Cotopaxi in the clouds; the glacier used to come all the way down to the Base Camp at the center of the photoOur first sight of Quito as we dropped through the clouds was of a bowl filled to the brim with lights. Quito sits high in the Andes, surrounded by mountain peaks, and the city runs right up the mountainsides. The plane dropped down, down into the lights as if it meant to land in the city center. Which is pretty much what it did—the airport is tucked right in alongside downtown!
We were met by our Adventure Life guide, a young man named Daniel, and whisked within minutes to our little hotel, Hostel La Rabida. The hotel had been built as a gracious home early in the last century. Our first impression was of wide, white-walled rooms, a curving staircase, and a fire in the fireplace. Daniel promised to be back in the morning.
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 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
