What you look forward to on an Amazon riverboat cruise in Ecuador /

The mighty rivers of the Amazon, winding their way through nine countries and through the heart of South America, make for the ultimate expedition into an almost mythological realm of unimaginable biodiversity and fascinating cultures.

To explore the Amazon rainforest, a riverboat cruise offers itself as a unique flexible tactic as it is an alternative to the typical Amazon lodge where visitors are in one specific place. Instead, by living and sleeping aboard a luxury cruise ship, you wake up each day in a new part of the rainforest, which you can explore and later enjoy amazing jungle vistas as you cruise downriver to the destination the next day.

While Brazil is home to most of the Amazon, many consider Ecuador’s most species-rich part of the Amazon to be a virtual garden of Eden for the world’s most exotic living creatures.

Here we introduce you to some of the more eye-catching aspects of what you will experience on a luxury riverboat cruise through this county’s amazing Amazon region.

1. Luxury and relaxation

There are few better ways to disconnect and unwind than aboard a cruise, though some may find it hard to imagine sailing in the remote Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest. Although travelers here find themselves deep in an area of ​​primeval jungle, you will find that the onboard facilities and services could not be more comfortable!

Luxury riverboat tours, as offered by experienced Ecuadorian tour operators, are aboard vessels that represent the epitome of style. Custom built by master shipbuilders, smartly furnished by interior design experts and loaded with the most luxurious amenities. Their onboard amenities include luxury suites with private balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and interior Jacuzzi tubs that overlook the river.

Travelers experience a rich culinary journey during their trip, as they enjoy the delicious gourmet dishes prepared by world-class chefs, but they can also taste local delicacies of the visited destinations, all paired perfectly with full-bodied wines. Such luxury cruises through the Amazon rainforest take you back to a classic era, as the ship’s guides and crew literally go overboard to cater to your every need, from luxurious pillow menus and pampering spa treatments to signature tours led by expert guides .

2. Worry-free safety and security

Ever since Europeans arrived on the South American continent, the Amazon has been the stuff of legend, a realm full of adventure but full of perilous dangers. The mere word “Amazon” can conjure up terrifying images of man-eating piranhas, bone-crushing anacondas and venomous spiders even to the most intrepid of travelers.

Despite the hype, an Amazon cruise aboard a luxury Ecuadorian riverboat is a user-friendly place to discover this last untamed natural wonder. What you will discover is that the facilities of these vessels along with their crew members and expert nature guides have been specially selected to ensure the well-being of the riverboat guests at all times.

While Amazon cruises are usually safe and hassle-free, there’s no denying that the jungle is alive with rare but potentially threatening wildlife, harbors a unique climate, and is located in a developing part of the world. For these reasons, the shipboard facilities, quarters, communications, security personnel, mobile health services and food supply are all state-of-the-art, while off-ship excursions are led by skilled, experienced and well-trained trained guides.

But remember, if you catch a glimpse of a jaguar, be sure to tell everyone about the experience, as you’ve been extremely lucky to see nature at its wildest!

3. Unparalleled biodiversity

During an Amazon River Cruise you are not stuck on the riverboat for a week. In fact, you are actually off the boat more often than on it. And what you will discover for yourself on daily excursions is that the Ecuadorian Amazon is truly one of the planet’s biodiversity hotspots, given the sheer number of species that can be found here.

Not only is the Ecuadorian Amazon a birdwatcher’s paradise, with 1500 species, but there are also an astounding 150 amphibian species, 121 reptile species, over 200 mammal species and 382 fish species, not to mention the extensive vegetation and the fact that each quarter kilometer (62 acres) has over 1,100 tree species.

As you descend the Napo River into the dense primary Amazon forest, you get up close to the myriad creatures that call the jungle home. Monkeys, caiman alligators, pink river dolphins, sloths and a dizzying array of colorful birds greet you in the lush forest and murky waters.

Your expert naturalist guides will be happy to point out this local fauna and flora during your cruise experience, including kayaking on peaceful lakes, jungle walks along well-maintained trails, cruising up and down the Napo, standing high above the treetops on lookout towers and visiting clay licks for parrots.

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4. Fun and adventure

While it may be difficult for some to tear themselves away from the lavish comforts aboard their boat, no cruise is complete without fun, excitement and adventure!

When visiting Ecuador’s Amazon jungle, days are filled with as much or as little activity as your curiosity and energy dictate – whether you choose jungle walks, bird watching, piranha fishing, photo safaris, cultural visits, river cruising ( by canoe, balsa raft, kayak or inner tube), or even learn to use a blowgun.

If you prefer to relax after a full day of adventure in Ecuador’s Amazon jungle, we recommend reading a good book on the sundeck of your ship, while soaking up the unique energy of the rainforest. Later in the evening and night, the jungle offers countless experiences exclusive to these moonlit hours: birdwatching at dusk as fireflies dance among the trees, or stargazing into the equatorial sky for a unique view of the millions of the southern and northern hemisphere. stars, unchanged by the lights of civilization.

5. Direct contact with indigenous communities

Ecuador is proud of its cultural heritage and its many unique indigenous communities. The country’s Amazon region alone is home to two tribes that have chosen to live in complete isolation, alongside more than nine indigenous cultures that welcome travelers with open arms.

Visiting these communities allows travelers to make authentic connections with these groups through cultural encounter activities where guests can meet community members and learn about their ancestral traditions and unique lifestyles, as well as experience tempting new foods such as yuca, maito with salt and pepper, and alcohol-free hookah. Each magical journey to the rainforest is designed with the intention of mutual benefit for guests, communities and the environment.

6. Sustainability efforts

Sustainable tourism has been defined as “tourism that takes full account of current and future economic, social and environmental impacts, addressing the needs of visitors, industry, the environment and host communities.” As such, this is especially important in an ecosystem as precious as the Amazon rainforest, which not only serves as the “lungs” of our planet, but is also home to so many species and cultures.

Ecuadorian Amazon cruise ship operations have been working hard to develop a sustainable tourism model that works closely with local communities.

Their vital forest conservation work supports indigenous communities by providing them with an alternative source of income and working with them to protect endangered species. Specifically, more than 50% of the ship’s crew is local and 25% of the riverboat revenue goes to conservation projects and activities with indigenous communities.

This vision for river cruises is about more than just bringing tourists in to see the sights and using local communities as part of the tourism backdrop. Instead, the local communities benefit along with the environment, visitors and cruise activities.

7. Adventures for all ages and needs

What’s great about an Amazon riverboat cruise is that your expedition experience can be tailored to the activity level you choose, whether it’s light or moderate or a bit of both. Depending on your interests and abilities, daily activities may include walking tours, visits to historical or cultural sites, swimming, and easy walks, with options for longer walks. Regularly you will find cruises with everyone from seniors to young families with pre-school children. There is nothing dangerous or daring about a riverboat cruise and the guides are very knowledgable and experienced.

Conclusion: add the Amazon to your “bucket list” destinations…!

Few places can match the magic and thrills of the Amazon rainforest, where you will have truly unique experiences, make friends along the way and discover the buzz of exotic life everywhere.

Ecuador is one of those destinations that can fit a huge variety of experiences into a single trip. Because the country offers so many opportunities to get in touch with nature, and many travelers who come to Ecuador to visit the Galapagos Islands find it the perfect time (not to mention very convenient) to also enjoy an Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest cruise.

We invite you to discover this unexplored world, a world where you can get a glimpse of what it means to be in harmony with nature and with your own primordial essence.

Alfonso Tandazo is President and CEO of Surtrek Tour Operator. Surtrek Tour Operator is a reputable company, specializing in custom designed luxury tours in Ecuador, the Galapagos and the rest of South America.

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