








The M/V Anakonda Amazon Cruises, winner of the World Travel Award 2016 as South America’s Leading Boutique Cruise, offers an exclusive experience characterized by comfort, exceptional culinary offerings and once-in-a-lifetime journeys involving Amazonian cultural immersion, unique and vibrant wildlife, and the unrivaled wonders of its many ecosystems. In this rich and diverse environment, we have the chance to observe enchanting animals such as the pink river dolphin, giant otters and turtles, as well as hundreds of native birds and primates, while navigating along the region’s freshwater rivers, both whitewater and blackwater.
Activities and Adventures:
- Swimming
- Kayaking
- Birdwatching
- Jungle Hikes
- Canoe Excursions
- Cooking Lessons – Traditional Dishes
- Climbing the Observation Tower high in the Amazon canopy
- Native Family Visit
- Night Hikes
- Briefings given by Expert Naturalist Guides
- Demonstration of Regional Handicrafts
- BBQ Pit
- Traditional Amazonian Delicacies
- Camping (5 & 8 days Itineraries).
Includes:
- Transportation to and from Coca airport and M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer.
- Onboard Accommodation.
- Scheduled visits according to the itinerary with a certified naturalist guide.
- Unlimited supply of hot water, coffee and tea.
- All meals on board.
Excludes:
- Air Ticket Quito – Coca – Quito.
- Admission to local communities and natural reserves (USD 70.00 net per person for 4 & 5 day cruises, USD 80.00 net per person for 8 day cruise)
*Subject to change without notice. - Transfers to and from Quito’s airport.
- Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Gratuities.
- Wi-Fi Internet (Due to the remote area of navigation, satellite internet is only available in certain zones and during certain times. Should our guests require this, we are able to offer it for the price of $15 for the entire duration of the cruise).
- Personal expenses.
- Other services not specified in the program.
Packing List
- Passport (and a color copy kept in a separate bag).
- Comfortable walking or tennis shoes.
- Walking stick (optional).
- Several lightweight pants (more than two).
- DON’T BRING JEANS!
- 3 or more long and short-sleeved shirts or blouses.
- Vests with pockets are useful for carrying camera equipment and other accessories.
- A windbreaker or sweater for breezy afternoons.
- Waterproof cotton socks (one pair per day).
- Small, sturdy umbrella (one).
- Shorts (at least one pair).
- T-shirts (at least three).
- Bathing suit/swimwear.
- Cotton underwear.
- Hat or cap.
- Water bottle.
- Sunscreen lotion.
- Sunglasses.
- A flashlight and extra batteries.
- Binoculars (available on board as a rental item).
- Small waterproof backpack (available for purchase on board).
- Insect repellant.
- Camera and extra batteries, enough memory cards.
- Personal first-aid kit.
- Plastic bags for storing wet clothing.
- Your own medications, if applicable. Don’t forget them!
- Cash – we also accept credit cards on board.
Itinerary 4 Days
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 Province of San Francisco de Orellana, we will transfer to the dock and board our motorized canoe to begin our journey down the river for approximately an hour and a half, taking in the first sights and sounds of the Amazon. Soon, we will reach the M/V Anakonda Amazon Explorer and receive our welcome aboard.
Once we have settled into the M/V Anakonda Amazon Explorer, we will be joined by expert local naturalist guides who will provide us with a brief and informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon, after which 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 by going for a nighttime forest walk to observe the forest’s nocturnal activity and experience the thrill of the vivid noises and aromas that come from so much biodiversity.
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 blackwaters. Pañacocha means “Piranha Lake” in the native Quechua 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, the Water Monkey Fish (Arawana) 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 and refreshing beverages.
After lunch, we will do some kayaking, and the bravest among us will enjoy a nice refreshing swim in the Piranha Lake! We promise it’s not as dangerous as it sounds!
Back on board the M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer, our guests will have the opportunity to attend a lecture given by our concierge and watch an educational documentary about the region.
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, we will visit a Quechua 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 and we will have the opportunity to support the local community by purchasing handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs.
Before sunset, we will visit an observation tower in the rainforest canopy, which offers an astonishing 360-degree view of the Amazon basin and is the perfect photo opportunity! Birdwatchers and bird-lovers alike will especially enjoy this outing.
This is where our adventure ends! Enjoy the last part of our return journey onboard and then disembark the M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer to take the motorized canoe back to Coca (one-and-a-half-hour ride).
*For our guests with a more adventurous inclination, we are pleased to offer a camping program, which is an alternative manner to explore this enchanting destination. Contact us for more details! (Optional activity for the 5 & 8 days Itinerary)
NOTE: The foregoing itinerary is our standard operating model. We intend to offer everything as planned, and will make every effort to do so, however depending on inclement weather, technical or operational difficulties beyond our control, the M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer reserves the right to modify the itinerary without notice.