Early in the morning, we packed our windbreakers and light jackets and boarded a bus with other tourists to travel an hour to the base of the El Moreno glacier. We took a boat with approximately 60 other travelers across the lake which allowed us to see the glacier from different vantage points. When we landed we were divided into group of approximately 12-15 people, donned crampons and began our trek up the Perito Moreno Glacier. Two guides were assigned to each group. The hike up the glacier was stunning. There were blue skies, temperatures of around 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit with no wind, no rain, and no ice, except of course what we were walking on! There could not have been a more beautiful day, making the ice easy to negotiate once you learned how to walk in crampons. We could see that warm jackets and sturdy boots would have been needed on most days as weather is highly changeable on the glacier and travelers should always bring the gear recommended by Adventure Life.
At the end of our hike of about 1.5 hours our guides provided us with a glass of whiskey chilled with ice from the glacier (for those who wished to imbibe!) It was a memorable end to our trek and will always be the highlight of the trip for us. We did not have 'climbing a glacier' on the 'bucket list' for our life but we were glad to have done this.
We came back to the Estancia, freshened up and then went out for a horseback ride around the perimeter of the ranch and along the glacial lake front beach, saw a demonstration of sheep shearing, ate a delicious dinner with lamb, beef, wine and other nicely prepared salads. Our evening closed with a romantic and beautiful orchestrated tango dance!
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.