Amazon Anakonda Experience

• 4 days

DAY 1: Sunday: Arrive Coca & Embarkation

On arrival at Coca Airport, you will be met by a representative from MV Anakonda and transferred to the dock. Board a motorized canoe to begin the journey down the river for approximately an hour and a half, taking in the first sights and sounds of the Amazon.

After boarding and once settled in, you will be joined by expert local naturalist guides who will provide you with a brief and informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon, after which you will have your first opportunity to discover the exciting features of the cruise ship: spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and the observation deck that allows you to admire the changing rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River.

After dinner, 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.

DAY 2: Monday: Pañacocha Biological Corridor

Continue navigating downstream to the Pañayacu River delta, where you 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, participate in nature walks led by the local naturalist guides, and relax at a nearby campsite to enjoy a delicious Amazon-style BBQ and refreshing beverages.

After lunch, do some kayaking, and have the option to enjoy a nice refreshing swim in the Piranha Lake.

Back on board, you will have the opportunity to attend a lecture given by the concierge and watch an educational documentary about the region.

DAY 3: Tuesday: Parrot Clay Licks - Amazonian Communities

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, where you will learn about Amazon communities and their ancestral culture, traditions, and cuisine. Members of the local community will teach you about indigenous lifestyles along the Napo River and 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 and is the perfect photo opportunity. Birdwatchers and bird-lovers alike will especially enjoy this outing.

DAY 4: Wednesday: Disembarkation & Depart Coca

After breakfast, disembark the M/V Anakonda and take the motorized canoe back to Coca (one-and-a-half-hour ride).

• Don't feel like cruising? Stay in a luxurious eco lodge tightly nestled in the Ecuadorian corner of the Amazon rainforest. Explore by canoe or on foot, search for colourful wildlife including toucans, parrots, monkeys or elusive giant otters. Experience the most diverse set of species on the planet. Find out more.

• Discover the unrivalled jewel of colonial architecture that is Quito. A 4 day discover Quito tour will take you through a pulsating, lively Latin city. Visit the cities historic centre a UNESCO world heritage site, marvel at the cities artistic and colonial origins in various museums or embrace the colours of the Otavalo market, perhaps the most important indigenous market in all South America. Find out more.

• Why not add on a tour to the Galapagos, spending 4 days exploring the beautiful archipelago that abounds with fascinating wildlife? Amidst spectacular volcanic scenery you will see a myriad of birds and animals from lava lizards to blue-footed boobies, Galapagos penguins, frigatebirds and giant tortoises. Find out more

Being environmentally accountable is a crucial part of our organisation. Chimu is currently striving towards using less paper, taking several initiatives to do so and tracking our progress along the way. Our goal: A paperless organisation. For this reason, all information given to you will be sent electronically. We encourage those who choose to travel with us to support our aspirations and actions and ask that you reconsider printing out documentation. To view these documents, you can download them to your iPad or portable computer before and during your trip.

Chimu is passionate and dedicated to sustainability measures and understands the crucial part sustainability plays within the tourism industry.

We use local guides and office staff to both maximise local employment opportunities and minimise carbon footprint. Local guides also ensure you benefit from the intimate knowledge, passion and culture of the country you’re visiting. Our guides are all highly qualified (most with university degrees) or equip with many years of experience and are paid above the standard wage. Whether it be our knowledgeable local guides, locally produced meals or the transport on tour, we do not use imported goods when local products are available. We aim to minimise our impact on the environment and give as much back as possible to the communities we work in.

Advantage cruises undertake a number of local sustainability initiatives focused on education and the environment, offering unique guest experiences that also benefit local communities and the environment. In collaboration with the Kichwa community of Martinica, Anakonda has designated a region for the sole preservation of the pink river dolphin, allowing for the species population to grow. A similar program is undertaken in collaboration with the 'Wildlife Conservation Society Ecuador (WCS), to protect endemic species of Charapas Turtles. Itineraries on board Anakonda are designed to include cultural encounters, allowing for a shared exchange of experience and information benefiting both travellers and local community members. 

While visiting the many national parks, heritage sites, museums and landmarks our travellers are encouraged to explore remain culturally aware and sensitive. We further encourage you to buy appropriate souvenirs and discourage the buying of anything wrongfully made or taken from the environment i.e. shells and endangered species products. Information on how you can be environmentally conscious, and travel responsibly will be made available in our Travellers Guides and provided during your travels by guides and staff.

For more information on our sustainability policies, including how we are striving towards being a paperless organisation, click HERE