Anakonda Amazon Cruise

Your 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 Province of San Francisco de Orellana, be transferred to the dock and board a motorized canoe to begin your journey down the river for approximately 1.5 hours. Take in your first sights and sounds of the Amazon.

Settle into the M/V Anakonda before joining expert local naturalist guides for a brief and informative introduction on safety and the Ecuadorian Amazon. Discover the exciting features of your cruise ship: spacious social areas, comfortable suites and the observation deck that allows you to admire the changing rainforest landscape as the ship glides down the Napo River. After dinner, plunge straight into adventure by going for a nighttime forest walk to observe the Amazon forest’s nocturnal activity. Experience the thrill of such vivid noises and aromas that come from so much biodiversity.

Travel downstream to the Pañayacu River delta, where you will take a canoe trip to the fascinating water reserve of Pañacocha Lake, an ecosystem flooded by blackwaters. Pañacocha means “Piranha Lake” in the native Quechua language. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to nine species of primates, 500 species of birds and more than 100 fish species. This is the perfect habitat for piranhas, the water monkey fish (Arawana) and the white caiman. In this little piece of paradise, participate in nature walks led by local naturalist guides and relax at a nearby campsite where you will enjoy a delicious Amazon-style BBQ and refreshing beverages. After lunch enjoy some kayaking; the bravest may enjoy a refreshing swim in Piranha Lake (not as dangerous as it sounds)! Back on board, attend a lecture given by your concierge and watch an educational documentary about the region.

This morning, 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, visit a Quechua Cultural Center to learn about Amazon communities and their ancestral culture, traditions and cuisine. Members of the local community teach about indigenous lifestyles along the Napo River and you will have the opportunity to support the local community by purchasing handicrafts, local products and souvenirs. Before sunset, visit an observation tower in the rainforest canopy, which offers an astonishing 360-degree view of the Amazon basin—a perfect photo opportunity! Birdwatchers and bird-lovers alike will especially enjoy this outing.

Begin today kayaking along the Indillama River, one of the Napo River’s tributaries, which leads into Yasuni National Park. Kayaks are smooth and silent, providing the very best opportunity to observe wildlife while being surrounded by lush greenery. Canoes can also be used to travel in search of more wildlife. The choice is yours. After an adventure-filled day, you may choose to take advantage of the vessel’s observation deck and relax with a magical view under the stars. More energetic passengers may choose to unwind with a night walk through the jungle to observe nocturnal creatures.

Early in the morning, visit Yasuni National Park, a pristine and relatively undisturbed region of the Ecuadorian Amazon and home of the legendary pink river dolphin. Keep your eyes peeled for anacondas, river turtles and various primate species, as well as the colorful Hoatzin, a unique bird that is known locally as the “Stinky Turkey.” In the afternoon, canoe in a blackwater lake, home to giant otters and the magnificent, albeit elusive manatee. Also enjoy a pleasant hike in the Riparian/Gallery Forest, where there’s the chance to spot a flock of birds and marvel at the intricate organization of a colony of leaf-cutter ants by the “Giant Fig Tree”, a truly majestic tree that is home to an abundance of wildlife, much like the “Giant Kapok Tree”

Begin today with a visit to an authentic Quechua family located on the banks of the Napo River for a taste of cultural immersion and the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community. Enjoy lunch on board and the opportunity to participate in a cooking class as the onboard chef shares recipes and techniques for preparing exquisite traditional Ecuadorian food that you can replicate at home. Later, try your hand at making traditional handicrafts.

Relax during the morning cruise before disembarking in a nearby forest to walk amongst the myriad animals and plant species that can only be found in the Amazon basin. In the afternoon, visit a canopy tower built against a giant Kapok tree. The perspective at the top of this observation tower is truly glorious, looming above the lush treetops and providing a view of the sheer vastness of the Amazon Basin. In the evening, bravely venture into the river on a canoe to search for black caimans with the help of flashlights!

This is where your adventure ends. Enjoy the last part of the return journey on board before disembarking via the 1.5-hour motorized canoe ride back to Coca.

Included

Transportation to and from Coca airport and M/V Anakonda Amazon when arriving on recommended flights; onboard accommodation; scheduled visits according to the itinerary with a certified naturalist guide; unlimited supply of water, coffee and tea; all meals on board.

Exclusions

Transportation to and from Quito airport; air tickets package from Quito to Coca to Quito ($230 per person in 2019 & 2020), which includes private & personalized assistance at both airports, transfers to/from the vessels, exclusive access to VIP Lounge before and after cruise with complimentary coffee, tea, water and light snacks; admission to local communities, natural reserves and observation tower  (in 2019 & 2020: $80 per person for 8-day cruises); alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages; gratuities; Wi-Fi (due to the remote area of navigation, satellite internet is only available in certain zones and during certain times; it may be purchased for the price of $15 for the entire duration of the cruise); insurance of any kind; personal expenses; other services not specified in the program. All prices are subject to change without notice.

Payment & Cancellation

In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of 20% of the total trip cost is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 90 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 61 days – 100% of deposit
60 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost

Terms & Conditions

This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.

Arrival & Departure

The Anakonda Amazon Cruise begins and ends in Quito, Ecuador (UIO). Plan flights to arrive in Quito one day prior to embarkation day. Plan flights to depart Quito no earlier than 2:00pm on weekdays and 6:00pm on weekends. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.

Internal Flights

The Anakonda Amazon Cruise has a required flight between Quito and Coca on the first and final day of the itinerary. AdventureSmith arranges your flights to Coca (not included in cruise rate) after your booking has been made. Coca-Quito flight schedules vary, so check with AdventureSmith Explorations for details on your particular departure. There is a luggage weight limit of 50 lbs (23 kg) total for two pieces of checked luggage and 22 lbs (10 kg) for one piece of carry-on baggage on the flights between Quito and Coca.

Activities

Whether you are looking for light activity options or more active outdoor pursuits, the ship’s crew can tailor most excursions to suit your skill level. Adventure activities may include hiking, skiff or canoe rides, birdwatching, indigenous community immersion, canopy observation, kayaking, cooking lessons and swimming opportunities.

Optional glamping (glamorous camping) is available for up to 8 passengers ($450 per person in 2019 & 2020; minimum of 2 passengers). Sleep in a spacious tent with room for standing, a zippered door and comfortable raised bed. Gourmet meals, champagne and hot showers are available after an exciting nature walk. In the evening, a local guide tells stories about adventures and the way of life in the magical Amazon region. In the morning, go for a kayak excursion on the river and observe incredible wildlife before breakfast and your return to the Anakonda ship.

Room Configuration

Single and triple accommodations may be available on request and based on availability.

2019 Rates:
Standard Suite Single: 8-day $7281
Standard Suite Triple: 8-day $4146
Deluxe Suite Single: 8-day $9100
Deluxe Suite Triple: 8-day $5183

2020 Rates:
Standard Suite Single: 8-day $7665
Standard Suite Triple: 8-day $4364
Deluxe Suite Single: 8-day $9579
Deluxe Suite Triple: 8-day $5455

Triple occupancy for two adults and a child under 12 years of age may be available, with the child sleeping on a sofa bed. Contact AdventureSmith for info and availability.

Families & Children

Discounted rates may be available for children under 12 years. Discount applies to 1 child per adult, e.g. 1 adult with 1 child or 2 adults with 2 children. In case there are 3 children and 2 adults, the 3rd child pays full adult rate. Children 7 years and older at time of departure are welcomed aboard all departure dates.

2019 Child Rates:
Standard Suite: 8-day $2440
Deluxe Suite: 8-day $3048

2020 Child Rates:
Standard Suite: 8-day $2568
Deluxe Suite: 8-day $3209

Travel Insurance

Protect your travel investment with insurance. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. You must purchase your travel insurance policy within 15 or 21 days of booking (depending on plan) for it to cover pre-existing medical conditions; refer to plan details. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.

Itinerary Notes

Use the itinerary as a guide only. Itineraries may be altered due to weather, wildlife, National Park regulation or at the captain’s discretion. The ability to be flexible makes this type of small ship cruising unique.