We got up early in the morning had a nice breakfast and started our journey to the next camp. We made a stop at our canoe driver's (Guillermo) home to pick-up fresh fruit for the adventure. The next stop was to pick-up our Guides, guide.
We spent about forty-five minutes at the Quechua village, where they are raising turtles to return back into the wild. There were approximately 900 baby turtles in the pens.
After picking up our native guide we proceeded down (I think) the Cuyabeno River to the Quechua Camp. We arrived in time for lunch. Yes you guessed it. Raul is a very good chef. (I didn't need to bring the peanut butter crackers). After lunch Guillermo and Raul set up our mats and mosquito nets on the choza, (platform) where we spent the next two nights.
After a short rest we went for a hike in the forest. We discovered tracks from tapir, deer, ocelot and other animal tracks. On this hike we also discussed some of the plants that are used by the native people for medicinal purposes. It was quite different getting stuck in the mud. (I'm so glad they gave us boots). After our hike, we all took our baths (swim) together in the Cuyabeno river. (Call it what you'd like, but hang on for dear life is more like it). The River's current is very strong. After our refreshing swim, yes you guessed it, HAPPY HOUR!
After a few cocktails, we once again boarded the canoe to look for caiman. If I remember correctly, we only saw two. It really didn't matter. We were having a good time talking. After a couple of hours, we returned back to camp for another one of Raul's creations. (I don't know how he does it). We all retired early in anticipation of the next days experience.
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
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.