Meander through the charming colonial city of Quito, explore the secrets of the rainforest aboard the luxe Anakonda Amazon Cruise, discover the traditional Otavalo market and visit volcanic Lake Cuicocha…
Welcome to Ecuador!
The beautiful colonial-style city of Quito is surrounded by mountains and perched at some 9000 feet above sea level. With white walls, red roofs, flourishing patios, fountains and wooden doors, La Ronda is the oldest street in the old city. The city center offers various museums, such as the Colonial Art Museum, the Sugar House, the Party Temple, the Jacinto Jijon Museum of the Catholic University, and the gold museum of the Central Bank, just to name a few. Other places of interest include Guapulo and its church, the Sugar theatre, the Astronomy Observatory in the Alameda park, the El Ejido and La Carolina parks, and the Government and the Archbishop palaces.
Upon arrival at the Quito airport, your private guide will assist you with your luggage you and take you to your beautiful hotel in the heart of historic Quito. The remainder of the day is free for you to explore the city at your leisure.
Meals at your leisure. Night in Quito.
Day 2: QUITO – AMAZON RAINFOREST CRUISE: Napo River
Today your private driver will take you to the Quito airport for your short flight to Coca. You’ll enjoy personalized assistance at the airport, and exclusive access to the VIP lounge with drinks and snacks.
You’ll spend the next four days and three nights exploring the depths of the Amazon rainforest in luxury and style! The Anakonda is a specially designed boutique Amazon explorer ship with a capacity for just 40 guests. It boasts a cozy bar and lounge, conference room, reading room, al fresco shaded lounge, restaurant with panoramic views, and a spacious outdoor observation deck complete with a jacuzzi. It also has a river view spa, boutique and concierge service. Your elegant and spacious suite is equipped with a French balcony, air conditioning, and private bathroom.
Throughout your stay local guides and nature experts are on hand to guide you through activities, lead nature conferences, and answer your questions. You’ll enjoy lunch and dinner à la carte in the Anakonda’s gorgeous restaurant, as well as well as water, coffee and tea (free of charge) whenever you would like.
In Coca, you’ll board a motorized canoe to begin your journey down river, taking in the sights and sounds of the Amazon. After an hour and a half on the river, you’ll arrive at the specialized, luxe Anakonda cruise ship.
Settle in to your beautiful cabin, then head to the lounge for an introduction to the Ecuadorian Amazon with a local expert naturalist guide.
After a scrumptious dinner on board, you’ll plunge into nature with a nighttime forest walk with your guides to observe the forest’s nocturnal activity and experience the thrill of nature’s noises and aromas. Keep your eyes peeled for native nocturnal animals!
Lunch at your leisure, dinner included. Night aboard the Anakonda.
Day 3: AMAZON RAINFOREST CRUISE: Pañacocha Biological Corridor
Today you’ll continue downstream to the Pañayacu River delta where you’ll take a canoe trip to experience this fascinating water reserve. Pañacocha means Prianha Lake in the native Quechua language, and the area is home to 9 species of primates, 500 species of birds and over 100 types of fish, and you’ll likely see the Water Monkey Fish and White Caimans!
Your local naturalist guides will take you on nature walks, before you settle into a campsite to enjoy a delicious Amazon-style barbecue.
After lunch, you’ll head onto the water by kayak. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a refreshing swim in the Piranha Lake – we promise it’s less daring than it sounds!
Back on board, you’ll savor a scrumptious dinner in the beautiful dining room.
This evening, relax on the observation deck to take in the beauty of the region, take a dip in the jacuzzi or unwind in the lounge.
Lunch and dinner included. Night aboard the Anakonda.
Day 4: AMAZON RAINFOREST CRUISE: Parrot clay licks, Amazonian communities and observation tower
This morning you’ll set out on canoes to observe one of the most incredible sights on this side of the Western Amazon – the Parrot clay licks. Rich in minerals, this spot attracts hundreds of colorful parrots, parakeets and other species.
You’ll then visit a Quechua Cultural Center to learn about local Amazon communities and their ancestral culture, traditions and cuisine! Alongside members of the community, you’ll learn about the indigenous lifestyle, and you’ll have the opportunity to buy handicrafts, local products and souvenirs.
Before sunset you’ll visit an observation tower in the rainforest canopy, offering a breathtaking 360-degree view of the Amazon basin – don’t forget your camera!
Back aboard the Anakonda you’ll relax over dinner.
Meals included. Night aboard the Anakonda.
Day 5: AMAZON RAINFOREST CRUISE – QUITO
Enjoy your last morning waking up to the sounds of the rainforest!
After breakfast you’ll disembark and take the motorized canoe back to Coca, where you’ll benefit from personalized assistance at the airport for your return flight to Quito. Relax in the exclusive VIP lounge and enjoy drinks and snacks before your flight.
When you arrive in Quito, your private guide will meet you, help with your luggage and take you to your hotel. You’ll stay in the Floresta neighborhood at the stylish Swissoltel overlooking the capital.
The remainder of the evening is free for you to explore the city as you wish, work up a sweat in the hotel’s fitness center or relax by the pool.
Meals at your leisure. Night in Quito.
Today you’ll explore beautiful Quito on a private City Tour. Strolling along the colonial streets you’ll visit the Basilica Church before stopping at the Independence Plaza to admire the Cathedral, Government’s Palace and the Archiepiscopal palace. Next, you’ll visit the La Compañia Church, rich in adornments and gold altars, followed by the Sagrario Church and San Francisco, dating from the 17th century. Your next stop is at the Panecillo Mirador, a picturesque lookout. The sky lift will then take you to above the city for a panoramic view – you won’t want to forget your camera!
You’ll then head north of the city to the Mitad del Mundo – middle of the world – monument. After a delicious traditional lunch, you’ll visit the monument, where you can hop between the Northern and Southern hemispheres or put one foot on each side of the world! Time permitting, you’ll visit the Inti Nan Ethnographic Museum where, through experiments with
flowing water or balancing eggs, you’ll experience the curious behavior of nature along the equator!
Today ends in Otavalo at the foot of the Northern Sierra. The region is spotted with volcanoes, lakes and valleys – the scenery looks straight off of a postcard! Thanks to the diversity of local indigenous groups, the area is very interesting culturally speaking as well.
Tonight, you’ll enjoy dinner overlooking San Pablo Lake at your charming hotel, where you’re sure to enjoy the in-room fireplace!
Meals included. Night in Otavalo.
This morning you’ll explore the town of Otavalo, known for its weaving and famous for its weekly indigenous crafts market. You’ll visit the textile market – “Poncho Plaza” – one of the most famous markets of South America, where you’ll find a variety of crafts such as tapestries made on the indigenous backstrap loom. Enjoy some free time to bargain with the friendly Otavaleños for souvenirs. With their espadrilles, brown felt hats and blue ponchos, the Otavaleños are excellent business people, and the wealthiest of Ecuador’s indigenous populations.
After taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling market, you’ll continue on to one of the most beautiful lagoons of Imbabura, Cuicocha. At the center of a crater, the lagoon boasts over 400 species of lush vegetation, fragrant orchids and native fauna. A boat ride will take you onto the crystal blue waters. You’ll see the two islands at the center of the lake – Teodoro Wolf and Jose Maria Yerovi – both formed by successive volcanic eruptions. Known as the Lake of the Gods – Tsui-cocha in the local indigenous language – you’ll learn about the legends of the lake and islands during the boat tour.
After lunch at a traditional restaurant in the area, you’ll return to Quito.
Lunch included, dinner at your leisure. Night in Quito.
Enjoy your last Ecuadorian breakfast, take a stroll around town or hunt for the perfect souvenir. Your private guide will meet you at the hotel, help you with your luggage and accompany you to the airport for your return flight to the USA.
Meals at your leisure.
Buen viaje!
© All photos on this page are the property of Anakonda Amazon River Cruises.
Explore Ecuador
From $3,750/person
Based on double occupancy
Included
• Hotels with breakfast
• Meals as indicated
• Transport as indicated
• Activities as indicated
• Entry tickets for sights and activities as indicated
Not included
• International
• Meals, unless indicated
• Beverages, unless indicated
• Gratuities
• Personal insurance
• Personal expenses
© All photos on this page are the property of Anakonda Amazon River Cruises.
