Jose and another driver/guide took us up into the highlands with a running dialog on Mayan traditions and symbols...very informative. We also enjoyed the outgoing good humor they both had to offer. The market was all it's cracked up to be....big ...a bit chaotic to the uninitiated, and very colorful. Jose made sure we did not miss a trick especially with the respectful visit to the Mayan shrine on the hill above the town where a ceremony was underway. Dined at a market cafe...great tacos. Took lots of pictures in the market and could have stayed longer but we were due at the docks in Panajachel to take a water taxi to our hotel. Lake Atitlan and surrounding area has to be one of the most scenic places in the world. And hotel Lomas de Tzununa was one of a kind. We'll always remember the steps - but we're both over 60 and they didn't kill us! THE VIEWS! THE VIEWS! THE VIEWS!
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.