Today was amazing. We joined an 8 hr tour to Perito Moreno, the 3rd largest glacier in the world—magnifico! We lucked out with a sunny day and not too much wind which is a real problem in the summertime in all of Patagonia. The great thing about this trip was that we walked for 1 ½ hrs on the glacier itself—looked and felt like real trekkers! We were outfitted with crampons (metal foot spikes which grip the ice) and taught how to walk like a duck uphill and lean back w/ bent knees down. Of course, Jean hit the dust immediately and now has a huge lump and bruise on her butt. No one else fell. The glacier ice looks like giant snowcone stuff and is very hard. The guides gave us an amazing tour and we learned a lot re: glaciers. Just prior to walking off the glacier we saw what we thought was a mirage—a little makeshift bar w/ Old Grouse scotch, glacier ice and water and a little treat! We all had a toast to mother nature!
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.