Anakonda & Manate River Cruises: 2026 Trends in the Ecuadorian Amazon by Diego García | Travel Blog

Some journeys allow you to get away from civilization (or at least partially) while others help remind you what matters most. In the Ecuadorian Amazon, Anakonda Amazon Cruises with Manatee Amazon Explorer brings travelers together to experience one of Earth's richest ecosystems in terms of biodiversity by fully being present with luxury wellness and living true to themselves and nature through connecting with local citizens.

This issue, the second edition of SCAPE Magazine focusing on the regions of wellness and gastronomy, features an interview with Diego García of Anakonda Amazon and his plans for moving the company into a new wellness focus in their cruise experience for the 2026 season. 

Table of contents

• A family legacy inspired by the Amazon
  • From entrepreneurship to purpose
• The only luxury cruises on Ecuador’s rivers
  • Remote destinations few travelers can access
• Wellness in the heart of the rainforest
  • New wellness trends for 2026
• Gastronomy inspired by Ecuador and the Amazon
  • Wellness through local flavors
• STORY TIME: The Amazon journey that changed a traveler’s life
• Diego García’s favorite image: The Amazon Tree of Life
  • A symbol of life, connection, and the Amazon ecosystem
• Sustainability & Amazonian communities
  • Working alongside Amazonian cultures
• SCAPE Magazine & the importance of the Amazon
  • Wellness through nature and conservation
  • Exclusive benefits for SCAPE Magazine readers
• Packing list for the Ecuadorian Amazon
• A final message for Voyagers travelers
• FAQs

If you want to get to know the Ecuador Amazon's beauty via the lens of wellness, conservation and authentic culture, continue reading!

A family legacy inspired by the Amazon

For Diego García, joining the family business was not always part of the plan. Inspired by his parents’ entrepreneurial spirit especially the vision of his father, Raúl García. Diego initially wanted to create his own path.

Everything changed when he joined the company as Project Manager during the construction of the Anakonda cruise in 2013.

From entrepreneurship to purpose

Over the years, Diego discovered that the true value of the project went beyond tourism itself.

“What I love most today is not only working with my family, but also sharing sustainability initiatives and creating positive impact within Amazonian communities.” Diego García

Today, Anakonda and Manatee continue to evolve as projects deeply connected to conservation, local culture, and conscious travel.

The only luxury cruises on Ecuador’s rivers

Anakonda and Manatee offer one of the most exclusive ways to explore the Ecuadorian Amazon.

Remote destinations few travelers can access

As the only luxury cruises navigating Ecuador’s Amazon rivers, the experience allows guests to access remote areas and natural encounters that are difficult to reach otherwise.

Below you’ll find what ravelers can explore:

• Yasuní National Park
• Remote rainforest ecosystems
• Indigenous Amazonian communities
• Wildlife conservation areas
• Hidden waterways and lagoons

 

“The Amazon allows travelers to truly disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with nature.”- said Diego García

The itineraries are carefully designed to encourage authentic cultural exchange while supporting local communities.

Currently, the cruises collaborate with more than 25 Amazonian communities.

Wellness in the heart of the rainforest

In 2026, Anakonda Amazon Cruises will launch new wellness-based experiences that will strengthen the bond between travelers and The Amazon rain forest.

New wellness trends for 2026

There will be several improvements including:

• A new onboard spa
• Wellness and massage experiences
• A gym with rainforest views
• Longer stays inside Yasuní National Park
• Long term immersion into the ecosystems.

 

The goal is to create an experience throughout the Amazon that nourishes the body, mind and spirit.

"This is more than just a wellness experience; it's a transformational journey where guests will participate in conservation efforts and develop local communities." -Diego Garcia

Gastronomy inspired by Ecuador and the Amazon

Gastronomy aboard Anakonda and Manatee is deeply connected to Ecuadorian identity and wellbeing.

Wellness through local flavors

The culinary philosophy focuses on:

• Ecuadorian ingredients
• Amazonian flavors
• Conscious dining experiences
• Wellness-focused menus
• Fresh local products

 

According to Diego, travelers can connect to nature through food by learning about how diverse Ecuador's nature is and how food can show you about the environment. 

Gastronomy and health come together in this experience of using healthy food, fresh ingredients, and times when you can feed both your body and mind. 

STORY TIME: The Amazon journey that changed a traveler’s life

My time as Cruise Director on the Anakonda will forever be one of the best memories of my life. While I was substituting for a week, there was an 18 year old girl who impacted my life greatly andI’ll remember her for a long time.  The extent of the impact she had on the rainforest and wildlife along her journey is something that I will not soon forget either. 

The young lady's family requested that they get a family picture taken because this young lady came home from this journey with a completely different perception of what the future holds for her. 

Years later, after graduating from university and gaining work experience, she contacted the Anakonda team again asking if she could work with them.

“If this experience inspired one person to dedicate her life to conservation and community impact, it can inspire many more.” Diego García

Diego García’s favorite image: The Amazon Tree of Life

When asked about the image that best represents his passion for tourism, Diego immediately thinks of the giant ceibo trees of the Amazon rainforest.

A symbol of life, connection, and the Amazon ecosystem

For Diego, the ceibo tree represents the “Tree of Life” because every branch, root, and layer supports an entire micro ecosystem.

Within a single tree coexist:

• Plants
• Animals
• Fungi
• Insects
• Natural ecosystems all interconnected through nature.

 

“Every ceibo tree represents an entire living ecosystem connected through nature.” Diego García

This image perfectly reflects the philosophy behind Anakonda and Manatee: creating journeys that connect travelers with the fragile beauty of the Amazon and inspire a deeper understanding of conservation.

Sustainability & Amazonian communities

Sustainability is one of the strongest pillars behind Anakonda and Manatee.

Working alongside Amazonian cultures

The cruise lines work closely with the Kichwa, Secoya and Cofán indigenous peoples while also providing opportunities for younger members of those tribes to become active participants in tourism and related environmental initiatives.

These programs help:

• Preserve cultural heritage
• Create economic opportunities
• Train future generations
• Promote authentic cultural exchange

 

Local hiring practices also contribute directly to economic growth within Amazonian families.

SCAPE Magazine & the importance of the Amazon

For Diego García, being featured in SCAPE Magazine represents an important opportunity to position the Ecuadorian Amazon as an essential part of conscious luxury travel.

Wellness through nature and conservation

According to Diego, the Amazon has become a destination where travelers can truly detox from stress and reconnect with nature.

“The Amazon is one of the best preserved spaces on Earth. Travelers will find authenticity, remote places, and unforgettable experiences.” Diego García

With these initiatives involve conservation, gastronomy, wellness, and culture, travellers play an integral role in protecting both the rainforest and its people.

Exclusive benefits for SCAPE Magazine readers

As part of this collaboration with SCAPE Magazine, travelers who mention they discovered Anakonda & Manatee through the magazine or Voyagers Travel Company channels will receive exclusive personalized onboard amenities waiting inside their cabin upon arrival.

Packing list for the Ecuadorian Amazon

The Amazon is very wet and thus having the right equipment is very important.

Diego recommends bringing:

• Lightweight safari type clothes
• Comfortable (hiking or other) footwear
• Long pants
• Shorts for kayaking
• Binoculars
• Cameras and photography equipment
• Positive energy and an open mind

 

A final message for Voyagers travelers

For Diego García, the Ecuadorian Amazon is far more than a destination, it becomes a memory travelers carry forever.

“It’s not just a journey. It becomes a memory travelers will always carry in their hearts.” Diego García

Anakonda & Manatee are working to redefine luxury travel in Ecuador's Amazon by providing authentic experiences, extraordinary customer service, conservation activities, & valuable connections with local communities. 

FAQs

What are Anakonda & Manatee Amazon Cruises?

Anakonda and Manatee are the only luxury cruise ships to provide immersive rainforest experiences, wellness-oriented travel, animal sightings, and community interaction with local people in Ecuador on the Amazon River. 

What makes Anakonda & Manatee unique?

Anakonda & Manatee are two very high-end cruise ships running through the Amazon River in Ecuador. The cruise lines have exclusive access to the remote ecosystem of the part of Yasuní National Park;

What wellness experiences will be available in 2026?

New wellness features include:

• Spa experiences
• Wellness Focused Itinerary
• Onboard gym
• Longer immersive rainforest stays
• Nature-based transformational experiences

 

What type of gastronomy is offered onboard?

All food served on the cruise will be composed of a fusion of local ingredients from each of these regions and will follow the principles of a wellness meal plan, a traditional Ecuadorian dish combined with a traditional dish from the Amazon region.

Are the cruise ships sustainable in their operations?

Yes, the two cruise lines operate in an environmentally sustainable manner, with both ships partnering with over 25 Amazonian communities, and contributing to the conservation of the rainforest, creating job opportunities, and creating cultural continuity.

Where can I book my Anakonda or Manatee Amazon experience?

You can book your Ecuadorian Amazon Cruises experience through its dedicated landing page and begin an unforgettable journey into the heart of the Amazon with Voyagers Travel Company.