The next morning we joined our guide to the ruins. His father was one of the original archaeologists there. He was very knowledgeable, but difficult for me to understand. Before starting on our tour of the ruins, he showed us a small model of Tikal. Tikal was discovered in 1848 by Ambrosio Tut. There are still many uncovered ruins there.
Most of the pyramids have been closed off to climbers as there have bee a few deaths from people falling off of them. We climbed 71 rickety wooden steps to the top of one of the pyramids. I welcomed the chance to sit when we got to the top and look out at the view, which was absolutely glorious. I felt like I was at the top of the world. This particular pyramid was in one of the Star Wars movies. From the summit, we looked out over a dense jungle with just some of the tops of pyramids showing. We had a breathtaking view from our perch at the top of the pyramid.
Our walk through Tikal took a little over four hours. We saw the state tree, the Ceipa tree and some strange little animals. Our lunch consisted of barbeque chicken, potatoes and onion soup, vegetables and a roll with butter. We did a little shopping at the lodge. I bought a cane for my oldest son, Cord, as that is what I always bring him from my trips. Our meal that evening was quite good and consisted of pork chops, carrots, rice, fruit ad bean soup. By now, you know I have a hearty appetite and love to sample local fare.
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
3 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
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.