We headed off to breakfast bright and early to tell our newfound friends the big news and received a round of applause from the whole camp! Then, it was time to get down to business. We had a VERY full day ahead with our “Towers trek” – a difficult trek to the base of the gigantic spires of El Paine (8 hours roundtrip!) to see three granite monoliths reaching 9,400 feet, up close. The ascent was incredibly steep but we still took in the startling views: valleys, camps, rivers, bridges, forests and moraine. The temperature must have changed twenty times! We made it in four hours - which apparently was good time, and after a rejuvenating lunch at the top of our hike, we had to head back quickly since the descent was steep and Manuel knew it would take us much longer. Jay’s knees were bothering him so he walked backwards almost the whole way!! When we finally made it back from our hike, I had never been so happy to be back on level ground. The hike gave me a new respect for our guide, and for the many people who trek through Patagonia on a regular basis. It’s a truly unforgiving wilderness, and I felt honored to be in such distinguished company as Manuel and his friends who we met along the way. We finally took a load off (my feet have NEVER hurt so badly) but it’s was a good hurt, as we reveled in the success of our challenging climb. At dinner that night, we met a new family to join our crew – this one from Seattle – right around the corner from where my brother lives! We really celebrated our hike with our fellow travelers that night, since it’s safe to say it was the toughest, but most liberating hike we’re ever taken. For some of our newfound friends, it was their last night in the eco camp, so we all stayed up late drinking wine, talking about our different cultures, customs and marriage traditions. We heard some interesting stories about Slovenian bachelor parties, where the soon-to-be groom must drag a life-sized cross from bar to bar, all while wearing a dress!
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.