Iguazu Forest tour, zipline, and waterfall rappelling.
Even though we were to depart this afternoon, Adventure Life recommended one more half day tour - this time leaving Iguazu National Park proper for a look at the city of Puerto Iguazu and a trip into the surrounding forest for a hike (butterflies everywhere) and the best zipline ride we have ever had. The crew and equipment made everything feel completely safe and comfortable. The zipline had 3 sections and the first one was 400 meters long - that's 1/4 of a mile! It was beautiful and thrilling. Try it!
After ziplining came the opportunity to rappel down a small cliff next to a waterfall and then swim/wade in a small pool at the bottom. This was not quite as safe feeling! You get completely soaked and at times can't see anything because of being in the spray of the waterfall. But again the guides have your back and everything is safely belayed and those who did it have an experience to talk about.
On our ride back to the hotel there was a short stop at a craft vendor on the side of the road which was a nice opportunity to buy some handmade jewelry or carved wooden animals directly from the locals.
Back at the Sheraton, even though we had checked out in the morning, we were able to retrieve our bags and use the spa's showers to clean up and change our clothes. We sat in the lovely bar area, ordered a light lunch, and waited for the ride to the airport with a happy satisfied feeling of having had an amazing and wonderful South American Adventure.
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
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.