The Futaleufu Valley is difficult to leave. There are only a few buses leaving every week, and thanks to poor planning on my part, I had missed them. Luckily, the folks at Bio Bio are amazing and incredibly generous, and Edgar was going to give me a ride to the border where I could hook up with another one of their drivers who would take me to Esquel. I lucked out in a big way. The morning was relaxing- I packed up and waited until Edgar was ready to head out. For the third time in as many days, I said goodbye to the Bio Bio folks. I have no doubt in my mind that my path will cross theirs again some day. Edgar and I loaded up the bus and headed to Argentina. My adventure was over, and oh, what an adventure it was! My arduous trip back to Missoula would be filled with thoughts of Chile, Argentina, Patagonia, and the amazing Futaleufu River!!
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.