We rushed out of El Galpon Del Glaciar at 7:40 am with our backpacks and box lunches since the van taking us to the Perito Moreno glacier was a few minutes early. In the late 1800’s, Perito (‘Specialist’) Francisco Moreno explored this still wildness region. The Perito Moreno, non-retreating, glacier is in the huge Glacier National Park, an hour away. The guide on the van covered the history and facts of the park and the glacier, entirely in Spanish. The guide asked us for payment for the park entrance in Spanish and she told us to bring our litter back with us. (Understanding Spanish would be a definite plus.) The weather this day was absolutely perfect, 45-60°F with bright sunshine and no wind all day. After a picture stop we arrived at the ferry for the first of the day, 15 minute ride across Argentino Lake. Our English speaking group included a man from Atlanta, a Korean couple and 20 French folks. We left our backpacks and box lunches in a cubby space provided in a cabin. We put on our wind pants over our pants and walked half a mile, over a rocky path, to the crampon station. The guides attached crampons to our boots. We received instructions on how to walk on the glacier, by our lead guide, Rolando. Lucas, the side guide, made sure everyone was OK while walking on the glacier. Rolando and Lucas used ice axes to smooth the ice and carve steps. We proceeded single file onto the glacier. For the next 90+ minutes we walked very carefully on the glacier, with several rest stops along the way for pictures. The views of the ice formations were incredible. We were very warm at near 50F temperature, with bright sunshine. We toasted the end of a great activity with Old Grouse scotch on the rocks, served by Rolando. After coming off the glacier we returned the crampons and reversed our steps back to the boat landing area. We had our lunch at the outdoor picnic area. At 1:15 pm we boarded the boat to catch our bus parked on the other side of the lake. The bus took us to the park visitor’s area for 90 minutes. There were multi-level platforms to view the glacier and take pictures. We met several interesting people including a retiree from the same large company I work for. We were greeted with hugs from Norma and Ricardo, one of the Argentine couples we had dinner with the night before. We got back to the estancia late afternoon. We watched a travel video on Argentina while we enjoyed our welcome drink, a day late. We were the only guests for dinner this night in the estancia’s dining room. From the limited menu, the appetizers, lamb stew and dessert were fair.
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.