Anakonda Amazon River Cruise Ship
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Anakonda

Award-winning boutique vessel exploring Ecuador's biodiverse Oriente in luxurious style.

Overview

The luxurious Anakonda lauded as South America’s leading boutique cruise at the World Travel Awards, takes up to 36 passengers deep into the upper basins of the Napo and Aguarico Rivers, around the mega-diverse Pañacocha biological corridor and Yasuni National Park biosphere reserve – Ecuador’s largest protected animal reserve – for unprecedented wildlife watching opportunities and authentic cultural encounters.

Refined Relaxation

Guests of the Anakonda get to relax even before boarding the vessel, in a purpose-built, private VIP lounge at the pier in Coca, where complimentary refreshments are available. Once you step foot on board, you’ll find more luxurious touches, with the vessel featuring an expansive sun deck complete with lazy chairs and a refreshing warm outdoor Jacuzzi, and a fabulous al fresco shaded lounge on the third deck, ideal for exotic cocktails, relaxation, or simply enjoying the spectacular rainforest views.

The neighboring indoor lounge-cum-conference room invitingly welcomes the weary and those thirsty for alcohol and knowledge with its panoramic views, plush sofas, fascinating expert-led lectures and well-stocked El Dorado Bar. Those seeking a quite corner for reading or some exclusive souvenirs should head to the bow of the second deck to find a reclusive reading room and boutique.

You may be forgiven for thinking you are in a 5-star hotel as you fuel your expedition with gourmet food, prepared by internationally trained chefs, in the first deck’s spacious restaurant, and reminisce about your rainforest discoveries at the end of each day in well-appointed, sizeable suites, especially the Deluxe Suites which feature jacuzzi baths and private balconies.

Special Excursions

Whether you choose to do the four-, five- or combined eight-day cruise, the Ecuadorian Amazon has some special experiences to share. Marvel at a kaleidoscopic gathering of macaws and parrots as they get their daily detox at a hidden clay lick. Try your hand at intrepidly kayaking through the tributaries of the Amazon, or on the longer itineraries, why not spend a glamping night in the jungle (for an additional cost) for a once-in-a-lifetime stay under spectacular starry skies, surrounded by the sounds and spirits of the jungle.

Embrace the ancestral culture of the local indigenous communities who live in this remote realm, as they warmly welcome you into their homes or village centers and impart their family recipes as they teach you how to make traditional Amazonian dishes. At every turn you will be accompanied by expert naturalist guides, many of whom are local to the region, to enrich your understanding of the ecosystems and wildlife around you, and the vessel’s special travel concierge will go out of their way to give you a personalized cruise experience.

As well as the delicious cuisine on board, foodies and chocoholics will also be excited to learn that onboard chocolate tastings with the finest Ecuadorian chocolate can be arranged with anticipation, and during excursions it is also possible to savor the rainforest’s natural flavor offerings, from the cocoa fruit in its pure and natural state, to the much-coveted cinnamon bark which Francisco de Orellana himself set off in search of when looking for the “land of cinnamon”, and ultimately resulted in the discovery of the Amazon River.

Participate In Conservation Projects

The habitat of the incredible wildlife that call the Amazon their home is threatened by many invasive industries such as logging, oil, poachers and others whose actions and constant exploitation have endangered many species almost to the point of extinction. To counter this, the Anakonda’s pioneering and passionately philanthropic owners – co-founders of Ecuador’s Ecotourism Society – have started 3 conservation projects which lucky passengers have the privilege of directly participating in.

At certain times of the year you may be lucky enough to release a yellow-spotted sideneck turtle hatchling into the wild at the charapas breeding project, aimed at repopulating the region’s riverbanks with these rare, vulnerable-listed reptiles. Guests can also learn about the plight of the critically endangered Amazonian manatee at the newly created Manatee Research Center and witness and participate in the care and rehabilitation of rescued manatees before their release.

As part of longer itineraries you may also get the chance to feed the remarkable pink Amazon River Dolphin in the wild in Cocaya, near a new research station close to the Peruvian border that facilitates the monitoring and observation of this unique species.

Named after the anaconda, the infamous gargantuan serpent that Hollywood has managed to misrepresent in many a movie, the Anakonda is in reality, like its namesake snake, a graceful, beautiful, almost spiritual vessel to behold as she winds through the depths of the Amazon rainforest. As has the anaconda been an inspiration for indigenous art, symbolizing Mother Nature’s gifts to our planet, these award-winning Anakonda Amazon cruises are an equally artistic and generous offering, with this boutique boat’s contemporary curves and adventurous itineraries giving you the opportunity to uncover the innermost secrets of the Ecuadorian Amazon in style.

Itineraries & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

1 / 3
4-Day
5-Day
8-Day

4 Day - Napo River Exploration

itinerary map

Embarkation

PM: 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 beauty of the Amazon, until we reach the Anakonda Amazon Explorer and receive our warm welcome aboard. 

On the Anakonda, we will be joined by expert local naturalist guides, who will provide us with a brief, informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon; and afterward, guests will have the opportunity to explore our cruise ship and admire the rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River. After a delicious dinner, we will take a nighttime forest walk to hear the sounds of the rainforest and observe the nocturnal wildlife.

Anakonda Amazon's 4-Day Itinerary Day One - Skiff Ride.
Location
Quito - Coca - Amazon River
Day
1 / 4

Pañacocha Biological Corridor & The Mythical Piranha Lagoon

AM: We will travel downstream to the Pañayacu River delta, where we will embark on a canoe trip to Pañacocha Lake (“Piranha Lagoon” in the native Kichwa language), an ecosystem flooded by blackwater river water. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to primates and birds and is the perfect habitat for piranhas, the Paíche or pirarucu (one of the world’s largest freshwater fish), the white caiman, and hundreds of other aquatic animals. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to primates and various bird species, which we will be able to spot during a walk with our guides. 

PM: We will then recharge our energy with an Amazon-style barbeque at a community camp, and after a short rest, we will take part in aquatic activities such as kayaking and/or swimming. Back onboard the Anakonda, we will build on what we learned with an interesting talk about the region given by our guides.

Anakonda Amazon's 4-Day Itinerary Day Two - River Views.
Location
Amazon River
Day
2 / 4

Parrot Clay Licks & Amazonian Communities

AM: We will set out on our motorized canoes early in the morning to witness one of the most incredible sights on this side of the Western Amazon - the famous parrot clay licks. This unique place is rich in minerals and attracts hundreds of colorful parrots, parakeets, and Amazon birds who meet up here to lick the clay which provides a healthy boost to their digestion. 

PM: In the afternoon we will visit the Kichwa women’s community project, where we will learn about the indigenous lifestyle along the Napo river, their ancestral culture, and their community, and will have the opportunity to support them by purchasing handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs, as well as the opportunity to participate in the Charapas Turtle Conservation that we support together with the community.

Anakonda Amazon's 4-Day Itinerary Day Three - Parrot Clay Lick.
Location
Amazon River
Day
3 / 4

Disembarkation

AM: This is where our adventure ends! But first, we will enjoy our return to Puerto Providencia where we will disembark the Anakonda Amazon Explorer and ride back to the city of Coca in the motorized canoe.

Anakonda Amazon's 4-Day Itinerary Day Four - Disembarkation.
Location
Amazon River - Coca
Day
4 / 4
1 / 4

5 Day - Napo River Exploration

itinerary map

Embarkation

PM: 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 beauty of the Amazon, until we reach the Anakonda Amazon Cruise and receive our warm welcome aboard.

On the Anakonda, we will be joined by expert local naturalist guides, who will provide us with a brief, informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon; and afterward, guests will have the opportunity to explore our cruise ship and admire the rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River. After a delicious dinner, we will take a nighttime forest walk to hear the sounds of the rainforest and observe the nocturnal wildlife.

Anakonda Amazon's 5-Day Itinerary Day One - Embarkation.
Location
Quito - Coca - Amazon River
Day
1 / 5

Home of the Pink Dolphin & The Secoya Community

AM: In the morning we will explore the lower part of the Napo River, where we will spot different bird species such as eagles, oropendolas, and the celebrated woodpeckers. 

PM: In the afternoon we will visit Yasuní National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet and home to the legendary pink dolphin. This is the perfect opportunity to participate in our pink dolphin conservation program, which we are involved in together with the Martinica community in the Cocaya area, providing a haven where these dolphins can live and feed without the risk of being hunted. The Secoyas people, a minority ancestral culture, live near Yasuni and will show us how to prepare traditional cassava bread during our visit.

Anakonda Amazon's 5-Day Itinerary Day Two - River Views.
Location
Amazon River
Day
2 / 5

Kichwa Family & Life Onboard

AM: We will begin the day by visiting an authentic Kichwa family on the banks of the Napo River, where we will have the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community about their lifestyle. 

PM: We will then board the Anakonda and participate in a cooking class with our expert chef, who will show us how to prepare exquisite traditional Ecuadorian fare. Guests are also invited to try their hand at traditional handcrafting or to take in the magnificent Amazon environment from our open-air hot tub, enjoy cocktails at our Bar and Lounge, or delight in some nighttime stargazing from our Observation Deck. Our more active guests will have the opportunity to explore nature in this area by kayak.

Anakonda Amazon's 5-Day Itinerary Day Three - Community Visit.
Location
Amazon River
Day
3 / 5

Forest Adventure & Observation Canopy Tower

AM: We start the day by visiting an observation tower built in a giant millenary kapok tree, where guests can marvel at the impressive 360° view from the top overlooking the treetops of the forest canopy and contemplate the sheer vastness of the Amazon. 

PM: In the afternoon, we will explore the primary forest and spot the different plant and wildlife species endemic to this ecosystem. We can also find the strange and unique bird known as the hoatzin, or as it’s known locally, the “stinkbird”.

Anakonda Amazon's 5-Day Itinerary Day Four - Jungle Observation Tower.
Location
Amazon River
Day
4 / 5

Disembarkation

AM: This is where our adventure ends! But first, we will enjoy our return to Puerto Providencia where we will disembark the Anakonda Amazon Cruise and ride back to the city of Coca in the motorized canoe.

Anakonda Amazon's 5-Day Itinerary Day Five - Disembarkation.
Location
Amazon River - Coca
Day
5 / 5
1 / 5

8 Day - Napo River Exploration

itinerary map

Embarkation

PM: 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 beauty of the Amazon, until we reach the Manatee Amazon Explorer and receive our warm welcome aboard. 

On the Anakonda, we will be joined by expert local naturalist guides, who will provide us with a brief, informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon; and afterward, guests will have the opportunity to explore our cruise ship and admire the rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River. After a delicious dinner, we will take a nighttime forest walk to hear the sounds of the rainforest and observe the nocturnal wildlife.

Anakonda Amazon's 8-Day Itinerary Day One - Skiff Ride.
Location
Quito - Coca - Amazon River
Day
1 / 8

Pañacocha Biological Corridor & The Mythical Piranha Lagoon

AM: We will travel downstream to the Pañayacu River delta, where we will embark on a canoe trip to Pañacocha Lake (“Piranha Lagoon” in the native Kichwa language), an ecosystem flooded by blackwater river water. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to primates and birds and is the perfect habitat for piranhas, the Paíche or pirarucu (one of the world’s largest freshwater fish), the white caiman, and hundreds of other aquatic animals. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to primates and various bird species, which we will be able to spot during a walk with our guides. 

PM: We will then recharge our energy with an Amazon-style barbeque at a community camp, and after a short rest, we will take part in aquatic activities such as kayaking and/or swimming. Back onboard the Anakonda, we will build on what we learned with an interesting talk about the region given by our guides.

Anakonda Amazon's 8-Day Itinerary Day Two - Guided Jungle Walk.
Location
Amazon River
Day
2 / 8

Parrot Clay Licks & Amazonian Communities

AM: We will set out on our motorized canoes early in the morning to witness one of the most incredible sights on this side of the Western Amazon - the famous parrot clay licks. This unique place is rich in minerals and attracts hundreds of colorful parrots, parakeets, and Amazon birds who meet up here to lick the clay which provides a healthy boost to their digestion. 

PM: In the afternoon we will visit the Kichwa women’s community project, where we will learn about the indigenous lifestyle along the Napo river, their ancestral culture, and their community, and will have the opportunity to support them by purchasing handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs, as well as the opportunity to participate in the Charapas Turtle Conservation that we support together with the community.

Anakonda Amazon's 8-Day Itinerary Day Three - Onboard Activities.
Location
Amazon River
Day
3 / 8

Indillama River, Napo River & Yasuni National Park

AM: We will begin the day kayaking on the Indillama River, one of the Napo River tributaries that will take us to Yasuní National Park. Kayaks are comfortable, smooth, and silent, providing an ideal opportunity for spotting wildlife. We can also use canoes to travel in search of even more wildlife. 

PM: After an adventure-filled day, guests can take advantage of our observation deck and experience a magical view under the stars. Our more energetic guests can choose to unwind with a night walk through the jungle in search of nocturnal creatures.

Anakonda Amazon's 8-Day Itinerary Day Four - Jungle Observation Tower.
Location
Amazon River
Day
4 / 8

Home of the Pink Dolphin & The Secoya Community

AM: In the morning we will explore the lower part of the Napo River, where we will spot different bird species such as eagles, oropendolas, and the celebrated woodpeckers. 

PM: In the afternoon we will visit Yasuní National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet and home to the legendary pink dolphin. This is the perfect opportunity to participate in our pink dolphin conservation program, which we are involved in together with the Martinica community in the Cocaya area, providing a haven where these dolphins can live and feed without the risk of being hunted. The Secoyas people, a minority ancestral culture, live near Yasuni and will show us how to prepare traditional cassava bread during our visit.

Anakonda Amazon's 8-Day Itinerary Day Five - Spotting Wildlife.
Location
Amazon River
Day
5 / 8

Kichwa Family & Life Onboard

AM: We will begin the day by visiting an authentic Kichwa family on the banks of the Napo River, where we will have the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community about their lifestyle. 

PM: We will then board the Anakonda and participate in a cooking class with our expert chef, who will show us how to prepare exquisite traditional Ecuadorian fare. Guests are also invited to try their hand at traditional handcrafting or to take in the magnificent Amazon environment from our open-air hot tub, enjoy cocktails at our Bar and Lounge, or delight in some nighttime stargazing from our Observation Deck. Our more active guests will have the opportunity to explore nature in this area by kayak.

Anakonda Amazon's 8-Day Itinerary Day Six - Kayaking on the Amazon River.
Location
Amazon River
Day
6 / 8

Forest Adventure & Observation Canopy Tower

AM: We start the day by visiting an observation tower built in a giant millenary kapok tree, where guests can marvel at the impressive 360° view from the top overlooking the treetops of the forest canopy and contemplate the sheer vastness of the Amazon. 

PM: In the afternoon, we will explore the primary forest and spot the different plant and wildlife species endemic to this ecosystem. We can also find the strange and unique bird known as the hoatzin, or as it’s known locally, the “stinkbird”.

Anakonda Amazon's 8-Day Itinerary Day Seven - Parrot Clay Lick.
Location
Amazon River
Day
7 / 8

Disembarkation

AM: This is where our adventure ends! But first, we will enjoy our return to Puerto Providencia where we will disembark the Anakonda Amazon Cruise and ride back to the city of Coca in the motorized canoe.

Anakonda Amazon's 8-Day Itinerary Day Eight - Disembarkation.
Location
Amazon River - Coca
Day
8 / 8
1 / 8

Accommodations

Social Areas

Lounge & Conference Room
Dining Room
Sun Deck
El Dorado Bar
Alfresco Lounge
Boutique
Reading Room
Anakonda's Conference Room and Loungee
Anakonda Amazon Indoor Dining
Anakonda Sun Deck
Anakonda's El Dorado Bar
Anakonda's Alfresco Lounge
Anakonda Amazon Boutique
Reading Room Aboard Anakonda

Suites & Cabins

Anakonda’s Standard Suite - Queen. Anakonda’s Standard Suite - Twin.
14 Cabins

Standard Suite

Guests
2 - 3
Size
20 m² / 215 ft²
Beds
Queen / Twin / Triple

The spacious Standard Suites are perfect for couples or couples with one child (an extra bed will be added to accommodate for triple occupancy). The boat also features two sets of connectable cabins (4 in total) for groups or larger families. Standard suites include gorgeous French-style balconies.

Anakonda’s Deluxe Suite. Anakonda’s Deluxe Suite - King. Anakonda’s Deluxe Suite - Twin.
4 Cabins

Deluxe Suite

Guests
2 - 3
Size
24 m² / 258 ft²
Beds
Queen / Twin / Triple

The huge Deluxe Suites are perfect for romance, featuring a jacuzzi style bathtub for you to relax in. The balconies are also large and completely private. Triple occupancy can be easily arranged for those who are bringing a child with them.

Technical Information

Deck Plan

Features

  • Connecting cabins
  • Cabins with balconies
  • Air conditioning
  • Pool / Jacuzzi
  • Massage room
  • Lecture room
  • Wheelchair access
  • Camera room
  • WIFI available

Equipment

  • Satellite phone
  • Kayaks / Canoes
  • Fishing equipment
** Use of certain equipment at additional cost, ask for details
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