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
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Gael C.
The Costa Rica Introtour: a resounding success for this traveler
The Costa Rica Introtour far exceeded my expectations. In all four different regions on the itinerary, there were certain birds expected to be found. When it was a bird that can be difficult to see, if our guide heard it, he could lure it into view. His experience combined with that of other Tropical Birding guides who lead Costa Rica tours has led to building a network of local guides. That network is invaluable in tracking down the more difficult to see birds, e.g., the Lesser Ground Cuckoo. Our local guide directed us to a remote location where he knew the Lesser Ground Cuckoo was currently roaming. Within about twenty minutes, he and our TB guide lured it into view when, otherwise, we probably wouldn't have seen it.
When you sign on with Tropical Birding, you don't just get the obvious; they are committed to flushing out the shyest, most challenging birds to see. A lot of the value of touring with Tropical Birding can't be quantified because it is found in the world of experience the guide brings to the trip. Trust that you are dealing with professionals.
As far as the logistics of the trip, the guide will tell you every day what to expect, and between the written description online and the day-to-day briefings by the guide, there should be no surprises.
Costa Rica is a beautiful country and I couldn’t imagine experiencing it for the first time any other way than by touring with the Tropical Birding Costa Rica Introtour.
MA
Mark
Best week ever!
We saw 300 species in six days. Many were spectacular birds that I dared not hope for. Our guide was very knowledgeable and was determined to make sure every guest saw every bird. Of course that is not always possible, but he seemed more disappointed than the guest when someone missed a bird. He also made sure that person would get the first look if we encountered the bird again.
Tropical Birding anticipated all our needs. There was a driver waiting for us at the airport. We were taken to an very nice, quiet hotel in Quito, Breakfast was waiting in the morning at 5:00 a.m. We boarded a very comfortable bus with lots of big windows and headed to our first stop. From sword-billed hummingbirds to plate-billed mountain toucans, the trip was full of wonderful birds.
My guest and I had two dietary restrictions which were worked around at every meal, whether at the lodge or at a restaurant.
This was my best week of birding ever and I would not hesitate to go back. i highly recommend Tropical Birding's Andes Intro Tour.
CU
Customer
Outstanding trip to S. Ecuador
We had an outstanding private tour in S. Ecuador. We saw almost 500 species, including many rare and critically endangered species. Our leader Sam Woods was excellent, a great leader with a deep knowledge and passion for birds. Accommodations and food were about the best I've come across in S. America. The office staff seemed very professional and on top of things. I can't wait to go back to Ecuador some day. We have already booked a Tropical Birding tour in 2021.
The extension took us to the mainland's west coast. Our leader for this portion was not as up to speed on his shore birds and needed to be encouraged to have a plan for what we might see each day. He did catch on and we had some great sightings.
DC
Debbie C.
The Andes Introtour was fantastic!
The Andes Introtour was fantastic. Everything was so well planned and executed for seeing a maximum number of birds on a shorter trip. Our guide, driver, lodging, and food were all too notched!
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David A.
Great job
Great job in coordinating a wonderful trip
CU
customer
The tour was excellent.
The tour was very well organized and excellent leader.
EL
Eleonora
Excellent Birding Company
Tropical Birding has always taken excellent care of us and fulfilled our desires. The tour guides are first rate. We always feel we are in excellent hands with this company as well as their guides and drivers.