Santiago to Punta Arenas
Had a 10:10 flight to Punta Arenas, the taxi driver was very happy with the non traffic. We got to the gate and noticed people lining up and thought that it was way too early but we got in line anyways. Turned out to be a flight to northern Chile so the gate keeper wouldn’t let us board, so we went back to our seats in the waiting area to wait. Thank goodness Chris was playing attention as they moved the gate and we only boarded 10 minutes before takeoff. Nice quiet flight to Punta Arena, Chris, Kevin and Pam had the ocean side of Chile near the Pacific and Glen had a view of the Andes. We were surprised to see so much snow so close to the Ocean. Glen got to see a volcanic mountain that was venting steam. We disembarked at Punta Arenas, collected out bags, and went to find our hotel ride. We missed him, but he finally found us. Took a large bus, with a luggage trailer attached to it, to the Don Rey Hotel. Upon arrival we were told to try on boots so we could have them on the cruise. Kevin had a size 46 (13), Glen and Chris 43, and Pam 42. We then had a few minutes before the orientation meeting where Adventure Life representatives review facts about the cruise and how to get in and out of the zodiacs. We then had a “Welcome Dinner” at another hotel. The hotel was built by a widow of a fisherman, she must have missed England as the house was Victorian mansion with a conservatory attached to it. They had us have mixer before the sit down dinner. The sit down dinner started with crab and cerviche. Then we had some sort of beef and rhubarb cake for dessert. They announced that we would have a 5:30 wake-up, 6:00 breakfast, 7:00 leave for airport and 9:00 window to fly out of Punta Arenas – there was a possibility that we couldn’t fly due to weather at King George Island. Home to pack our suitcase – we need to lose some weight and were happy Pam brought the large bag without wheels that Glen used to travel to Europe with. We managed to get all our bags under 20 kg (Chris didn’t have to worry as his 2 bags were under 20 kgs). They had delivered out boots while at dinner. We opted to wear our “Wellies” on the plane and use the waterproof bag that the boots came in as our carry on bag.
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
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
4 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
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.