Compare Anakonda: 8-Day Cruise by Rainforest Cruises vs Adventurous Ecuador by Culture Trip

Day 1: Sunday

Quito - Coca - Napo River

Departure from Quito in the morning, to board the flight to Francisco de Orellana (Coca), which arrives in Coca after 40 minutes.

From here, transfer to the Napo River port, where a motorized canoe will take you downstream for approximately one and a half hours; during the trip we will provide important information about the region.

Once on board the Anakonda, we will start navigating down the Napo River.

Passengers will have their first opportunities to enjoy the exciting features of our cruise ship: the spacious social areas, comfortable suites, and an observation deck that offers spectacular views.

An evening walk is organized after sunset: it gives us the opportunity to discover the mysteries of this unique environment and see how life emerges in the dark, right before your eyes.

Day 2: Monday

Visiting the Pañacocha Biological Corridor

We will continue our navigation downstream to the Pañayacu River delta; take a canoe trip up the river to experience the sights of this fascinating reserve. We will seek out Pink River Dolphins, Common Squirrel Monkeys and much more. Pañacocha (Piranha Lake, in Quechua) is an ecosystem flooded by white waters. The rivers and lakes here are the perfect habitat for the infamous Piranha, as well as the Water Monkey Fish (Arawana) and White Caiman.

After a refreshing swim (for the courageous!), we will enjoy a delicious Amazon-style BBQ meal and refreshing beverages at a nearby camping site. In the afternoon, we will head out on exploration trails, and return onboard for dinner.

Day 3: Tuesday

Clay Licks – Sani Warmi & Yasuni National Park

Breakfast on board. We set out to visit one of the most amazing spectacles this side of western Amazonia known as parrot licks, these unique pools of mud become rich in minerals and attract hundreds of parrots, parakeets and amazons every day. If weather permits, we will have a chance to marvel at this astonishing natural phenomenon.

Later we will visit the Sani Warmi Kichwa Interpretation Center, where a group of Kichwa women will speak of their customs, cuisine and everyday life. They have created the center in order to showcase their culture, and it is a unique opportunity to learn about Amazonian lifestyles along the Napo River. You will also have the opportunity to buy crafts, local products and souvenirs.

After lunch, we will make 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).

Day 4: Wednesday

Indillama & Napo Rivers – Yasuní National Park

Today you have the option of kayaking through one of the tributaries of the Napo River that goes into the Yasuni National Park, the Indillama River. As one of the quietest forms of transport, kayak excursions are great for wildlife observation, as you float with the current near the river banks. Alternatively you can choose to explore in the comfort of a canoe ride in search of wildlife. It’s up to you!

An evening walk is organized after sunset; it gives us the opportunity to discover the mysteries of this unique environment and see how life emerges in the dark right before your eyes.

Day 5: Thursday

Border of Peru (The Heart of Yasuní National Park)

This morning, after a delicious breakfast we will disembark to visit one of the local family homes. During the visit, we will have the opportunity of meeting representative members of the Amazonian community, learning from their culture, talents and ways of life. We will understand how these giving and joyful people live, utilize and protect their resources, and how they cherish the fragility of their ecosystem.

After lunch the Anakonda continues navigation to one of the most pristine black-water systems of the Amazon Basin. We take the canoes to explore the smaller tributaries to observe exotic plants, colorful birds and unique wildlife.

Some of the species we hope to see in this black water system include Pink River Dolphins, River Turtles, Black Caimans and the enigmatic Amazon Manatee. Moreover, the vegetation on the shores is home to Red Howler, Black Tamarind and Squirrel Monkeys, Three-toed Sloths, and the Hoatzin - a pre-historic,leaf-eating bird, known locally as 'Stinky Turkey'!

For our more adventurous guests, there is the opportunity to go Glamping for the night. Please enquire for more details.

Day 6: Friday

Meeting The Community - Activities On Board - Monkey Island

This morning after breakfast on board, 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.

In the afternoon, while the Anakonda sails upstream, there is time to relax. There is plenty to do on board, though: our chef gives cooking lessons in Ecuadorian and Amazon cuisine; locals give classes in making fiber handicrafts; and the naturalist guides give lectures on a variety of Amazon-related topics such as culture, biodiversity, geography, the oil industry and sustainability.

Later, we will spend some time exploring one of the large islands, where many surprises of the primate variety can be found!

Day 7: Saturday

Observation Tower - Limoncocha Biological Reserve

In the morning after breakfast, visit an observation tower 100-feet high, built against a giant kapok tree. From the top of the tower, we will be blessed with this unique perspective of the forest, looming over the treetops and the greatness of the Amazon Basin.

In the afternoon, we visit Limoncocha Biological Reserve, a beautiful and fascinating protected area home to more than 478 bird species as well as a variety of monkey species.

After nightfall, we go in search of Black Caiman, before returning to the Anakonda for dinner.

Day 8: Sunday

Amazon - Coca - Quito

Today we head back to the city of Coca, to take the morning flight back to Quito. The boat ride upstream will take around two hours.

DAY 1

Arrive in Quito

Upon arrival at Mariscal Sucre International Airport, you’ll be whisked off to your hotel in the Old Town district of Quito (the second-highest capital city in the world, at 2,850m/9,350ft above sea level) and meet our Local Insider at 6pm, who will accompany the group throughout the trip. In the evening, get to know your fellow travelers over a welcome dinner, washed down with a cold Pilsener – Ecuador’s favorite beer. Be sure to get a good night’s rest ahead of an action-packed day exploring the city tomorrow.

ACCOMMODATION

• Hotel Patio Andaluz

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Welcome dinner

DAY 2

Explore Quito and attend an Ecuadorian cooking masterclass

Kick-start the trip with an optional morning visit to the Equator – head to the Ciudad Mitad del Mundo and Intiñan Museum, where you can stand with one foot in each hemisphere. Regroup in Quito’s historic center (a Unesco World Heritage site) for a walking tour of the Plaza Grande, Presidential Palace and La Compañía church. After admiring the impressive array of colonial architecture and wandering down lively La Ronda street, you’ll embark on a gastronomic journey at Altamira restaurant. Learn how to prepare a variety of traditional Ecuadorian dishes in a cooking masterclass, capped off with a chocolate-tasting session.

ACCOMMODATION

• Hotel Patio Andaluz

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Quito walking tour
• Ecuadorian cooking masterclass and market visit
• Chocolate-tasting session

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

• Ciudad Mitad del Mundo and Intiñan Museum visit

DAY 3

Go horseback riding in Cotopaxi National Park

Today, you’ll journey south towards Cotopaxi National Park, dominated by the 5,897m (19,347ft) high Cotopaxi stratovolcano – the second-highest peak in Ecuador. If the conditions are clear, you’ll spot the snow-capped summit as you hike around the Limpiopungo glacial lagoon. Learn all about the flora, fauna and eruption history of the park at the Interpretation Center. Next, set out on a scenic horseback ride, where you’ll be introduced to the chagra cowboy culture of the Ecuadorian highlanders. Following a picnic lunch in Salitre, continue on to your mountain hacienda for the night.

ACCOMMODATION

• Chilcabamba Lodge

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Limpiopungo Lagoon hike
• Cotopaxi Interpretation Center visit
• Horseback riding

DAY 4

Hike round Quilotoa Lake and visit a Tigua art studio

Prepare yourself for another unforgettable hike as you venture to Quilotoa – a volcano on the westernmost edge of the Ecuadorian Andes, off the usual tourist trail that's known for its emerald-green crater lake. After a short walk round the rim, stop by a Tiguan studio owned by Julio Toaquiza – an artist who pioneered a vibrant painting style, depicting life in the high Andes. In the afternoon, you can shop for handcrafted souvenirs at Salcedo Market – it’s a great place to get under the skin of Andean culture. Next stop, Baños – widely considered the adventure capital of Ecuador.

ACCOMMODATION

• La Floresta Hotel

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Quilotoa Lake hike
• Tigua art studio visit
• Salcedo Market visit

DAY 5

Cycle the magnificent Baños Waterfall Route

Start your day by visiting the Swing at the End of the World. Attached to a mountaintop treehouse, it offers jaw-dropping views of the Tungurahua volcano and the valley below. Feeling brave? Why not give it a go? From here, you'll embark on an adventurous bike ride to three waterfalls on the road from Baños to Puyo: Agoyán, Manto de la Novia and the 80m (262ft) high Pailon del Diablo (Devil’s Cauldron). The water from these falls eventually runs into the Amazon River. Enjoy lunch with the Yaku Runa indigenous community before moving on to Tena – the gateway to the Amazon rainforest.

ACCOMMODATION

• Kuyana Amazon Lodge

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Swing at the End of the World visit
• Baños Waterfall Route bike ride
• Yaku Runa project visit

DAY 7

Go white-water rafting on the Jatunyacu River

Ready for an adrenaline rush? Today, you’ll go white-water rafting through the jungle on the Jatunyacu River – one of the main tributaries of the Amazon River. Meaning 'big water’ in the native Quechua language, the Jatunyacu features a combination of wild rapids and flat, scenic stretches, allowing you to appreciate the rainforest scenery around you. Spend the afternoon relaxing at the lodge. Come nightfall, take a guided forest trek and listen out for birds, monkeys and reptiles.

ACCOMMODATION

• Kuyana Amazon Lodge

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• White-water rafting
• Jungle night hike

DAY 7

Follow the Natural Oils Trail at Kuyana Amazon Lodge

After breakfast, you'll go on a guided hike to learn how natural essential oils are extracted from Amazonian plants for medicine and aromatherapy. Cool off with a refreshing dip in the waterfalls before making your way back to the lodge for lunch. It’s then time to leave the jungle behind and head up towards the Andes. You’ll eventually arrive in the village of Papallacta, where you can relax in hot springs or book yourself in for a soothing spa treatment at the hotel. Cap off your trip with a farewell group dinner.

ACCOMMODATION

• Termas de Papallacta

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Natural Oils Trail guided hike
• Waterfall swim
• Farewell dinner

DAY 8

Depart from Papallacta

The time has come to pack your bags as your Ecuadorian experience comes to an end at 9am. After one final breakfast, you’ll be driven back to Mariscal Sucre International Airport in Quito. Bid farewell to your fellow travelers and catch your flight home – or extend your stay by joining our Galápagos Islands trip.

ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

• Airport transfer