Anakonda
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.
Accommodations
Social Areas
Suites & Cabins
Standard Suite
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.
Deluxe Suite
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.