After an exhausting day (the day before), we all slept well at our hotel last night. The next morning our guide picked us up to take us shopping. We had a new guide this morning and his name was Daniel. Once again a charming, good-looking, informed and articulate gentleman. There were 10 of us and we all fit into a comfortable van.
Our first stop was the open-air market of Otavalo. This market is one of the most famous in South America and especially in Ecuador. The local natives have their wares shown in the market square. All sorts of crafts, rugs and garments made by the local people are shown and sold. Bargaining is something that is to be expected. When buying you must never, never pay the asking price. 30% less than what they ask is a good way to gauge a good buy.
After the open-air market we went to a small town not too far away that is known for its leather goods. More than its leather goods, it was interesting because it wasn't a real tourist town and therefore we could experience the day-to-day life of the local Ecuadorians. We spent some time shopping and then we met for lunch at one of the local restaurants. Eating at this restaurant was an exciting experience. Not only would the locals eat their (once again not a tourist location) lunch, but also what they had on the menu was true Ecuadorian food.
The food was delicious but we had one person at our table that had a special treat. We had heard from our guide that one of the Ecuadorian delights and specialties was roasted guinea pig. Well, my brother-in-law Norman is a very adventuresome eater. When he saw that the roasted guinea pig was on the menu he ordered it up right away. If you look at our photos you will see a picture of the aforementioned guinea pig. Frankly, after trying it, you must partake of this special treat.
On our way back to Quito we stopped at many different, beautiful and interesting sites. One of which was the globe that showed you were right on the equator. It was back to our hotel, a good meal, a good nights rest and off to the Galapagos tomorrow.
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.