This is a journey that takes us into the endless heart of biodiversity, the Amazon Basin. Our First-Rate River Cruise Vessels make it possible for you to explore the remote nature of this jungle in total comfort and leisure. The Anakonda Amazon Cruises and Manatee are state-of-the-art vessels specifically designed to navigate the Napo River in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Our wide array of onboard services and amenities will ensure your full comfort and enjoyment as you explore this region of the world.
Cruise Itinerary:
Anakonda: Wednesdays – Sundays
Manatee: Mondays – Fridays
Day 1
QUITO – COCA – NAPO RIVER
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 Amazon, until we reach the Manatee Amazon Explorer and receive our 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; afterwards, guests will have the opportunity to explore our cruise ship and admire the rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River. After dinner, we will take a nighttime forest walk to observe the rainforest’s nocturnal activity and vividly experience its biodiversity first-hand.
Day 2
THE HEART OF YASUNI NATIONAL PARK (HOME OF THE LEGENDARY PINK RIVER DOLPHIN)
Early in the morning, we will visit Yasuni National Park. This is a pristine and relatively undisturbed region of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Our guests will be pleased to learn that this is the home of the legendary Pink River Dolphin! In this area, we can also find anacondas, river turtles, and various primate species, as well as the colorful Hoatzin, a unique bird that is known locally as the “Stinky Turkey”.
Later in the afternoon, we will go canoeing in a blackwater lake, home to giant otters and the magnificent, albeit elusive manatee. We will also enjoy a pleasant hike in the Riparian/Gallery Forest, where we have 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”.
Day 3
QUECHUA FAMILY & LIFE ON BOARD
We will start the day off by visiting an authentic Quechua family located on the banks of the Napo River, where we will receive cultural immersion and the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community.
We will then board the Manatee Amazon Explorer for lunch and some leisure time as we continue our navigation upstream. At this time, our guests will be delighted with our life onboard experiences and participate in a cooking class with our expert chef, who will share recipes and techniques using fresh and organic ingredients to prepare exquisite traditional Ecuadorian food that you can replicate at home.
Guests are also invited to try their hands at making traditional handicrafts or enjoy our onboard facilities such as: a relaxing massage at the Rainforest Spa, a spectacular ever-changing scenery view from our Amazon Hut Tub, a delicious cocktail at our Bar and Lounge or just admire the amazing sunset or the stargazing at night from our Observation Deck Lounge. For our more active guests, a kayaking activity is the best choice to explore the nature around. There is an option for everyone!
• This day we are pleased to offer a camping program for our adventurous guests, as an alternative manner to explore this enchanting destination (extra cost)
Day 4
FOREST ADVENTURE & OBSERVATION CANOPY TOWER
Our guests can relax and enjoy the Anakonda Amazon Cruises during the morning and disembark to explore the nearby forest for a walk to discover a myriad of different animals and plant species that can only be found in the Amazon basin.
In the afternoon, we will 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, we will bravely venture into the river on a canoe to search for black caimans with the help of our flashlights.
Day 5
RETURN
This is where our adventure ends! Enjoy the last part of our return journey onboard and then disembark the Anakonda Amazon Cruises to take the motorized canoe back to Coca (one-and-a-half-hour ride).