We were being picked up at noon to go to the airport for our flight to El Calafate and, wanting to squeeze in another activity, we had asked our inn proprietors to arrange for two of us to go horseback riding at a very nearby stable - called variously Centro Hipico or Riding Stable at the End of the World. The riding was spectacular - gentle sure-footed well cared for horses, varying terrain from pasture to hillside to forest to the shores of Beagle Channel, relaxed riding for those who wanted and the ability to trot and canter for us. The owner was friendly and knowledgeable. If you like horseback riding - this is a wonderful stable. Ride length varies from 1 hr to all day. And they made special arrangements with Tierra de Leyendas to have us picked up, on horseback, when the ride was near the inn so we could make our flight.
After arrivel in El Calafate we were again met by local guide to transfer to the luxurious boutique hotel we decided to treat ourselves with for one night - the Esplendor. A lovely indoor swimming pool, an excellent friendly and trendy bar, and an excellent restaurant.
Note about hotel locations and El Calafate: the town is about 15-20 minutes away from the airport so if you are just passing through, or if you are just staying there before going to the airport the next day - look for lodgings in town or for the few that are on the way to the airport. If you like to be near shopping and restaurant choices, of course find something in town. But if you are staying in El Calafate prior to going to visit Perito Moreno Glaciar, then you might want to choose a hotel on the other side of El Calafate from the airport because that is the way to the Glacier National Park. See Dec 27-29 for info on our hotel.
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.