Today we came back across the lake to Panajachel and from there took off to visit Chichi market. One of the largest in the area (particularly on Sundays) there were so many vendors. We spent some time wandering through here and then headed to see the cemetery where many brightly painted tombs cover the hillside. We had the treat of seeing some Maya women burning incense and making offerings on one particular grave site. We saw this happen as well on the steps to the entrance of the Catholic Church there. It was interesting to learn from Hugo how the 2 religions have become so mixed over ht years, and how many claim to pray to Maya gods and Catholic saints and believe in both. After lunch at Hotel Santo Tomas in Chichi, we took off to head to Antigua. Along the way, we stopped to visit a privately owned coffee plantation just outside the city. We were not there during the harvest time, so we were only able to see a video discussing the process, but it was fascinating still to learn about the many steps that go into making a small bean such a highly demanded commodity. We came in then to Antigua and checked into our hotel, La Aurora. You would not know it, but from the outside it looks like just another building, but on the inside is the most beautiful courtyard with babbling fountain and beautiful flowers, a very peaceful retreat in the middle of the bustling city. In the evening, we met first with Luis, from the in-country office we work with. We grabbed a cup of coffee together, and then sat around the central plaza chatting. I very much appreciated getting the chance to meet face to face a person I work with on a daily basis! After parting ways, my husband and I went off in search of a good restaurant. We settled on Fonda de la Calle Real, which is now probably my favorite option. After dinner, we headed back for the evening.
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.