This fascinating 8-day itinerary takes you to the heart of the Ecuadorian Rainforest, a unique ecosystem filled with incredible biodiversity. This once-in-a-lifetime adventure provides many close encounters with the teeming wildlife of the Yasuni, the largest of Ecuador's continental National Parks. During your journey, meet the famous pink river dolphin, visit local communities, kayak, watch for wildlife, and much more!
Highlights
Admire the rainforest landscape and sand banks of the great Napo River
Sail pristine waters home to the legendary pink river dolphin
Visit an observation tower that has been built against a giant kapok tree
Explore Yasuni National Park and its rich biodiversity of wildlife
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Begin in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. After a 30-minute flight to the Amazonian city of Coca, transfer to the dock and board a motorized canoe for a 90-minute journey down the river, surrounded by the stunning scenery of the Amazon. Upon arrival at the Anakonda Amazon Cruise, guests receive a warm welcome aboard. Expert local naturalist guides provide a brief, informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon. Guests then have time to explore the cruise ship and enjoy panoramic views of the rainforest while gliding along the Napo River. Following a gourmet dinner, a guided nighttime forest walk offers the chance to hear the sounds of the jungle and spot nocturnal wildlife.
Begin the day exploring the lower Napo River, a prime area for spotting diverse bird species such as eagles, oropendolas, and woodpeckers. In the afternoon, visit Yasuni National Park—one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth and a sanctuary for the rare pink river dolphin. Guests have the unique opportunity to support a pink dolphin conservation program developed in collaboration with the Martinica community in the Cocaya area. This initiative helps protect a safe habitat where the dolphins can thrive, free from hunting threats. Nearby, the Secoyas people—an ancestral Indigenous group—welcome visitors and demonstrate the traditional preparation of cassava bread.
Begin the day with a visit to an authentic Kichwa family on the banks of the Napo River, offering an opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community about their lifestyle. Then board the Anakonda and participate in a cooking class with an expert chef, who demonstrates how to prepare exquisite traditional Ecuadorian fare. Guests are also invited to try their hand at traditional crafts, take in the magnificent Amazon environment from the open-air hot tub, enjoy cocktails at the Bar and Lounge, or delight in nighttime stargazing from the Observation Deck. More active guests may choose to explore the surrounding nature by kayak.
Day 4: Forest Adventure | Canopy Observation Tower
Start the day with a visit to an observation tower built in a giant millenary kapok tree, where guests can marvel at the impressive 360° view overlooking the treetops of the forest canopy and take in the vastness of the Amazon. In the afternoon, explore the primary forest and spot various plant and wildlife species endemic to this ecosystem. Keep an eye out for the unusual bird known as the hoatzin, or as it’s called locally, the “stinkbird.”
Day 5: Indillama and Napo River | North Side of Yasuni National Park
Begin the day kayaking on the Indillama River, a tributary of the Napo River that leads into Yasuni National Park. Kayaks are comfortable, smooth, and silent, offering an ideal way to spot wildlife. Canoes are also available for exploring further in search of more wildlife. After an adventure-filled day, guests can relax on the observation deck and take in the magical view under the stars. More energetic guests may choose to unwind with a night walk through the jungle in search of nocturnal creatures.
Travel downstream to the Pañayacu River delta and embark on a canoe trip to Pañacocha Lake (“Piranha Lagoon” in the native Kichwa language), an ecosystem flooded by blackwater river water. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to primates, birds, and a wide range of aquatic species, including piranhas, the Paiche or pirarucu (one of the world’s largest freshwater fish), and the white caiman. During a guided walk, spot primates and various bird species in their natural habitat. Recharge with an Amazon-style barbecue at a community camp, followed by aquatic activities such as kayaking and/or swimming. Back on board the Anakonda, deepen the day’s experience with an engaging talk about the region presented by the guides.
Set out early in the morning on motorized canoes to witness one of the most remarkable sights in the Western Amazon—the famous parrot clay licks. Rich in minerals, this unique location attracts hundreds of colorful parrots, parakeets, and other Amazon birds that gather to lick the clay, which aids in digestion. In the afternoon, visit the Kichwa women’s community project to learn about the indigenous lifestyle along the Napo River, their ancestral culture, and their community. Guests also have the opportunity to support the community by purchasing handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs, and to participate in the Charapas Turtle Conservation program supported in collaboration with the community.
Day 8: Disembark | Coca | Fly to Quito
1 Breakfast
The adventure concludes with a return to Puerto Providencia, where guests disembark the Anakonda Amazon Cruise and take a motorized canoe ride back to the city of Coca (90 minutes ride approximately).
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$5,990
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Standard Suite
Room size: 20 m² / 215 ft²
14 river-facing suites that feature a French balcony, air conditioning system, and a private bathroom with hot water.
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Deluxe Suite
Room size: 24 m² / 258 ft²
4 spacious deluxe suites with private balconies and an air conditioning system. It also includes a private bathroom with hot water and a whirlpool bathtub.
Notes
Triple discounts available. Please contact us for details.
Initial deposit is 20%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
The trip might have been the absolute best of our lifetime (thus far). We particularly want to commend our guide Peter in the Guilin area-he was so incredibly attentive, energetic, enthusiastic-and absolutely dedicated to ensuring that our meals were 100% vegetarian.
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