Had breakfast then headed out for our Cayambe-Coca Trek. We arrived at an ecological reserve high up in the Andes which I'm not quite sure was really Caymbe-Coca, as our itinerary differed from the planned one. Rather than hiking to multiple camp sites over several days we just stayed at one site and did circuit hikes. If anything, it was less work and the hikes were great so it was all good.
We started at a small building with our guide Felipe, then hiked up the road and through much cow covered farmland. We also saw some caballeros, one just a small child. Hiked past a small brick house with children playing outside who were kind enough to pose for us before running away in a little game of hide and seek.
The area we camped in was quite nice. It was surrounded by trees and a rushing stream. I had my own tent. Hail to the king, baby. Instead of relaxing in our new home and acclimating to the new altitude, Dave and I hiked pretty much straight up the mountain above. What can I say, it was exciting and we wanted to explore.
The views were simply spectacular. Lush mountains surrounding us, a plateau between cliffs with cattle and horses everywhere, funky orange flowers, and great views of Quito far down below. There were many skeletons lying around, so took picture with a cow skull masquerading as El Chupacabra.
Afterwards we had a tasty meal prepared by our cook Arturo. Then we hung out around a campfire. It was quite chilly. I had picked up a bottle of whiskey in Quito and we passed that around to help warm us up. Our guides seemed to quite enjoy this. Steve got a little careless tending the fire and burned a big hole in his glove. Good times! After a visit from a hawk we retired to our tents.
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.