Today was another early start. Carlos, our guide for the day, arrived at 6 AM for our excursion to Ingapirca and the Devil's Nose Train Ride. It was about a 2-hour drive from Cuenca to Ingapirca, and another 2 hours or so to Alausa, where we boarded the train. Apparently we were the first visitors of the day to arrive at Ingapirca, as we had to wait a few minutes before anyone was there to collect our $7.50/person entry fee. Ingapirca was obviously an important site during the time of the Inca Empire, and we enjoyed learning of the site's uses and the methods that runners would use to communicate messages between Machu Picchu and Ingapirca along the extensive network of Inca trails. It was a chilly morning at Ingapirca, and I wished I had brought a jacket. The day would soon warm up as the clouds burned up and the sun came out.
Next, we headed to Alausa, for the Devil's Nose Train Ride. What a thrill! We rented seat cushions for a dollar before climbing on to the roof and staking out a spot for the best views of the mountainous terrain. Of course, I think everyone there had a great view. At first I was a little uneasy about sitting on top of the old train, but I soon soon relaxed and enjoyed the ride. Patricia and I both napped a little in the car on the way back to Cuenca after a long and enjoyable day of sightseeing.
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
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.