Today was wonderful! We met up with the rest of our tour group, a young man and woman, in the hotel lobby. Along the way to the Sacred Valley we stopped to look at how they make the famous Peruvian tapestries and clothing from alpaca wool. It was interesting to hear Ayul's explanation about the different kinds of vicunas, alpacas, and llamas. Then we saw how they make the fabric dyes and how the ladies weave their goods. Note: tip them when you take photos! Its only polite!
Next we went to Pisac ruins and the market in the town below. Its a bit of a hike around the ruins but worth it. You have a sense of accomplishment when you return to the parking lot and realize it not that hard! The beauty of the surrounding mountains is breathtaking and we learned that Pisac is actually a much larger ruin site than Machu Picchu but its more spread out.
Ayul timed it just right - we got back to the car just as loads of tour buses arrived swarming with tourists. We had a peaceful and educational tour with him because he knew to come early and avoid the crowds.
We went on to lunch at a local restaurant and stuffed ourselves with a buffet of fresh vegetables and local fruits. The hostess described each dish and which region of Peru it was specific to. Great food and I loved that you could try a little of everything!
Moras was our next stop and Matt was in his element learning all about the archeological research and findings that the Peruvians had been conducting with outside help.
Our last and final stop was to Ollantaytambo where we stayed the night at El Sauce, a cute little boutique hotel with white down comforters. Ahhhh a good night's sleep!
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.