The only marine iguana- that is salt on their heads. We fly high over the Andes. It is breathtaking to see snow tops at the Equator. We arrive in a sleepy river town and are welcomed immediately with our new guide for the next few days. We have over 2 hours on the river- it obviously is the major highway of the area. There are barges full of trucks going in both directions. The lodge is beautiful and a group is leaving the next day. Luckily for us, just as in the Galapagos Islands we again have the place to ourselves. We are well taken care of. There are many small buildings with thatched roofs. We are very interested in the high numbers of animal diversity in the Amazon. We are not disappointed. We spend hours 170 feet in the area, scanning the jungle for birds. We see over 90 different species. The brightly colored toucans, parrots, macaws, trogons, honeycreepers, and tanagers keep us well entertained. It is beyond my imagination (as we live in New England) that you can see so many colorful birds in a short period of time. Of course the jungles also include sloths, kinkajoos, Red howler monkeys, Squirrel monkeys, Titi monkeys and leaf cutter ants. I had never heard of the Pygmy Marmoset- it is a 5" long monkey with a very distinct face. Every day we went to their favorite trees to get that rare chance to see such a small and endearing monkey. The trees were immediately adjacent to the lodges, they were not afraid of us. The guides included a local native guide who gladly explained local plant and animal lore. We spent 4 days at this lodge and we were never bored. The food was very good and plentiful. We were out at 6am until 1pm. Enjoyed a large lunch then took a two hour break (our hammock time). We went out again at 4pm returned by 6pm for dinner and proceeded out again at 8pm for a night walk several times. I definitely would like to return to the Amazon- there are too many plants and animals to see in one trip.
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
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
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
