Awakening in Ccolpapampa was a dream. The light breeze wisk the misty atmosphere in swirls, the rooster was announcing the day like the rabbit in Alice in Wonderland, our bodies remembered the trek of yesterday and our minds recalled the elation at the Salkantay Pass. Reality slowly focused on the 9 mile hike today although we were remembering it was only about 2500 foot descent. We would continue to enjoy the music of the river and the beautiful flowers.
Augusto appeared at our tent with his cheerful tea song, and we engaged the activities of the day. Today would be different as Jesus and Francisco would be returning to their homes near Mollepata. We spoke with Francisco about his horse that he had to leave at the pass. He said he felt certain it would be easily found and well enough to travel home.
Our gear would be carried by a local carrier to La Playa, and Augusto would set up camp there. Our task was to enjoy our walk along the river admiring the hovering snow covered peaks that loomed above. The road followed the river on the opposite side and was often well above it and never a distraction.
After a wonderful breakfast and farewells to Jesus and Francisco, we rejoined our serpentine trail to cross a narrow bridge and continue along our path beside the river. Our new Golite packs had served us well and the water bladders a great system for rehydration. Our rain gear, fleece, hats and gloves were a light load to carry. Our boots were dry and soon the ticking of our poles was drowned out by the melody of water.
While we were on the brink of the rainy season, bright flowers and ferns decorated our path. Shapes and sizes only a creative intellect could imagine became the objects of our photography. Naturally we had to show each other the latest find for mutual enjoyment.
Small communities were sparsely populating the trail and several entrepreneurs offered drinks of juice and Inca Cola. Naturally they were the temperature of the day since ice was a luxury found only in restaurants. Children sometimes played around the concession areas hoping for some kind of a treat and were often rewarded. It was fun. They enjoyed the pleasure of passing company and a little attention.
The beautiful flute music I had purchased at Amazon.com was still playing in my ears. My feet had been walking an Inca trail. The thread of life we walked along provided water to make food and mix a mud mortar to build homes. Once again the earth provided for her children. The Pachamama mythical yarn was spun into the lives and lore embracing the goodness from which a beneficial life is derived.
The agent had great response to questions and coordinated well to create an itinerary that met our expectations.
Bob Sunshine
1 day ago
Very responsive to all questions
Teresa Cardoso
2 days ago
Kelly and Rhenee were excellent to work with on planning our trip. The logistics all worked smoothly and everyone was friendly and on time. Our accommodations were very good, particularly the incredible Patagonia Camp in Torres del Paine! Our guides on every excursion were outstanding and made the hikes memorable! Overall we had a wonderful trip with incredible memories!
Scott Gibson
2 days ago
Adventure Life is definitely a first-class safari tour company, and our representative was Franny Friesz. First of all, she responded immediately after we contacted Adventure Life. We told Franny that we had never been on a safari, and she was more than eager to offer a mountain of information about the trip. She informed us fully about all the ups, downs, and all arounds! She even prepared a number of packages for us to review -- even after we made changes to the areas we wanted to explore. Friendly, helpful, professional, and extremely knowledgeable -- these words describe Franny, and what a wonderful trip she prepared! We couldn't have asked for better service than Franny of Adventure Life. We HIGHLY recommend her and her outstanding company! Bon Voyage!
Prima Burke
3 days ago
The staff at Adventure Life made planning my family's trip to the Galapagos Islands as easy as possible. They listened to what we were hoping to experience and made thoughtful suggestions about how to accomplish our vacation goals while meeting the needs of travelers ages 17-76! They patiently answered questions and follow up questions in the months leading up to the trip. They helped us trouble shoot and customize the trip in every way possible. The logistics involved in traveling from Boston to the Galapagos are innumerable. The Adventure Life staff helped us arrange every detail and the team they assembled in the Galapagos was tremendous. I have never done a trip this big before and after working with Adventure Life this time--would not hesitate one second in working with them again.