Today we were supposed to visit Magdalena Island, but the rains had come down heavily all night and the trip was not safe. Instead, our guide called to offer us another option, sea kayaking on the Straits of Magellan. We transferred 30 minutes south of Punta Arenas and were given all the gear necessary for a comfortable kayaking trip in rain and wind- wet suits, splash jackets, splash pants, etc. The kayaking guide explained that it would not be safe to kayak the Straits either since the wind had picked up, and recommended a river (ditch by our estimation) that ran parallel to the Straits. Why not? we gamely boarded our double kayak for a quick lesson and then headed upriver, fighting the fierce wind along the way. It seemed that we had been going for ages when we finally stopped making any forward progress. The guide asked if we wanted to turn back. Exhausted from the winds, we happily agreed. The downriver return trip took only a few minutes and we realized that we had not traveled more than 500 yards or so! Arrggh! Oh well, we headed back to the starting point and enjoyed some lovely tea and Patagonia cookies before heading back to Punta Arenas to meet our transfer into Torres del Paine.
It was a very good thing that we returned when we did. The streets of Punta Arenas were flooded with the worst rains in 20 years. We had to walk across a makeshift bridge to enter our hotel that had already started experiencing flooding in the basement. Along the way, we passed cars that were stranded in waters that reached above the tires in some cases.
A few minutes later, our transfer van to Torres arrived blessedly early to wisk us out of the city before the flooding got worse. Though it was still raining, the weather was less severe further inland. To break up the 5 hour transfer into the park, we stopped for a wonderful lunch in Puerto Natales and then visited the Milodon Cave, home to giant sloths and other prehistoric creatures such as the saber-toothed tiger approx 10,000 years ago.
We arrived into EcoCamp in the evening and were taken to our fantastic suite dome, complete with private bath, hot water, wood stove and electricity. It was fantastic and we settled in for a good meal and an introduction to the following days activities.
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.
