We set out from Philadelphia, PA and landed on solid ground the following morning (and on my first piece of foreign soil!) at 6 AM Santiago time. The sun had just come up and as we headed off the tarmac, it was already evident we were in for a treat. The views (even from the airport) were breathtaking! Jay and I headed off in search of our Adventure Life guide Eugene - our driver, aficionado of all things Santiago, and soon-to-be friend. We found him waiting eagerly, sign in hand, chomping at the bit to take us on a tour of the city. But we were so exhausted that we headed right to the Bonaparte Hotel – a modern, yet homey hotel smack dab in the center of the charming neighborhood of Providencia to get some much needed r & r. After a bit, it was time to set out on the town for our first foray into the city of Santiago. We first headed into Bellavista – a hip neighborhood just a 20 minute walk from our hotel – and enjoyed our first Pisco Sour al fresco! After tasting this traditional South American drink made of brandy, lime juice and yes, a little egg white (trust us it’s delicious!), we understood why everyone was raving about this drink. It was just the thing to cool us down after a hot (if enjoyable) walk around the city. There were so many sights and sounds to take in, it was tough to know where to look next. But we found Cerro San Cristobal – an enormous “hill” located in the heart of Santiago, and took the funicular (cable car) up to the top to enjoy a stunning view of the city with full sun overhead. It began to dawn on us how really small we were. After a day of city exploration, and seriously aching feet, we headed back to our hotel to freshen up and enjoy a coffee on the outside terrace. Dinner that night was six blocks away at a charming outside restaurant called La Guria in Providencia. We heard a lot of good things about this place and they were all true. We enjoyed our dinner outside on a small terrace and a “muy delicioso” bottle of wine and head to bed to rest up for our next big adventure.
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.