We had an amazing opportunity to travel into the Argentine Rainforest and stay at the incredibly beautiful, Yacutinga Lodge. It was quite the journey to get there, two hours on a back road and having rained for days before we arrived (we were there the first week of winter - another post about this coming soon), that road was essentially mud and large ruts. We were driving there with our guide, Nestro and a couple, Carlos and Maria from xxxx in Lakes District, Patagonia. We only spoke english and the couple mostly spanish and for people who couldn't speak one another's language, we exchanged a great deal of emotions in that car ride: fear, laughter, nervousness and uncomfortable closeness while we are bouncing in our seats and into one another. It was quite the trip, but thank goodness for the 4x4 Toyota Truck and someone that knows how to drive it, because what was in store was incredible. Yacutinga is wonderful - they've brought so much of nature inside to create the lodge, common areas and cabins. We were welcomed with a warm fire and cup of tea and immediately eased up after the long journey. Our time at the Lodge was spent eating good food, hiking and exploring. Our first night, we also spent time learning about the Rainforest and elements that are contributing to it's diminishing state as well as what Yacutinga and other Eco-friendly and sustainable lodges and organizations are doing to help combat those elements. During this presentation by our guide, we shared in the traditional Yerba Mate. Nestro, our guide, had brought his container, made out of a small pumpkin gourd, along with Yerba Mate (a type of green loose-leaf tea) and the filtered straw. There is a thermos of hot water and after having a few sips, you basically take turns passing the Mate around the group and refilling the water when necessary. Nestro explained that while a tradition in the U.S. may be to offer a guest a drink like water, cup of coffee or a glass of wine; Mate is offered as a sign of hospitality and shared among friends, "Sit down, let's have a Mate" (some consider it rude if you say "no"). I've read about this tradition quite a bit and thought it was something of the past, I didn't think I'd actually be able to partake in it as a tourist. While I didn't think to get a photo (refer to blog "Our Pictures are Worth a Thousand Words") - I appreciated being invited to share in their culture in such a unique way.
The info on the website was laid out very well. I did some comparisons with other tours and found Adventure Life met a lot of what I wanted in an Antarctica trip at the cheapest price. Requested a quote on Claudia contacted me right away. She answered a lot of questions the I had via email even though she offered to discuss via phone call. I’m more of an email person so appreciated how she accommodated that and answered all my questions. And when I was ready to book, she quickly got the ball rolling with getting our spots reserved on the trip my friend and I wanted. Thanks again, Claudia!
Hazel Araza
10 hours ago
(1) great information on the website and throughout all the "materials." (2) Jane Packer is great: knowledgeable, responsive, takes a personal interest and tone, seems to care about the customer as a person not a sale.
Larry Bethune
18 hours ago
great people doing a wonderful job to make our voyages happen.
trudy
1 day ago
For our first trip to Costa Rica, Adventure Life designed a tour that meets the interests, ecological and adventure, of our party; but also takes into account our physical limitations sine we are all septuagenarian. We are looking forward to the trip.
John Zent
2 days ago
Adventure Life is my favorite travel company due to their genuine care for their customers. They make every effort to ensure a wonderful travel experience for you. Their personal touch really gives the customer a lot of confidence with their travel plans and the trip leaders are always outstanding. They are truly consistent and accountable with the great service they provide. I can't thank Adventure Life enough for the incredible trips I have enjoyed thanks to them and their attention to detail.