds of parrots, parakeets and amazons every day.

Weather permitting, you will have a chance to visit this astonishing natural phenomenon.  Later, you will visit the Sani Warmi Kichwa Interpretation Center, where a group of Kichwa women will speak about and share their customs, cuisine and daily life.  They have created the center in order to showcase their culture.  The visit to the Sani Warmi community is a unique opportunity to learn about Amazonian lifestyles along the Napo River.  You will also have the opportunity to buy handmade crafts, local products and souvenirs.  You will enjoy lunch on board, as the ship navigates to Puerto Pedro.

Before sunset, you will visit the Añangu Tower, which offers great photo opportunities after climbing a ceibo tree, and enjoy an astonishing view of the Amazon from its wooden tower.  This is a great opportunity to do birdwatching activities.  Weather permitting, and as an optional excursion, 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).  Your trip into Ecuadorian Amazon ends here, as the ship heads back to Itaya.  On your last night in the Ecuadorian Amazon, you will enjoy a farewell cocktail with all of the ship’s staff.  Overnight aboard the ship.  (B,L,D)

In the morning you will disembark the M/V Anakonda and will be transferred by motorized canoe to Coca (one hour ride) for your return flight to Quito.  Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel.  Overnight in Quito.  (B)

Transfer to the airport for your return flight to your final destination. (B)