This morning, our guide picks us up from the hotel and we head north toward Otavalo. Along the way, we visit a bakery that specializes in a local delicacy, little flat breads. We also visit a rose farm. I didn't know that roses were Ecuador's third largest export! The Quito and Otavalo valleys are lined with volcanoes. I can't believe how high and beautiful the snow-capped peaks are. I wish we had more time to do some mountaineering! The indigenous Otavalenos are some of the most intriguing and proud people I have had the chance to encounter. Again, reminds me of my time in Guatemala and the people I was so lucky to live with. After the day's activities, we head to our home for the next few nights: Hacienda Pinsaqui. Pinsaqui is one of the oldest haciendas in the country and the place where Simon Bolivar, the liberator of Ecuador, stayed when in the area. I feel as if I'm in another world as I sip my wine in front of the huge fireplace. Peacocks wander through the courtyard as I read my book.
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.