Considering an Amazon cruise? Read our writer’s day-by-day account of this small-ship adventure in Ecuador.
The Amazon rainforest is a world-class nature destination that often feels off-limits to anyone but the most hardcore survivalist. However, you don’t need a machete to experience the heart of the rainforest.
My husband, our 23-year-old son, and I recently explored the Ecuadorian Amazon aboard the M/V Manatee Amazon Explorer. Operated by locally owned Anakonda Amazon Cruises, it’s a way to exhale inside the “lungs of the planet” without sacrificing a hot shower—or a craft cocktail.
KidTripster Tip: Anakonda Amazon Cruises offers a 50% discount for children (ages 6-12, shared cabin). However, because of the patience required for wildlife viewing and long navigations by motorized canoe, I think this trip is better suited to more mature teens.
DAY ONE
Our journey to the Amazon began with a flight from the U.S. to Quito, the capital of Ecuador. Because we arrived in the wee hours of the morning with an early connection ahead, we stayed at the Holiday Inn Quito Airport hotel, which provides a free shuttle and breakfast. (The Wyndham Quito Airport hotel is another option, directly across from the airport entrance.)
Our Amazonian Arrival
We were met at the airport by an Anakonda representative who handled the logistics—handing us printed tickets for our LATAM flight and escorting us to security. After a quick 45-minute flight, we landed in Coca, known as the “Gateway to the Amazon.” The shift from the cool, thin air of the Andes to the heavy, oxygen-rich humidity of the rainforest hit us the moment we stepped off the plane.
Our naturalist guides, Kevin and Victor, transported us to a motorized canoe for a two-hour ride east along the Napo River, a massive tributary of the Amazon.
KidTripster Tip: Keep your sunscreen and sunglasses handy in your carry-on. You’ll need the SPF for the intense sun at the equator, and the sunglasses are essential to shield your eyes from the constant wind-whip on the canoe.
KidTripster Tip: You don’t need to cruise the Amazon River itself to have an authentic rainforest experience. The Amazon spans nine countries, and its namesake river is essentially a massive “highway.” For better wildlife viewing, you want a cruise that explores the smaller, quieter waterways where animals actually congregate.
On Board the Manatee
We were welcomed on board the Manatee with cool towels and fresh juice before being given the codes to our cabins, all named for Amazonian animals. The Manatee has 14 outward-facing cabins (singles, doubles, and triples with the possibility of interconnected rooms). The cabins are spacious, and all have floor-to-ceiling windows with private balconies, so you always have a view of the verdant jungle. Elsewhere on the ship, you’ll find an open-seating dining room, a comfortable lounge with a fully stocked bar and bartender, a covered outdoor deck, and a top deck with a hot tub.
KidTripster Tip: The Manatee offers deluxe cabins—which are slightly larger with a tub in the bathroom—or standard cabins. Skip the splurge; the less expensive rooms are plenty comfortable.
While the ship can accommodate 30 passengers, our sailing felt more like a private yacht. We and another family with a college student were on board for the seven-night cruise; three other couples were embarking on a four-night cruise. After they departed, nine passengers joined for a three-night cruise. The passenger-to-crew ratio was exceptional, ensuring we never felt like just another number.
KidTripster Tip: Planning a “nature doubleheader?” Many travelers pair the Amazon with the Galápagos Islands, located 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador. For the best flow, book the three-night Amazon cruise followed by a seven-night Galápagos cruise. Wildlife spotting in the jungle is more of a hunt, as opposed to the islands where it’s a sure thing. Read more about our Galápagos recommendations here.
KidTripster Tip: Don’t get too attached to your printed itinerary. Depending on capacity, activities can get moved around. In rare cases, if the motorized canoe can’t get to a particular area because of low water, an activity may be canceled. It’s all part of an Amazonian adventure.
Sunset on the Amazon
After a relaxing afternoon, we boarded the motorized canoe for our first evening safari. While the wildlife was elusive—we spotted only a capybara, the world’s largest rodent—the real star was the sky. Huge fingers of orange and yellow light fanned out across the horizon, reflecting off the water and turning the silty Napo into liquid gold. It was a perfect “welcome to the jungle” moment.
Keep reading: Click on “2” below to read about our expedition day into Yasuní National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.
