The Alya Luxury Cruise will...
Expedition Overview
Anakonda Amazon River Cruise is the only luxury ship in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest. It was built to make the experience of the Amazon the most comprehensive and unique adventure possible! Its eighteen suites feature ample sitting areas and large and comfortable beds.
Itinerary
DAY 1: QUITO - COCA - NAPO RIVER
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 Amazon, until we reach the Anakonda Amazon Cruise and receive our 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; afterwards, guests will have the opportunity to explore our cruise ship and admire the rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River. After dinner, we will take a nighttime forest walk to observe the rainforest’s nocturnal activity and vividly experience its biodiversity first-hand.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon River Cruise – Twin or Double
Lunch. Dinner
DAY 2: PAÑACOCHA BIOLOGICAL CORRIDOR
Pañacocha Biological Corridor
We will travel downstream to the Pañayacu River delta, where we will take a canoe trip to Pañacocha Lake (“Piranha Lake” in the native Kichwa), an ecosystem flooded by black-waters. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to primates and birds, and is the perfect habitat for piranhas, paiches (one of the largest freshwater fishes in the world), the white caiman, and hundreds of other aquatic animals.
We will participate in nature walks led by local naturalist guides, and relax at a nearby campsite, where we will enjoy an Amazon-style BBQ. After lunch, we will do some kayaking and swimming activities. Back on board the Anakonda, our guests will have the opportunity to attend a lecture and watch an educational documentary about the region.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon River Cruise – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch. Dinner
DAY 3: PARROT CLAY LICKS - AMAZONIAN COMMUNITIES & OBSERVATION TOWER
Parrot Clay Licks – Amazonian Communities & Observation Tower
In the morning we will set out on canoes to observe one of the most incredible sights on this side of the Western Amazon, the parrot clay licks. This unique place is rich in minerals and attracts hundreds of colorful parrots, parakeets and amazon birds. Later in the afternoon, we will visit a Kichwa Cultural Center, where we will learn about Amazon communities and their ancestral culture, traditions, and cuisine. Members of the local community will teach us about indigenous lifestyles along the Napo River, and we will have the opportunity to support the community by purchasing handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs. Before sunset, we will visit an observation tower in the rainforest canopy, which offers an astonishing 360-degree view of the Amazon basin. Bird-lovers will especially enjoy this outing.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon River Cruise – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch. Dinner
DAY 4: RETURN TO COCA
Return
This is where our adventure ends! Enjoy the final part of our return journey, then disembark the Anakonda Amazon Cruise to take the motorized canoe 90 minutes back to Coca.
Food & Accommodation
Departure DayBreakfast.
What to Expect
Accommodation: Amazon River Cruise
Location: ecuador - lower Amazon
Season: year-round
Meeting Point: El Coca airport
Activity: Hiking, Wildlife
Activity List
1
.- Cultural encounters with local tribes
2
.- Amazon hiking in pristine rainforest
3
.- Night walk to see wildlife
Additional options
What is the food like?
When not dining on the terrace, you will find yourself eating irresistible tropical cuisine in the comforts of the spacious indoor dining room, from adventurous Ecuadorian dishes rich in Amazonian ingredients to staple classics of international origins.
What is the accommodation like?
Amazon Ecolodge
When you're not out on excursions you may find yourself relaxing in the ample sitting areas or large and comfortable beds of one of her spacious 14 Standard or 4 slightly larger Deluxe Suites with their own Jacuzzi baths and private balconies. All have air-conditioning for your comfort and fantastic floor-to-ceiling windows for unrestricted viewing of the spectacular passing scenery.
Pre-Post Trip Accommodation
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Twin/ Double) - USD 100 Per Night
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Single) - USD 100 per Night
Transfers
Private airport transfer - USD 38 per person
Ship Specifications
STARTS
El Coca airport
9:00 am on day 1
ENDS
El Coca airport
12:00 noon on day 4
TRANSFERS
Your adventure begins on Day 1 when your host will meet you at El Coca airport in El Coca city. On the final day your trip will end at El Coca airport. Quito city is around 7 hours from El Coca city (Amazon) and 45 minutes by flight.
To make your own way from Quito airport to and from the accommodation, you have a few options. You can request a private transfer from the host. Please see Optional Extras for prices. You can take a public bus for just $2USD, however, this isn't overly straight forward as you need to change buses at Quitumbe bus terminal. A metered taxi will cost you between $25-35USD. You can save some money by taking an 'Aeroservicio' - a privately operated bus service connecting the airport with the city center. This cost is USD 8.
What´s Included
✅ WHAT'S INCLUDED
Transportation
Private and comfortable land transportation El Coca – Anakonda Amazon Cruise– El Coca.
Accommodations
Based on double occupancy: 4+* Amazon River Cruise
Activities
bird watching and hiking exploration in the jungle, share time with local indigenous people in the Amazon, night walks to see wildlife.
Meals
3 breakfast, 3 lunch, 3 dinner.
Gear
Life jackets and rubber boots.
Guides
English speaking naturalist guide
Equipment
Rubber boots, rain ponchos, life jackets.
🚫 WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Accommodation
Single Supplement
Flights
International & National flights
Airport transfers
National & international flights
Transportation
Public or private bus to/ from Quito – El Coca city
Insurance
Travel & health insurance (mandatory)
Meals
Not described in the itinerary
Additional entrance fees
Community entrance fees (USD 70.00 net per person in 4 and 5 day cruises, USD 80.00 net per person in the 8 day cruise). These rates are subject to change without previous notice
Meals
Not described in the itinerary
Tips
For guides and drivers
What to bring?
What do I need to bring
Passport
Travel insurance
Airline tickets
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
Fleece top
Shirts/t-shirts
Pair of short
Pairs of long trousers
Pair hiking pants/track pants
Sport sandals
Watch or alarm clock
Quick dry clothing
Rain coat
Waterproof binoculars
Bug spray
Sun cream
Flashlight
Sun Hat
Waterproof camera if possible
Swimming suit
Waterproof backpack
Water bottle
Tennis shoes
Hiking shoes
Money belt
Sunglasses
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, antihistamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking.
FAQS
How much should I tip?
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice; however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
Guides: USD 10- USD 15 per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
What Do I Do about drinking water?
The tap water in the Amazon is not always friendly on the stomach for those who haven't been in Latin America for a while. There is purified water in each of the accommodation which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two.
What’s the weather like?
Year-round temperature average is 82°F (28°C), however nights can be cooler. Since Ecuador is located right on the equator, the country does not experience extreme weather changes aside from a slightly rainier and wetter season. During a visit to the amazon region, in 4 or 5-day visit, you will often see more or less the same amount of rain and sunshine.
The Rainier Season in the Amazon Runs from December to June, with temperatures ranging from 23°C (73°F) to 30°C (86°F) and frequent rains throughout April and May. The Rainy Season has its pros due to the fact that many plants have evolved to fruit and flower during the rainy season – a phenomenon which often attracts birds and primates to the water’s edge and grants visitors the chance to observe them more frequently.
The Drier Season in the Amazon Lasts from July to November, with temperatures from 26°C (78°F) to 40°C (104°F), with less rain, though showers are still possible. The Dry Season also offers its own set of benefits, for its during this time that the water gets lower and attracts animals that you won’t often see during the rainy season. Beach nesting birds are everywhere, as there are more beaches present during this time.
Fish also tend to lay their eggs during this period of lower water levels, and as a result you’ll often see them swimming around fervently in the shallows of the rivers. Consequently, birds go on a feeding frenzy with the abundance of fish and you’ll often see all kinds of birds flying or muddling about these riverbanks.
It’s important to note that the Amazon Crocodile (known as Cayman) is much more prevalent during the dry season, and will usually be found nesting while feeding off the abundance of fish.
What vaccinations do I need?
For the Amazon, Covid vaccination is required
What Travel Insurance do you recommend?
World Nomads Insurance with a coverage of USD 200 000
What is the currency?
US American Dollars
What is the minimum age for this trip?
8 years old as a minimum age.
Expedition Overview
Anakonda Amazon River Cruise is the only luxury ship in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest. It was built to make the experience of the Amazon the most comprehensive and unique adventure possible! Its eighteen suites feature ample sitting areas and large and comfortable beds.
Itinerary
DAY 1: QUITO - COCA - NAPO RIVER
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 Amazon, until we reach the Anakonda Amazon Cruise and receive our 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; afterwards, guests will have the opportunity to explore our cruise ship and admire the rainforest landscape as we glide down the Napo River. After dinner, we will take a nighttime forest walk to observe the rainforest’s nocturnal activity and vividly experience its biodiversity first-hand.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon River Cruise – Twin or DoubleLunch. Dinner
DAY 2: PAÑACOCHA BIOLOGICAL CORRIDOR
Pañacocha Biological Corridor
We will travel downstream to the Pañayacu River delta, where we will take a canoe trip to Pañacocha Lake (“Piranha Lake” in the native Kichwa), an ecosystem flooded by black-waters. The surrounding protected rainforest is home to primates and birds, and is the perfect habitat for piranhas, paiches (one of the largest freshwater fishes in the world), the white caiman, and hundreds of other aquatic animals.
We will participate in nature walks led by local naturalist guides, and relax at a nearby campsite, where we will enjoy an Amazon-style BBQ. After lunch, we will do some kayaking and swimming activities. Back on board the Anakonda, our guests will have the opportunity to attend a lecture and watch an educational documentary about the region.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon River Cruise – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch. Dinner
DAY 3: PARROT CLAY LICKS - AMAZONIAN COMMUNITIES & OBSERVATION TOWER
Parrot Clay Licks – Amazonian Communities & Observation Tower
In the morning we will set out on canoes to observe one of the most incredible sights on this side of the Western Amazon, the parrot clay licks. This unique place is rich in minerals and attracts hundreds of colorful parrots, parakeets and amazon birds. Later in the afternoon, we will visit a Kichwa Cultural Center, where we will learn about Amazon communities and their ancestral culture, traditions, and cuisine. Members of the local community will teach us about indigenous lifestyles along the Napo River, and we will have the opportunity to support the community by purchasing handicrafts, local products, and souvenirs. Before sunset, we will visit an observation tower in the rainforest canopy, which offers an astonishing 360-degree view of the Amazon basin. Bird-lovers will especially enjoy this outing.
Food & Accommodation
Amazon River Cruise – Twin or DoubleBreakfast. Lunch. Dinner
DAY 4: RETURN TO COCA
Return
This is where our adventure ends! Enjoy the final part of our return journey, then disembark the Anakonda Amazon Cruise to take the motorized canoe 90 minutes back to Coca.
Food & Accommodation
Departure DayBreakfast.
What to Expect
Accommodation: Amazon River Cruise
Location: ecuador - lower Amazon
Season: year-round
Meeting Point: El Coca airport
Activity: Hiking, Wildlife
Activity List
1
.- Cultural encounters with local tribes
2
.- Amazon hiking in pristine rainforest
3
.- Night walk to see wildlife
Additional options
What is the food like?
When not dining on the terrace, you will find yourself eating irresistible tropical cuisine in the comforts of the spacious indoor dining room, from adventurous Ecuadorian dishes rich in Amazonian ingredients to staple classics of international origins.
What is the accommodation like?
Amazon Ecolodge
When you're not out on excursions you may find yourself relaxing in the ample sitting areas or large and comfortable beds of one of her spacious 14 Standard or 4 slightly larger Deluxe Suites with their own Jacuzzi baths and private balconies. All have air-conditioning for your comfort and fantastic floor-to-ceiling windows for unrestricted viewing of the spectacular passing scenery.
Pre-Post Trip Accommodation
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Twin/ Double) - USD 100 Per Night
Pre- post trip accommodation in Quito (Single) - USD 100 per Night
Transfers
Private airport transfer - USD 38 per person
Ships & Deck Plans
Specifications
Ship Specifications
STARTS
El Coca airport
9:00 am on day 1
ENDS
El Coca airport
12:00 noon on day 4
TRANSFERS
Your adventure begins on Day 1 when your host will meet you at El Coca airport in El Coca city. On the final day your trip will end at El Coca airport. Quito city is around 7 hours from El Coca city (Amazon) and 45 minutes by flight.
To make your own way from Quito airport to and from the accommodation, you have a few options. You can request a private transfer from the host. Please see Optional Extras for prices. You can take a public bus for just $2USD, however, this isn't overly straight forward as you need to change buses at Quitumbe bus terminal. A metered taxi will cost you between $25-35USD. You can save some money by taking an 'Aeroservicio' - a privately operated bus service connecting the airport with the city center. This cost is USD 8.
3
nights
FROM $1,769
What´s Included
✅ WHAT'S INCLUDED
Transportation
Private and comfortable land transportation El Coca – Anakonda Amazon Cruise– El Coca.
Accommodations
Based on double occupancy: 4+* Amazon River Cruise
Activities
bird watching and hiking exploration in the jungle, share time with local indigenous people in the Amazon, night walks to see wildlife.
Meals
3 breakfast, 3 lunch, 3 dinner.
Gear
Life jackets and rubber boots.
Guides
English speaking naturalist guide
Equipment
Rubber boots, rain ponchos, life jackets.
🚫 WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Accommodation
Single Supplement
Flights
International & National flights
Airport transfers
National & international flights
Transportation
Public or private bus to/ from Quito – El Coca city
Insurance
Travel & health insurance (mandatory)
Meals
Not described in the itinerary
Additional entrance fees
Community entrance fees (USD 70.00 net per person in 4 and 5 day cruises, USD 80.00 net per person in the 8 day cruise). These rates are subject to change without previous notice
Meals
Not described in the itinerary
Tips
For guides and drivers
What to bring?
What do I need to bring
Passport
Travel insurance
Airline tickets
Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
Fleece top
Shirts/t-shirts
Pair of short
Pairs of long trousers
Pair hiking pants/track pants
Sport sandals
Watch or alarm clock
Quick dry clothing
Rain coat
Waterproof binoculars
Bug spray
Sun cream
Flashlight
Sun Hat
Waterproof camera if possible
Swimming suit
Waterproof backpack
Water bottle
Tennis shoes
Hiking shoes
Money belt
Sunglasses
First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, antihistamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking.
FAQS
How much should I tip?
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice; however, we suggest the below as a guideline per person:
Guides: USD 10- USD 15 per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less, and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
What Do I Do about drinking water?
The tap water in the Amazon is not always friendly on the stomach for those who haven't been in Latin America for a while. There is purified water in each of the accommodation which you can use to fill up each morning, so be sure to pack a reusable water bottle or two.
What’s the weather like?
Year-round temperature average is 82°F (28°C), however nights can be cooler. Since Ecuador is located right on the equator, the country does not experience extreme weather changes aside from a slightly rainier and wetter season. During a visit to the amazon region, in 4 or 5-day visit, you will often see more or less the same amount of rain and sunshine.
The Rainier Season in the Amazon Runs from December to June, with temperatures ranging from 23°C (73°F) to 30°C (86°F) and frequent rains throughout April and May. The Rainy Season has its pros due to the fact that many plants have evolved to fruit and flower during the rainy season – a phenomenon which often attracts birds and primates to the water’s edge and grants visitors the chance to observe them more frequently.
The Drier Season in the Amazon Lasts from July to November, with temperatures from 26°C (78°F) to 40°C (104°F), with less rain, though showers are still possible. The Dry Season also offers its own set of benefits, for its during this time that the water gets lower and attracts animals that you won’t often see during the rainy season. Beach nesting birds are everywhere, as there are more beaches present during this time.
Fish also tend to lay their eggs during this period of lower water levels, and as a result you’ll often see them swimming around fervently in the shallows of the rivers. Consequently, birds go on a feeding frenzy with the abundance of fish and you’ll often see all kinds of birds flying or muddling about these riverbanks.
It’s important to note that the Amazon Crocodile (known as Cayman) is much more prevalent during the dry season, and will usually be found nesting while feeding off the abundance of fish.
What vaccinations do I need?
For the Amazon, Covid vaccination is required
What Travel Insurance do you recommend?
World Nomads Insurance with a coverage of USD 200 000
What is the currency?
US American Dollars
What is the minimum age for this trip?
8 years old as a minimum age.