This morning we woke to have breakfast - scrambled eggs and toast with guava jam, which was very good and then prepared for our hike in the morning.
We headed first for the highlands - past the "country homes" higher up and saw the ecosystem change before our eyes as we climbed. Oranges, papaya, corn, cattle, horses, all of this could be seen higher up in the parts that receive more rain. We go first to the tortoise re-breeding center, a project set up to help protect young tortoises so they will make it beyond the precious first 5 years of their lives and grow o become the 100 something year old adult they were meant to be.
As we walk along the trails we see many tortoises- 4 of which took the prize for most entertaining. We watched 1 tortoise walk across their mud feeding area to squat down behind another who was laying peacefully and then started to bite his tail! Even our guide could not explain the reason for it, as it was the most bizarre behavior! The one being bit started to walk away - only to have the one follow in pursuit and continue to bite his tail!
Next we went to climb the tallest peak on the island, a very short and manageable climb up a section of wood stairs. We then walked around the crater lake at the top - spotting frigate birds coming up to bath in the fresh water. The ecosystem up here is very different, lush with plant life, misty,windy and (on this day) foggy. We descend back to the bus and return for lunch - a wonderful local dish called cazuela, and then
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner