My travel buddy, Marie and I met at the entrance of Manila airport's NAIA Terminal 3 in the afternoon of Dec 4th, 2022 to catch our flight in the evening to Quito via Amsterdam. We made sure all our documents are in place, started our trip with a hearty dinner and started documenting our adventure.
Here we go!
This is us relaxing in Amsterdam after a long trip from Manila. We took advantage of the KLM lounge, where we stayed connected with our loved ones and ate a variety of meals inspired by different cultures.
In Amsterdam, while waiting for our flight to Quito.
We finally arrived in Quito at 5 p.m. on December 5, and as soon as we passed immigration, customs, and duty free, our guide was waiting for us - holding an Adventure Life sign on the right side of the arrivals hall with our names on it. We were surprised to discover how easy it was to find our guide at the airport! Can you spot him on the picture below?
It was late afternoon, almost evening. What should we be expecting? We did some research and anticipated a warmer climate given their proximity to the equator. However, for someone who grew up in a tropical region, Quito's climate is significantly more comfortable - it's windy and has a cool breeze! Fortunately, we both have lightweight jackets!
Despite our exhaustion from the long trip, we are eager to explore the city. On our way to our hotel, Hotel Patio Andaluz, in Quito's historic neighborhood, we noticed vendors selling their local drink (Ecuadorian drink, which they call "canelazo") - just in time for the cold weather! You can have it with or without liquor; of course, I took one with liquor! We are supposed to roam the city at night but because it was Quito's Foundation day on that date, the plaza was closed and not open to the public. Although we didn't see the historic city at night by foot, it did not disappoint us - it was a perfect time for us to refuel and recharge for the next day.
Here are a few photos of Hotel Patio Andaluz where we stayed for the night.
First class all the way. Enjoyed our Guide, Karla, Driver Mark so much. Personalized tour of Antigua during Easter was like a National Geographic in person. Trip of the Lifetime. Such a spiritual and magical tour. Many Thanks.
Ben Shaver
Ben Shaver, Jr.
2 days ago
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
4 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
6 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
1 week ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
