Our plans, hopes and dreams were about to begin as the wheels touched down on a stary night in Lima, Peru. Oh, the Rocky Mountains in Colorado were hours behind us, our fitness training was over and our own llamas and border collie were in the safe hands of friends.
The Peruvian symphony was about to begin. The Costa del Sol-Ramada was only steps from our baggage claim and introduced us to our first and complimentary Pisco Sour as they greeted us.
All of the daydreams from 8th grade geography staring at small pictures of Machu Picchu, wondering about what the Incas were really like, and what kind of adventurer was Hiram Bingham were about to pass from virtual to actual reality as my head hit the pilow.
We were a party of three:my wife Melissa, her sister Jill, and me. Adventuring on the brink of my 70th birthday, I felt wildly excited; perhaps just like Hiram.
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
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.