We had an early morning departure for a day trip to Magdalena Island, home to about 100,000 Magellanic penguins. This was a chance to be up very close with these always cute birds without upsetting their routine. The humans keep to the paths so the penguins are used to ignoring them, not feeling threatened. One even tried to peck at Margie's leg. She had done nothing to deserve this and doesn't smell like herring so I guess the penguin was just having a bad day. There was also a stop at Marta Island to see the elephant seal colony there.
In the afternoon we had a 3 hr bus ride to Puerto Natales. This was probably the most comfortable bus I've ever been on. The in-ride movie was a western science fiction film, Cowboys and Aliens. The terrain was nearly flat, an example of the Patagonia known for its wide expanses with nothing to slow down the wind of the far southern latitudes. But the mountains that we were heading toward soon loomed in the distance.
Our lodging was Hotel Weskar, a nice place on the outskirts of town. Of course we had the complementary Pisco Sour there before dinner at the Aldea restaurant. The Chilean Beef there was the best beef dish I can remember ever having.
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner