It was a long journey from Missoula, but I finally arrived in Guayaquil at about 11 pm. I was relieved to have my luggage in hand and to be met at the airport and taken directly to the hotel. The Oro Verde was just a short 15 minute drive from the airport.
My father, Pete, had arrived in Guayaquil the day before, and since he had never really traveled outside of the U.S. before, I was feeling a bit apprehensive about what condition and mood I would find him in at the hotel. The guy at the front desk greeted me with, \"Are you Peter Noffke's daughter?\" ...I wasn't sure if it was a good sign or a bad sign that the hotel staff already knew my dad by name. But before long, I was listening to stories about his exciting day in Guayaquil. He had taken a guided city tour and explored the entire river front area on his own. He particularly enjoyed all of the insights his guide gave him about life in Guayaquil. His guide also advised him about which soccer team jersey to wear in order to make friends with the locals. Little did I know that he would wear the jersey every day of the trip!
As excited as we both were to finally be in Ecuador, we tried to get some sleep before heading to the Galapagos the next morning!
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.