Craving a pick-me-up, Karen and I walked to a local coffee shop to kickstart our first full day in Ushuaia after two long days of travel. We discovered that an Argentinian hazelnut latte is a delicious concoction with globs of nutella at the bottom. YUM. Fully caffeinated, we were picked up from our hotel by the guide, and we stopped a couple more times to pick up other group members before heading east out of town. We started out on a main paved road until we reached Garibaldi Pass, where a lookout structure provides panoramic views of the valley below. The view from Garibaldi Pass lookout (Meg Giddings)
From the pass, we headed down into the valley on a muddy 4x4 track, reaching the shore of Lago Escondido, where we stopped for a look around and a quick bathroom break. Next, we headed for the much larger Lago Fagnano, bouncing all the way on the rutted road. We took a short walk along the lake shore, and then we were welcomed into an outbuilding with tables set for lunch. We enjoyed some delicious cheese and Argentinian malbec, followed by churripan AND steak. I savored this lunch break and time to wander the lake shore, as I was not particularly looking forward to getting back in the 4x4 vehicle and continuing our bouncy ride. I wouldn’t recommend this tour for anyone with a weak stomach, unless maybe you can get a seat up front. Our 4x4 vehicle parked in front of our lunch stop (Meg Giddings)
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.
