We awakened in La Playa also known as Sahuayaco or Sawayaco. Juan had arranged for a transport to carry us to the train station past Hidroelectrica and then into Aguas Calientes. It was a beautiful ride showcasing the incredible hydroelectric facilities along the way. Peru seems to be ahead of many places with regard to recycling and energy conservation.
Our camp at La Playa was bittersweet. We had enjoyed watching Jill play hide-an-go-seek with the children, enjoyed a hot shower for only 5 soles each, delighted in Augusto's last meal, and successfully finished the trekking part of our trip.
The sweet part was arriving in Aguas Calientes on the door steps of Machu Picchu with two days of exploration ahead. The destination is also known as Machu Picchu Town is accessible by foot or train only. The only vehicles are the buses that take visitors up to the ruins in twenty minutes saving a two hour walk.
El Mapi Hotel provided clean and very nice accommodations, breakfast and dinner included and CNN coverage of the election results. The shopping there is very interesting.
We got a great night's sleep as we wanted to be on one of the first buses up the hill
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
3 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
4 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.