This day we headed to the Yasuni Parrot Lick. The lick is located on the edge of Yasuní National Park, a short canoe trip down the Napo River. Recently, the park service has set up blinds in order to watch the parrots. We saw dozens and dozens of different parrots. The cost of $20 per person for entrance into the National Park is well worth it.
One of the guys in our group only cared about seeing a Red Macaw, which did not make an appearance. We did end up seeing one two days later.
In the afternoon we lounged by the lagoon, had a few beers, and got to know some of our fellow travelers. The beers were 22 ounces and $2. Kaboom!
Dinner was a BBQ on the "Sun Deck" next to the lagoon. This was one of the highlights of the trip, for sure. The native guides joined us for dinner, and everyone had a good time. After dinner, we witnessed one of the most incredible thunder storms I've ever seen.
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.