Since we weren’t boarding the ship until early afternoon, we had to decide on something to do for our last half-day in Ushuaia. One of our wonderful Adventure Life colleagues, Franny, had traveled to Argentina the year before and recommended a hike up to Martial Glacier, a hanging glacier just a short cab ride from downtown Ushuaia. There’s an adorable tea house at the base of the hike, with a gift shop, bathrooms, lunch and beverages, which was a welcome break after we finished hiking. Entrance to the tea house at Martial Glacier (Meg Giddings)
The “trail” to the glacier is just a large open path, as it used to be a ski run. Karen and I were cursing Franny a bit as we huffed it up the hill, but as soon as we got about halfway there, we realized why she had suggested it. You get amazing views any way you look — Martial Glacier ahead of you, Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel below you, and lush healthy foliage to both sides. The hike is perfect for any amount of time you have, as you can hike up as far as you want, then turn around and head down. The view of the Beagle Channel looking down from Martial Glacier (Meg Giddings) Meg in front of Glacier Martial (Karen DiGangi)
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.
