We flew back to Quito and stayed for the day until our next flight to the Galapagos. Quito is an awesome city, and we would like to go back and have more time to explore. You can see the mountain tops that surround the city, and it was definitely much colder climate than the hot, humidity of the jungle. So bring layers. But one of our guides recommended Mosaico cafe, and we met up with another couple we met at Sacha. Mosaico is perched on top of a hill that over looks much of the old town of Quito. We got there just before the sunset, and we had a terrific view, this country is beautiful from the jungles to the cities...and we hadn't even been to the Galapagos yet!
We didn't realize what a great view it would be and so left our cameras in the hotel, so the only picture I have is from my far inferior phone. So, if you go bring your camera.
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.