We began our morning enjoying the sit-out breakfast in our patio. A platter of assorted fruits and freshly squeezed juices were sent to the room along with some local cheese and coffee. A late start to a lazy morning, we decided to briefly explore the small and quaint town of Iguazu. The taxi driver dropped us off at a nearby restaurant where we enjoyed an appetizing Italian Meal. We visited some local stores where we shopped for souvenirs. We shortly decided to head back to the hotel in order to prepare for the day’s excursion.
We kicked-off this excursion in what appeared to be a 4x4 truck outfitted with many benches. We were taken for a bumpy fifteen minute ride to what felt like the middle of nowhere, but actually was the “base camp” of the adventure – a military area hidden away in the forest.
We were soon lined-up, single file, for a hike up an unexpectedly steep terrain. I started-out in front of the line but soon slipped way back. I realized how out of shape I still was, as the loud sounds of my panting enveloped me. Through out the trek we could hear the humming sounds of hidden birds. We soon found ourselves at the precipice of a 20 meter gushing fall. Barely did we overcome our awe at the height of the falls that the guide informed us in a very matter of fact way that we would be rappelling down the falls. Dumbfounded, I tried really hard to get my wits together. The guide proceeded to attach a harness to my waist and hooked me onto a rope. All clasped-in, I began to rappel down, (to my amazement) taking perfectly construed steps. It was almost too easy, but just as I started to get the hang of it, I found myself flung into the gushing falls. Completely baffled, as to how I managed to lose control of myself, I struggled to get through the latter part. I soon felt my feet again and managed to gather my bearings, only to catch a glimpse of our Porteno who shot me a mischievous smile. I then realized it was all in good humor. I must admit though, that this incident did make the entire experience a whole lot more exciting. Next, I saw Nanita and the rest of our group stumble exactly the way I did, I didn’t feel quite so embarrassed since I was not the only guinea pig.
Flying dragons
Dripping wet but now fully charged up by our rappelling experience, we resumed our trek through the forest. But no sooner did we start; a blood curling scream escaped my lips when I heard the quick shuffle of the leaves and a tan colored animal approach me. The guide halted asking everyone to ‘hush hush’. This was my first jungle trek and I was not about to be hunted! Raw fear coursed through my veins. When we figured it was a forest deer, everyone broke out into a giggle but the thought of an animal two feet away from me, had my heart racing.
I knew I had signed up for an adventure but its true definition was now unfolding.
We walked along a short path to the zip line station. An elongated cable connected 4 trees. Our guide presented a careful yet somewhat comical demonstration of the various techniques we needed to grasp. We donned our neon helmets and cloth gloves and lined up in eager anticipation. With my first kick off ground, I found myself flying over the jungle canopy, feeling exhilarated and electrified. I could feel the rush and the momentum, almost feeling like one of the flying dragons from the movie Avatar.
As hunger conquered and exhaustion kicked in, we hopped back onto the truck for our ride back to the hotel. On reaching, we unwound at the hotel Jacuzzi over a bottle of Argentinean wine. The warm laps of the water complemented the contemporary flavors of a good New World wine providing a fitting conclusion to an action packed and memorable day.
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.