Natural Wonders of the Amazon & Galapagos
An extraordinary river cruise through Ecuadorian Amazonia aboard the MV Anakonda combined with an island hopping cruise through the Galapagos aboard the Isabela II
- 24 February 2020
- 19 October 2020
- 1 February 2021
- 11 October 2021
Join us for this unparalleled journey and discover the wonders of the natural world as we explore the Napo River in Amazonia and Galapagos Islands aboard two very special vessels, the MV Anakonda and the Isabela II, which we have chartered for this unique combination.
We will begin in Ecuador’s capital, Quito, a city stretched narrowly between volcanic peaks, and a fittingly dramatic introduction to this compact, but diverse country with its beautifully restored colonial architecture and busy plazas. We then fly to Coca and begin our discovery of the Yasuní, the largest of Ecuador’s continental National Parks; a wild and untamed realm in the heart of the Ecuadorian Amazon. The Amazonian rainforest is one of the most bio-diverse regions on our planet and is home to thousands of indigenous peoples, who have lived there for millennia. We will venture into remote and pristine areas of the rainforest where we can observe the wilderness, diverse wildlife and interact with the region’s indigenous communities. Excursions with our naturalist guides will provide an opportunity to view jungle wildlife including playful monkeys, colourful tropical birds and river turtles, anacondas, caimans and other amphibians and reptiles of this unique eco-system.
Following on from our time exploring the Amazon we return to Quito for an overnight stay before continuing with the second half of our expedition, our island hopping adventure through the pristine Galapagos Archipelago aboard the Isabela II. The archipelago’s 13 major islands, six smaller ones, and scores of islets are all part of Ecuador’s National Park system. In 1835 Charles Darwin visited the islands and discovered this “living laboratory” which inspired his writings on the Theory of Evolution. Many of the animals on the Galapagos Islands have developed into different species from their continental relatives, and because they have never experienced man as a predator, they show no fear of humans. The moment you set foot on your first island you will see that curiosity and fearlessness are a way of life. Whether strolling along the islands’ pristine beaches, searching for the spectacular waved albatross, having a “chat” with a particularly friendly sea lion, or snorkelling with Galapagos penguins, a feeling of freedom surrounds you.
Useful links & Travel Advice
Please find a selection of useful websites to refer to for information from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, on visa requirements, NHS travel health advice and other useful travel tips.
Anakonda
Explore the wonders of the Amazon from aboard the MV Anakonda, the only first class ship in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest. Experience the Amazon in a most unique way aboard this 148 foot-long floating boutique hotel. Built in 2013, the MV Anakonda’s 18 spacious, deluxe and exclusive suites provide capacity for up to 40 passengers.
Isabela II
There are many vessels in the Galapagos accommodating up to 100 passengers but we have chosen to charter the 21-cabin Isabela II for our explorations from our associates and leaders in Galapagos voyages, Metropolitan Touring. Refurbished in 2012, the Isabela II is a stylish yacht ideal for exploring the Galapagos Islands. This accommodates just 40 guests in comfort, and is equipped with Zodiacs for landing on these remote islands. The ship is also equipped with sea kayaks, a glass bottom boat and snorkelling equipment for making the most of your journey around this breathtaking archipelago. Onboard you will be accompanied by a team of passionate and dedicated naturalist guides who will add greatly to you overall experience.
Itinerary
Day 1 - London to Quito, Ecuador.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight to Quito early this morning. On arrival transfer to the Hilton Colon Hotel for a two night stay.
Day 2 - Quito.
After breakfast at the hotel we depart for a tour of Quito’s colonial quarter, the largest and best preserved in South America and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will stroll across Independence Plaza, flanked by the Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, the Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace and visit the temple of La Compañía de Jesús and its wonderful gilded interior. Also visit the Monastery of San Francisco, one of the great religious buildings of the New World with its impressive façade and atrium, and its Baroque interior influenced by Moorish style. Afterwards, we will continue to the Equatorial Monument, 16 miles north of Quito, which marks the exact Middle of the World, latitude 0º, where we can stand with a foot on each hemisphere. We will have lunch at a local restaurant and the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. This evening meet up with your fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner at the hotel.
Day 3 - Quito to Coca.
After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for our flight to Coca. On arrival we will transfer to the dock where we will embark on a motorised canoe and navigate down river to board the MV Anakonda. Throughout the journey we have a chance to admire the rainforest landscape and banks of the great Napo River. Immediately after boarding the MV Anakonda, we will cast off and continue navigating downstream. For the remainder of the day, relax on board and this evening join a guided walk after sunset allowing for the opportunity to discover the forest’s nocturnal activity and listen to the incessant sounds of nature.
Day 4 - Yasuni National Park.
Early in the morning, we will visit Yasuni National Park, a pristine and relatively undisturbed region of the Ecuadorian Amazon. This area is home to the legendary Pink River Dolphin, anacondas, river turtles and various primate species, as well as the colourful hoatzin, a unique bird that is known locally as the ‘Stinky Turkey’. Later in the afternoon, we will go canoeing in a blackwater lake, home to giant otters and the magnificent, albeit elusive manatee. We will also enjoy a pleasant hike in the Riparian Gallery Forest, where we have the chance to spot a flock of birds and marvel at the intricate organisation of a colony of leaf-cutter ants by the ‘Giant Fig Tree’, a truly majestic tree that is home to an abundance of wildlife.
Day 5 - Meeting the Community.
This morning we visit an authentic Quechua family located on the banks of the Napo River where we will have the opportunity to interact with the local community and learn about life in the remote jungle. We return to the MV Anakonda for lunch and some time to relax while we navigate upstream. Enjoy a cultural cooking demonstration and share recipes and techniques to prepare exquisite traditional Ecuadorian food, and if time permits, there will be an opportunity to enjoy a lecture or learn about (and make) typical handicrafts of the area. For the more active there will be an opportunity to go kayaking.
Day 6 - Forest Adventure & Observation Tower.
This morning we will disembark to explore the nearby forest for a walk to discover a myriad of different animals and plant species that can only be found in the Amazon basin. In the afternoon we will visit an observation tower 100- feet high, built against a giant kapok tree. From the top of the tower, we will be blessed with this unique perspective of the forest, the treetops and the greatness of the Amazon Basin. This evening venture into the river by canoe to search for black caimans with the help of our flashlights.
Day 7 - Coca to Quito.
Disembark the MV Anakonda this morning and transfer by motorised canoe to Coca. On arrival transfer to the airport for the flight to Quito and enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the Hilton Colon Hotel.
Day 8 - Quito to Galapagos.
After breakfast at your hotel, transfer to the airport for the flight to Baltra in the Galapagos. On arrival, we will transfer by ferry to Santa Cruz Island. A 30-minute bus ride takes us to a restaurant in the Highlands of Santa Cruz Island to enjoy lunch before we continue to Puerto Ayora and the Charles Darwin Research Station. After driving down from the highlands, we visit the Charles Darwin Research Station and the giant tortoise pens within an impressive giant prickly-pear cactus forest, home to many land birds. These are the headquarters of scientific investigation, conservation and the National Park administration. Late this afternoon we stroll along the main street of Puerto Ayora before embarking the Isabela II. Tonight enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail and Dinner.
Day 9 - Sante Fe Island & South Plaza Island.
A stunning anchorage provides our jumping-off point for our visit to this sandy white beach with many sea lion harems. Galapagos hawks are often easily observed, perched atop salt bushes. The endemic land iguana, unique to this island, may be spotted during the walk. Snorkelling and swimming from the beach, kayaking or a ride in our glass-bottom boat rounds off the rewarding experience. The turquoise waters of the channel here contrast brilliantly with the white sand and black lava of the shoreline, while a carpet of scarlet sesuvium succulents serves as groundcover for a grove of luminescent green prickly-pear cactus, populated by yellow-gray land iguanas. Along the coastline one finds sea lion colonies, while sea birds play with the thermals that form along the cliffs of this small but amazing island.
Day 10 - North Seymour Island & Las Bachas (Santa Cruz Island).
The morning starts with an enjoyable walk along the coast and the interior of this island, a favourite of many visitors, observing numerous bird colonies as well as sea lions and marine iguanas. There are opportunities for snorkelling or coastal exploration. We can also ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world. After World War Two, US military barges were beached and abandoned here. Locals referred to the beach as the barges beach, a name that morphed to “bachas”. Today it is an important nesting area for the east Pacific green sea turtle. Located on the north shore of Santa Cruz Island, it is a glorious white beach, with several brackish lagoons only a few steps away from the sea. These lagoons are the feeding grounds of various wading birds, from stilts to flamingos and we can swim or snorkel from the beach.
Day 11 - Bartolome Island & Sullivan Bay (Santiago Island).
This morning, a Galapagos icon awaits us: Bartolome Island. A great way to start the day, with a steep climb up a wooden staircase the view from the top is worth the effort. Following the walk, we take the dinghies for a ride around colossal Pinnacle Rock, followed by time to enjoy the beach and some snorkelling. We can also ride in the glass-bottom boat for great views of the underwater world. After lunch, we board the pangas to land at Sullivan Bay on the east coast of Santiago, a white coral sand beach great for swimming, and with a trail over a lava field that flowed here less than 100 years ago. This is the perfect place to see and feel the volcanic origin of Galapagos while observing its wildlife. This evening enjoy your Farewell Dinner on board as we sail back towards Baltra.
Day 12 - Baltra to London.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for your return scheduled, indirect flight to London.
Day 13 - London.
Arrive into London today.
Please note to best enjoy your experience during this tour, you should be in good physical condition. There are activities each day including daily use of canoes or Zodiacs undertaken in humid conditions in addition to the high altitude in Quito. If you would like to discuss the required fitness level please contact our reservations team.
Dates and Prices
Prices per person based on double occupancy24 February to 7 March 2020 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Anakonda Standard Cabin/Isabela II Classic Cabin | £7495 | |
Anakonda Deluxe Cabin/Isabela II Classic Cabin | £8295 | |
Anakonda Deluxe Cabin/Isabela II Master Cabin | £8995 | |
Anakonda Standard Cabin/Isabela II Standard Cabin for sole use | £9795 | |
Anakonda Standard Cabin/Isabela II Classic Cabin for sole use | £11495 |
19 to 31 October 2020 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Anakonda Standard Cabin/Isabela II Classic Cabin | £7795 | |
Anakonda Deluxe Cabin/Isabela II Classic Cabin | £8295 | |
Anakonda Deluxe Cabin/Isabela II Master Cabin | £8995 | |
Anakonda Standard Cabin/Isabela II Standard Cabin for sole use | £9995 | |
Anakonda Standard Cabin/Isabela II Classic Cabin for sole use | £11695 |
1 to 13 February 2021 • 11 to 23 October 2021 | ||
---|---|---|
Category | Price | |
Anakonda Standard Cabin/Isabela II Classic Cabin | £7995 | |
Anakonda Deluxe Cabin/Isabela II Classic Cabin | £8495 | |
Anakonda Deluxe Cabin/Isabela II Master Cabin | £8995 | |
Anakonda Standard Cabin/Isabela II Standard Cabin for sole use | £10195 | |
Anakonda Standard Cabin/Isabela II Classic Cabin for sole use | £11895 |
Tour Reference Code: RCANAISA
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel • Three nights hotel accommodation in Quito with breakfast • Lunch on day 2 & dinner on days 2 & 7 • Four nights aboard the MV Anakonda on a full board basis • Four nights aboard the Isabela II on full board basis • All shore excursions • Naturalist guides • National Park and Community fees • All gratuities • Tour Manager • All transfers • Port taxes • UK airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, dinner on day 1, lunch on days 3 & 7.
Please note to best enjoy your experience during this tour, you should be in good physical condition. There are activities each day including daily use of canoes or Zodiacs undertaken in humid conditions in addition to the high altitude in Quito. If you would like to discuss the required fitness level please contact our reservations team.
-
Anakonda
-
Isabela II
Deckplan
Anakonda
Explore the wonders of the Amazon from aboard the MV Anakonda, the only first class ship in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest. Experience the Amazon in a most unique way aboard this 148 foot-long floating boutique hotel. Built in 2013, the MV Anakonda’s 18 spacious, deluxe and exclusive suites provide capacity for up to 40 passengers.
Isabela II
There are many vessels in the Galapagos accommodating up to 100 passengers but we have chosen to charter the 21-cabin Isabela II for our explorations from our associates and leaders in Galapagos voyages, Metropolitan Touring. Refurbished in 2012, the Isabela II is a stylish yacht ideal for exploring the Galapagos Islands. This accommodates just 40 guests in comfort, and is equipped with Zodiacs for landing on these remote islands. The ship is also equipped with sea kayaks, a glass bottom boat and snorkelling equipment for making the most of your journey around this breathtaking archipelago. Onboard you will be accompanied by a team of passionate and dedicated naturalist guides who will add greatly to you overall experience.
Video Library
Also of Interest
Guyana - Land of Many Waters
An exploration of Guyana’s incredible natural wonders, history & culture
GUYANA
GUYANA
Itinerary at a glance
- Georgetown / Surama / Iwokrama / Pakaraima Mountains / Aranaputa / Rupununi River / Karanambu / Kaieteur Falls / Baganara Island / Bartica / Georgetown
Ancient & Natural Wonders of Central America
A voyage linking the Pacific Ocean & Caribbean Sea including a transit of the Panama Canal aboard the MS Serenissima
Serenissima
Serenissima
Itinerary at a glance
- Guatemala City / Antigua / Acajutla / La Union / Leon / Granada / Playas del Coco / Curu National Park / Manuel Antonio National Park / Golfo Dulce / Isla Coiba / Panama City / Panama Canal / Puerto Limon
Patagonian Odyssey
An Exploration of Patagonia's Natural Wonders including the Chilean Fjords aboard the MS Island Sky
Island Sky
Island Sky
Itinerary at a glance
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Ushuaia
- Cape Horn
- Chilean Fjords / Punta Arenas / Torres del Paine National Park
- Chiloe Island
- Puerto Montt
Book with Confidence
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000