Pisac, PeruWe started the day saying goodbye to our new friends Phil & Jane with who we have shared our treks with over the previous 3 days. Adding to several small world experiences, it turns out both Phil & Steve have a common friend in the business community. We set off on a morning hike which took us to a giant ciebar tree with a natural arch in the base so large the pathway went right through it. These massive 400 year old trees are truly awe-inspring. As usual, our native guide Geraldo pointed out a number of plants that are used by indigenous peoples for food, medicines and an array of practical purposes. Geraldo has been great with the kids. Even though he does not speak English, he has built a bond with them and fashioned several little souvenirs from jungle plants. The morning concluded with a little fishing off the swim dock where both boys successfully caught small white piranha using a simple bamboo fishing pole and raw chicken. They then proceeded to cool off with a swim in the very same waters! After lunch and a siesta, we commenced our final outing at Sacha Lodge, more hiking and canoeing down narrow jungle streams. WHile it was all more of the same, one can't help but be impressed every time another monkey or exotic plant is seen. As we reflect on our few days here we come away somewhat changed. The jungle started out to be an inhospitable place - hot, damp, muddy and home to poison plants, bugs and reptiles. Yet, our anxieties have subsided as our guides have given us a more informed perspective of these risks and a much deeper appreciation for the wonders of this amazing place.
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
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
