Breakfast and checkout from the hotel. I was doing a four day trip up at El Chalten and I learned that the two other people that were doing this trek with me were flying in from Buenos Aires in the afternoon. Originally they were supposed to be in at 1:00 PM, but the airline changed the schedule at the last minute and they would not be arriving until nearly 4:00 PM (not a weather or mechanical delay mind, you - just a last minute schedule change). Jim and Susan (as I would learn would be my compatriots for El Chalten) were flying down on Aerolineas Argentinas and this was not the first time I had heard grumblings from people about the airline. So I had most of the day to wander around El Calafate. Nothing really exciting as I sat around people watching while eating lunch, explored some of the shops on the main drag of town, and wandered down to the shore of the Lago Argentino.
Eventually it was time to meet up with the transportation to El Chalten, head to the airport to pick up my new travelling companions, and then make the 3 hour ride to El Chalten. While the weather was decent in El Calafate, the closer we got to El Chalten, the drearier it became and by the time we got into town there was a steady, cold rain falling. Checked into our lodgings for the evening, headed out to dinner at Pangea restaurant (some good pizza available here). Still raining when we left, so while I was interested in walking around the small town some, the weather simply wasn't conducive to the activity so we headed back to the hotel. I still had to repack for our three day "backcountry" excursion and tomorrow was another early start for the Ice Trekking on Glaciar Torre.
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
2 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
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.