Once again it was early to rise in order to catch a first bus. We had tickets to ascend Huayna Picchu and as the weather cooperated the mountain beckoned. Juan would lead Jill and Melissa to the top, and I decided to soak in the view from several spots I had chosen. Once we arrived we agreed on a rendezvous time and place, and the adventure was on. With their tickets in hand they were among the first. The climb has a limited number of visitors.
The weather this day boasted bold blue sky with partially wispy and later dramatic cumulous clouds. It was perfect. They made their way up the steep steps, carefully across the very exposed terrace like walkways, and leaned into the wall when it got really scary. Both of the girls decided that it was worth the effort.
I sat at the Guard house for an hour letting my imagination run wild and occasionally snapping a photo I wanted to use to remember the moment. My mind drifted to Inca values of respect for the earth and stars and sun. The Urubamba River glistened below and became a ribbon of light as the sun climbed higher in the sky. How far removed we have come.
Anyway, I did drift back to reality and ventured to another vantage point walking through the great gate to the city and admiring the massive rocks and close fitting stones. I had to sit there a while and ponder. I knew my path would pass the Intihuatana, the hitching post of the sun, and the directional rock pointing out the Southern Cross. I had done my homework.
The higher mountain travelers met me just in time to see a cria and momma llama moving to another grassy area nearby. The guard had scooped the baby up and mom was close behind. Many of the visitors enjoyed the petting part and the animals seemed to enjoy it.
Juan returned and we three poked around rooms we hadn’t had a chance to visit. We actually revisited other spots and enjoyed being there. Our symphony was being played in the final measures.
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.