ECUADOR LUXURY AMAZON CRUISE
NAPO RIVER CRUISE
When you enter the Ecuadorian Amazon, you are entering a world that few people have the opportunity to experience. The smells, sounds, and tastes are all different. Of course, so are the cultures that live within the communities.
Ecuador contains only 2% of the entire Amazon, but that relatively small area is one of the most diverse and pristine areas in South America, and possibly in the world. It is home to Yasuní National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, designated by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve in 1989 due to the vast range of animal and plant species that inhabit it.
The park contains over 200 species of butterflies, 596 species of birds, 150 species of amphibians, 121 species of reptiles, and 200 species of mammals, numbers which are always on the rise. In fact, some naturalists claim that the level of biodiversity in the park is so high that every journey into the rainforest can result in the discovery of a new species.
The Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest is located at the base of the Andes mountains.
Millions of years ago, the Amazon River flowed from east to west, emptying into the Pacific Ocean. When the Andes Mountains rose along the eastern side of the South American continent, around 20 million years ago, the emerging mass blocked the flow of the Amazon. Freshwater lakes formed as a result, and the flow of the river gradually reversed to its current eastern course. About 10 million years later, the river reached the Atlantic Ocean. Plants and animals have always thrived in the rainforests that grow in the area surrounding its banks.
Please note this is just a sample 5 Day/4 Night Itinerary. There are also 4 Day/3 Night & 8 Day/7 Night itinearies aboard the ANAKONDA Vessel or MANATEE Vessel.
Day 1: QUITO – COCA – NAPO RIVER
Our adventure begins in Quito, the capital of Ecuador. After a 30-minute flight from Quito to the Amazonian city of Coca, we will transfer to the dock and board our motorized canoe for a 90-minute journey down the river, taking in the beauty of the Amazon, until we reach the Anakonda Amazon Cruise and receive our warm welcome aboard. On the Anakonda, we will be joined by expert local naturalist guides, who will provide us with a brief, informative introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon; and afterwards guests will have the opportunity to explore our cruise ship and admire the rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River. After a delicious dinner, we will take a nighttime forest walk to hear the sounds of the rainforest and observe the nocturnal wildlife.
DAY 2: PINK RIVER DOLPHINS & THE SECOYA COMMUNITY
In the morning we will explore the lower part of the Napo River, where we will spot different bird species such as eagles, oropendolas and the celebrated woodpeckers. In the afternoon we will visit Yasuni National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet and home to the legendary pink dolphin. This is the perfect opportunity to participate in our pink dolphin conservation program, which we are involved in together with the Martinica community in the Cocaya area, providing a safe haven where these dolphins can live and feed without the risk of being hunted. The Secoyas people, a minority ancestral culture, live near Yasuni and will show us how to prepare traditional cassava bread during our visit.
DAY 3: KICHWA FAMILY AND LIFE ONBOARD
We will begin the day by visiting an authentic Kichwa family on the banks of the Napo River, where we will have the opportunity to learn directly from members of the local community about their lifestyle. We will then board the Anakonda and participate in a cooking class with our expert chef, who will show us how to prepare exquisite traditional Ecuadorian fare. Guests are also invited to try their hand at traditional handicrafts or to take in the magnificent Amazon environment from our open-air hot tub, enjoy cocktails at our Bar and Lounge, or delight in some nighttime stargazing from our Observation Deck. Our more active guests will have the opportunity to explore nature in this area by kayak.
DAY 4: FOREST ADVENTURE AND CANOPY OBSERVATION TOWER
We start the day by visiting an observation tower built in a giant millenary kapok tree, where guests can marvel at the impressive 360° view from the top overlooking the treetops of the forest canopy and contemplate the sheer vastness of the Amazon. In the afternoon, we will explore the primary forest and spot the different plant and wildlife species endemic to this ecosystem. We can also find the strange and unique bird known as the hoatzin, or as it’s known locally, the “stinky turkey”.
RETURN
This is where our adventure ends! But first, we will enjoy our return to Puerto Providencia where we will disembark the Anakonda Amazon Cruise and ride back to the city of Coca in the motorized canoe.
WEATHER
From rain to sunshine in a heartbeat.
The climate in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest never undergoes drastic changes. Throughout the year, temperatures range comfortably from 79°F to 95°F (26°C to 35°C). Because of Ecuador’s location at the equator, the sun rises and sets at the same time every day, without a need to ever adjust for Daylight Savings Time. For the same reason, the Ecuadorian rainforest only observes two main seasons: the cooler dry season (June-September) and the warmer wet season (October-May). Regardless of the season, guests visiting the rainforest should expect to experience sudden showers.
Rain or shine, however, there will always be plenty of wildlife to discover. Ecuador’s rainforest is home to an incredible amount of flora and fauna that depend on the forests remaining wet from the frequent rain.
Community visits It is possible to create very intimate experiences with the local indigenous communities.
Recommendations
Itinerary: The itineraries are subject to change due to weather conditions at certain times of the year. The water levels of the rivers also vary from time to time, as well as the hours of sailing. Excursions may be modified at the discretion of the Anakonda crew.
Clothing: light and fresh pieces, blouses, long-sleeved shirts, swimwear, shoes with soft rubber sole for the boat (rubber boots and rain ponchos are provided by us), cardigan or long-sleeved shirts, wind resistant jackets. The days are hot and humid while the night breeze is fresh.
Insects & Mosquitoes: We recommend taking Vitamin B or B-15 a few days before arrival to the jungle. These vitamins are the best natural repellent against insect bites. As well, do not forget to bring conventional repellent and cream for bites.
Other items: We suggest bringing sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, binoculars (very important for enjoying the fauna and flora. Preferably 1 per person), camera, and extra batteries.
Tips: Tips for both the crew and the guides are not included and are expected, as is customary on cruises around the world. The amounts are distributed equally between your entire vessel’s crew, and we hope their service is valuable and insightful to your experience aboard Delfin. From past experience, an average of US$ 120.00 per passenger is suggested, and envelopes will be provided in your room.
ANAKONDA
36 Passengers, 4 Deluxe Suites with cool water whirlpool, 14 Standard Suites
All suites are river-facing, Air-conditioning, King or 2 double beds, private en-suite, balconies
MANATEE
36 Passengers, 4 Deluxe Suites with cool water whirlpool, 10 Standard Suites
All suites are river-facing, Air-conditioning, King or 2 double beds, private en-suite, balconies
CONTACT US for more information about the Anakonda Amazon Cruises.
Tour Exclusions
IMPORTANT NOTES
PLEASE NOTE: This itinerary is subject to change. Although we always do our best to stick to the itinerary, due to the ever-changing nature of Mother Nature, activities, hotels, and visits are subject to change due to forces beyond our control.
FLIGHTS: Please do not purchase your flights until this tour is confirmed.
PASSPORTS: Must be valid for at least 6 months upon return date to your home country. Proper documentation is the responsibility of each traveller.
VISAS: (responsibility of the traveller)
Travel Insurance
Cancellation, Travel, Flight, and Health insurance are required and are the responsibility of the participant to research and secure the appropriate coverage. Click HERE for a Travel Insurance Quote or please email nicola@finisterra.ca for a quote.
Check with your local travel agent /insurance provider/health plan for advice about traveling overseas.
Waiver Form
All participants will be required to sign a Waiver Form prior to departure.
STARTS FROM
USD per Person
PLEASE CONTACT US FOR MORE DETAILS.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
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WHY TRAVEL WITH US?
At Finisterra Travel we help you discover, push personal boundaries, and explore the unknown.
We are super passionate about sustainable, transformational, and adventure travel. Definitely not “armchair travellers”, we have firsthand experience of where you’ll be heading.No one wants to feel like a tourist which is why when we plan a custom travel experience for you, we strive to make your adventure as authentic as possible. We offer an array of Small Group Adventures & Custom Trips, and have something for every type of traveller.
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