The wake up call was a sad event today, but I was up with my suitcase packed and ready for the porter. And then it was off to explore Bachas Beach on Santa Cruz. Here we walked past a salt lagoon where rumor had it pink flamingos frequent. We only had a confirmed feather sighting - maybe next trip! Past the salt lagoon we climbed a short distance for a breathtaking view of the blue ocean, brown and green cactus, and the white of the horizon. Along the way we saw Galapagos fly catcher birds, ground finches, and other indigenous birds.
Our walk circled us around part of the Island and we were back to the beach. Sea turtles were finishing covering their nests and it was an incredible sight! The fact that blue herons were searching for eggs not properly covered was disconcerting, but this was nature at work. Normally the turtles dig and cover their nests at night. We didn't know what had delayed these great creatures, but chances were that many of their eggs would soon be devoured by the herons, and would not have the opportunity to transform into young sea turtles.
I arrived back to Quito and Luis was prompt - was there any doubt? He took me to a local grocery store so I could buy some South American food stuffs (dry goods, of course) and there was a giant Christmas tree in the lobby completely decorated with Oreo Cookie decorations! Commercialism strikes Ecuador, absurd!
Tomorrow I fly home at 6:00am. The amazing journey has ended.
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.