Virtually Bespoke - Excellent Tour This was probably my best birding trip ever (Costa Rica Photo, Feb. 2024). First, as things turned out, there were only two of us on the tour with Pablo Cervantes as our guide and driver. We were all reasonably compatible personalities so, virtually the whole time, the trip atmosphere was very congenial, respectful and mutually considerate. Second, the pace was mostly easy, balanced and manageable (for old bodies). We had enough time everywhere to indulge our respective interests, to see all the birds that were reasonably seeable and to take all the photos we wanted. None of us are maniacal listers, so the balance between birding, photography and our respective abilities to enjoy the whole experience was just right. Virtually perfect from my septuagenarian perspective. Third, I learned more about my camera, photography and bird photography in particular, thanks to Pablo’s experience and tactful readiness to teach a slow learner and to help correct ingrained habits. Fourth, in prepping for the trip, I had identified some 450 species we might see (based on eBird sightings over the past five years) of which over half would be lifers for me. By the time we finished, we had seen 250 total species (some not on my list!) and I had 99 lifers. In addition, for most of them, I managed to get good photos. Fifth, apart from one lodge whose infrastructure and management had clearly seen better days, accommodation and meals ranged from good to enjoyably unique, to truly spectacular. Finally, all TB staff - and especially Pablo - were unfailingly friendly, helpful, knowledgeable and willing to accommodate special and specific interests. This was one exceedingly excellent and very memorable trip.

Very good birding experience Nice people , decent lodgings, adequate food in a spectacular setting. The lodge is a great birding location within easy range of very good birding sites. Our guide was very helpful and knowledgeable of the plethora of bird species we encountered, as was the driver who often pointed out birds for us. All in all the trip met our expectations. A fun trip

A fantastic tour to Japan in Winter… A fantastic tour to Japan in Winter with Tropical Birding! Great Guide Charley Hesse, we saw all target birds including Stellers Sea Eagles, Blakinston Fish Owl and the rare Ross’s Gull. Excellent Food and Hotels and Lodges. An excellent tour couldn’t have been better!

Excellent tour with a variety of… Excellent tour with a variety of habitats. Jose was an outstanding tour leader not only because of his uncanny ability to spot and identify birds but manage a sometimes challenging tour.He got us through several land slides unscathed! One suggestion. We could have been provided, as Australian tours are, with a mid-morning and mid-afternoon cup of tea and snack and break. As an 81 year-old I could keep up but would have welcomed some breaks.

We spent 5 wonderful days in and around… We spent 5 wonderful days in and around Tandayapa with Alex Luna. He was wonderful with an uncanny ability to spot birds by sight and sound. He was easy to be with and very patient with those of us who were less experienced. He did everything in his power to make this an enjoyable trip. He also spent time with me setting up for photos at the hummingbird feeders at Tandayapa Lodge and I was able to get some memorable shots. Our driver Marco was also wonderful. The roads we travelled were dark, foggy, muddy, bumpy and often single-laned and he was able to get us safely to our various destinations with confidence. Can't say enough good about Alex and our experience in Ecuador. I would recommend Tropical Birding to anyone interested in serious birdwatching.