Today we did some sightseeing in Antigua – Plaza Central, museums, and then caught our transfer to Lake Atitlan. We arrived at Panajachel, which is the main hub – Where you catch all the boats to the other towns around the lake. We took a lancha (small speedboat) to Santiago de Atitlan, where we were to stay for two nights. The lake is beautiful, ringed by volcanoes. Men are fishing in their wooden canoes using only fishing wire and a hook. Very peaceful.
We arrive at Santiago de Atitlan where we were met by tuk-tuks (the 3-wheeled small taxis) offering to give us a ride to the hotel. We decided to walk so we could see the town. On the walk we bought some grilled plantains on the street – One of my favorite things to eat!
Joe and I checked into our bungalow at the Posada de Santiago. It was great! We had a fireplace, and it the whole bungalow was made mostly of stone from the area. There was even a separate faucet in the bathroom that supplied purified water! (We never saw that anywhere else on our travels.) Since canoe rentals were included in our stay, Joe and I hurried to take one out of the lake – Even though it was raining!
Dinner at the Posada was excellent, and we ate there both nights! They have a lovely dining area, and had live music (Cuban music) on Saturday night. It was a great treat!
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.