Cruising the Fountain of Life - Amazon's Anakonda Riverboat

The best “roads” into the rainforest are its rivers. When traveled, these aquatic thoroughfares open up one of the most bio-diverse regions on the planet: The Ecuadorian Amazon.

While Ecuador is blessed with a rich but dense Amazonian landmass, rivers make this rainforest more accessible to nature lovers and safari junkies. Taking full advantage of river cruises as accessible, comfortable, informative and exciting means for exploring the Ecuadorian Amazon, Surtrek’s favorite ship in this region is the extraordinary, state-of-the-art Anakonda River Cruise riverboat.

The Anakonda enables authentic experiences and rare glimpses of how life on the river is actually lived. Not only can you interact with members of local indigenous communities, but you’ll also venture out on expert-led expeditions deep into the jungle itself. These daily excursions head out by motorized canoe to take you on jungle treks designed to reveal the exotic wildlife that calls the rainforest home. With any luck at all, you’ll spot sloths, toucans, Pink river dolphins and perhaps even a jaguar sunning on a riverbank!

Some of the Anakonda’s highlights include paddling by canoe to Piranha Lake in search of white caiman and Water monkey fish. Later, you can crouch down behind a bird blind to observe up to hundreds of parrots descending on a “clay lick.” You’ll explore the waterways of the flooded Pañayacu Biological Corridor with a team of four expert naturalists, as well as learn about the everyday traditions of indigenous Kichwa women on visits to villages at the river’s edge. Rainforest hikes, birding walks, nocturnal river safaris… Yep, definitely, there are lots of things to do on an Anakonda tour.

The accommodations on board this “floating boutique hotel” consist of 18 spacious air-conditioned guest rooms, with private bathrooms, private balconies and even  satellite-serviced Wi-Fi internet (though after testing it, we’ve found it to have a low-bandwidth connection… but hey, that means less to distract you from “modern civilization”).

The Anakonda River Cruise riverboat is suited for all types of travelers. Considering a trip to the Amazon with your kids? No problem. To accommodate families, the Anakonda offers accommodations with as many as four interconnected suites and amenities suitable for each. What about trips for honeymooners? Of course! What better way to add thrill to your romance? Then too, this Amazonian cruise is an ideal way for retired couples explore a region that’s so demanding by land.

No matter what kind of traveler you might be, you’ll be surrounded by interesting fellow adventurers who – like you – are also seeking authentic experiences. Passengers can socialize in the dining room, the bar, the al fresco lounge, the observation deck and even in the outdoor Jacuzzi. There’s also a small boutique where you can purchase souvenirs or any cosmetic product that you might have left at home. In addition to the guides, guests are assisted by the 25-member crew, which includes a concierge, a steward and a paramedic.

To experience the rainforest with more privacy, your room’s panoramic floor-to-ceiling cabin windows will make it seem like you’re watching a big-screen National Geographic special. Just be sure you bring some good binoculars.

All these features make the Anakonda the perfect option for larger groups as well. Consider chartering an Amazon cruise for your family reunion or perhaps as a corporate incentive program. Like the tropical kingdom’s awe, your options are limitless.

Remember, this once-in-a-lifetime riverboat adventure offers:

• A Unique Vessel: The Anakonda Amazon riverboat is the only first-class cruise ship in the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. Built in Coca, Ecuador, in 2013, the ship began operating its Napo River cruises in August 2013 with travelers from all over the world.
• Fine Dining: Travelers taking Anakonda Amazon cruises will enjoy a wide variety of national and international fusion cuisine as the cooking staff combines international culinary traditions with those of the Amazon region and prepares these dishes using fresh, local products. It’s not unusual for guests to enjoy unique fare such as Quinoa Risotto or fish prepared in coconut sauce.
• Spacious Suites: The boat’s accommodations are spacious suites that feature sitting areas, large comfortable beds, and wall-to-wall panoramic windows.
• Jacuzzi & Sun Deck: Enjoy the comfort, amenities and service of a boutique hotel on board the Anakonda in the middle of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest.
• Observation Deck: The observation deck — along with its outdoor Jacuzzi — is an ideal place for relaxing and enjoying spectacular Amazon jungle views.
• Al Fresco Bar: The ship’s al fresco bar & lounge is also a great place for having a cocktail, relaxing, socializing and attending briefings led by the expert multilingual naturalist guides.

Don’t put it off. Give Surtrek a call today and begin planning your Amazonian adventure!