Ecuador: M/V Anakonda - Itinerary 5day-4night

This is a journey that takes us into the endless heart of biodiversity, which extends its fabulous prism of life throughout the Amazon Basin.

As detailed below, the very nature of this jungle realm teaches us that the best way to explore it, is through a unique means of transportation: navigating down the river on a fabulous, state-of-the-art vessel, set to explore this truly unique environment.

The inspiring adventure will provide many unexpected, astonishing encounters. We will discover the Yasuní (the largest National Park of Ecuador), a wild and untamed realm in the heart of the Ecuadorian Rainforest. We will climb observation towers to enjoy unique perspectives of the forest and explore black water rivers escorted by otters and turtles. We will hike trails learning about the wonderful flora that creates the eternal green of Ecuadorian Amazonia.

Departure from Quito. A short 30-minute flight takes us to the frontier town of Coca (Francisco de Orellana) – and transfer to the dock, where we will embark on a motorized canoe and navigate down river about 1 hour, to board the M/V ANAKONDA AMAZON CRUISE.

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

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

Once you have comfortably settled into the M/V Anakonda, we will be joined by local tour/-nature guides who will give us a complete and condensed introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Following this Amazonian induction, we will enjoy dinner under the mesmerizing sunset. An evening walk is organized after sunset; giving us the opportunity to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity while listening to the incessant sounds of nature.

Before disembarking, we will enjoy breakfast atop the cruise ship’s deck, accompanied by the bird’s melody. After this unique gastronomic experience, we disembark on land for our first daylight close-and-personal tropical rainforest experience. It is on this morning adventure, where we 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, we will enjoy lunch aboard, the M/V Anakonda 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.

We 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 M/V Anakonda will continue navigating alongside the Ecuadorian-Peruvian border. After such an incredible day in the Amazon, we 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.

FRI - DAY 3 - MEETING THE COMMUNITY - ACTIVITIES ON BOARD - ISLAND EXPLORATION

The M/V Anakonda will continue upstream, en route to the Pañacocha Lake (Piranha Lake, in the native language Quechua). Here we will be marveled by the unique creatures that inhabit the area: 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, we will be given the once in a lifetime opportunity to visit an Authentic Indigenous home, belonging to the Oraco family.

After, we return on board the cruise for lunch and take a moment to relax while navigating upstream. After lunch we will offer various cultural lectures, documentary screenings, and hands on experiences regarding topics about: local handcrafts and cuisine. We will offer a lecture and documentary screening, and if time permits, learn about (and make) typical handicrafts of the area. In the afternoon, we 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 our passengers, we will host a dinner accompanied by local nature and cultural guides who will make sure everyone on board is an expert on Ecuadorian Amazonia. We visit a school located on the banks of the Napo River, where we will have the opportunity to interact with children of the area and learn about the educational system of a remote jungle community in Ecuador.

Breakfast on board. We 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, we will have a chance to visit this astonishing natural phenomenon.

Later we will visit the Sani Warmi Kichwa Interpretation Center, where a group of Kichwa women will speak and share about 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. We will enjoy lunch on board, as we navigate to Puerto Pedro.

Before sunset, we will visit the Añangu Tower, which offers great photograph 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. Wether permiting 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). Our trip into Ecuadorian Amazon, ends here, as we will begin our

trip back to Itaya. Our last night in the Ecuadorian Amazon, will enjoy a farewell cocktail with all our staff.

In the morning we will visit the Amazonian Turtles, followed by a brunch on board the cruise ship. After brunch, we disembark the M/V Anakonda and will be transfer by motorized canoe to Coca (1-hour ride); flight to Quito.

L A D A T C O T O U R S
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