Taypikala Hotel Cusco, Cusco
We awakened early in order to enjoy the incredible breakfast buffet and head toward our 8:00am flight to Cusco. Double checking our hidden passport pouches, securing our money belts, and clutching our backpacks we walked back into the terminal in search of LAN Airways.
I continued to say Cusco,Peru, to myself, of course to be sure I wasn't dreaming. Soon we were among the clouds and awesome Andes mountains. Everyone was pointing to snow capped mountains and the excitement was electric.
In just over an hour we were on the ground again in the Cusco,Peru, airport. I had to say it again!!
Just as Adventure Life (AL) had promised, our driver and guide scooped us up with our luggage and cheerfully escorted us to the hotel Taypikala. By the way the address is 600 Intikawarina; get use to practicing how to say words that are very different!
Our chauffer was to become a trusted friend over the trip, as he carried us over roads at heights that were unbelievable! We checked in quickly to the clean and comfortable room which was to be home for two nights.
No rest for the excited as Vidal, our knowledgeable and, as the girls said ''guapo'' guide arrived within the hour, and we were treated to a text book tour of the historic city of Cusco.
So it began. We quickly became immersed in the culture, history, people, architecture, nature and beauty of Peru.
The Plaza de Armas was only minutes from the hotel. It is a hub of history as the center of Cusco. Coricancha, the cathedrals, the fountain, and people dressed in regional clothing were a myriad display of color and customs. We found the best place to change money, most authentic vendors for alpaca fiber goods and had our first taste of Peruvian beer. Muy bien!!
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.