Compare Anakonda: 8-Day Cruise by Rainforest Cruises vs Galapagos Flash by Gray Line Ecuador

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:

Welcome at the Baltra airport and transfer by public buses to the tip of the Itabaca canal, where you will proceed by a public ferry service in the Island of Santa Cruz. Transport will be waiting in order to transfer you to Puerto Ayora, area where the hotels are located on the Island. On the way, you will have the opportunity to visit the lava tunnels and a Turtle reserve. Visit to the Scientific Charles Darwin Station, where you can learn more about the Galápagos Islands; the species that live in this enchanted place, its origin, the theory of Evolution, the conservation programs, and observe some Giant Turtles in captivity. (Transfer operates daily at 13h00). Accommodation.

It will be possible to operate transfers without visits and without guide at the following times: 10h00 and 15h00**(prevoous request)

Day 2:

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning excursion to Tortuga Bay Beach, after 40 minute walk (approx.) we will arrive to this magic place, one of the most beautiful beaches in the Galapagos!, with white sand and green mangroves.

“Playa Mansa” is where we can swim and enjoy of the beach.  Free time for lunch (not included).  In the afternoon, tour around the bay on board a yacht, starting with a visit to “La Loberia”, named because of the presence of sea lions.  Here you will be able to swim or snorkel.  Then we proceed with our tour to the “Canal del Amor”, a marvelous site where nature gives us an unforgettable view; at the end of this channel, just a few meters forward, a viewpoint where we can observe reef sharks; from here we continue with a short walk to see the marine iguanas that inhabit in “Playa de los Perros”.  Punta Estrada will also be visited.  Return to Puerto Ayora.

*Note: shipping used in this excursion is a boat engine with capacity for 16 people.This tour only takes place Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

Day 3:

Meals: Breakfast

Free day to choose any extra activities of your own choice and accommodation.

Day 4:

Meals: Breakfast

We will pick you up at your hotel to go to the canal of Itabaca, where a ferry will take you to Baltra Island. At the port you will board a public bus that takes you to the airport. On the route from the hotel to the canal, you will have the opportunity to make a brief stop at the craters ""Los Gemelos"", crater holes formed by the collapse of materials, surrounded by scalesia's forests. (Transfer operates daily at 07h00, 09h00 and 12h00). Includes only transport.