Cindy and Jim, thanks for a great birding trip.
Your organization skills, patience, kindness and attention to details are mind
boggling. How do you do it all? We . . . are looking forward to
see all of those people want to share. Thanks again and a special kiss for Jim
from me.
Clotilde B & Don S, Torrey, Utah (Panama Canal Zone & Chiriqui Highlands, Jan. 2012)
Cindy and Jim escorted us on a magnificent journey to some of Northern Ecuador's best birding locations. They surrounded us with exceptional local guides and a driver who took us to the hottest birding spots on the Andes' west and east slopes, foothills and, during the extension, the Amazon Basin. As if finding over 500 birds (encountering over 600) wasn't enough, we stayed at wonderfully unique and welcoming ecolodges where we were well fed and got our much-needed rest. (A few of our days were necessarily rugged and/or started very early, but bird sightings - and lifers - always made it worthwhile.) Another endearing aspect of Cindy and Jim's is their mandate that everyone see every bird as much as possible. Consequently the whole group got into the practice of helping each other. We now fully understand why birders rave about Ecuador. And we think Cindy and Jim are the people to take you there!
Joan & Richard B., Jacksonville, FL (Northern Ecuador, Nov/Dec, 2011)
This was only my second trip out of the USA and because it was so wonderful, I look forward to more travels, especially with Cheepers! At no time did I feel like I was with a tour group of strangers. This had a lot to do with how Cindy and Jim arranged the trip. Communications were open and friendly, pre-trip gifts - fanny pack, notebook, pen/pencil set, lens cloth and the journal were thoughtful! The photo dvd an absolute plus. I recommend Cheepers! without a moment of hesitation! I will be travelling with them again in the future.
Carole A., Jacksonville, FL (Panama Canopy Tower and Lodge, April 2011)
Thanks for the link to your bird photos. I totally enjoyed looking at all the Panamanian birds again. Since most of these birds were lifers for me, it really helps to see them in the setting where I first got to see them live and in person. Maybe next time when I am on a Cheepers! Birding on a Budget tour, I will be able to ID some of the birds without the excellent help of you, Jim (and his laser pointer) and of course Carlos, the most awesome bird guide EVER. . . . I thought the tour was organized beautifully. The sunset dinner at the Miraflores Locks and stay at the airport hoel on the last night was a perfect way to end the trip. Thanks for making my first real birding tour a fantastic one. Can't wait to go with you guys again!
Janel N., Austin, TX (Panama Canopy Tower and Lodge, April 2011)
Any birding trip involving a group needs to be led by an excellent birding guide and to be organized so that all goes smoothly. In addition, it helps greatly if all the leaders have not only leadership skills but personalities that lend themselves to an enjoyable and successful experience. Jim and Cindy, you were great in all that you did, and it is clear that you both give a lot of forethought into how you plan your trips. You were especially helpful to Georgene and me in arranging for the extra day on each end of our regular trip. Guido was just an excellent birding guide and his knowledge of Panamanian birds and their songs was most impressive, as well as his interest in getting all in the group on the birds. He is also well acquainted and able to inform in general regarding the flora and fauna of Panama. I would recommend this trip without hesitation to anyone interested in a Panama birding experience.
Bob and Georgene B, Salt Lake City, UT (Panama February 2011)
This was our first birding tour, and we thought it was fantastic! Jim and Cindy went out of their way to make sure everyone saw the birds and that our needs and expectations were met. The price was right. The expertise of the guides was great and their bird calls added extra enjoyment to our adventure.
Terry and Pam S., Murray, UT (Panama, February 2011)
I added over 200 new birds to my life list. Wow! The trip was well-planned and organized to obtain as many birds and varieties as possible. Excellent guides and leaders. Accommodations comfortable and at times luxurious . . . . The food was a bonus, simple tasty meals, well done! Good job, Jim and Cindy!
Gloria N., Harlingen, TX (Panama February 2011)
We have considerable experience birding Central and South America with 5 or 6 different bird guides. Our trip to Costa Rica with Cheepers! struck a good balance with an excellent English-speaking guide, a great choice of birding locations nicely spaced with comfortable accommodations, good food, and great driver. We added well over 100 lifers to our list while viewing over 300 species. We were extremely satisfied and will strongly recommend Cheepers to our birding friends.
Karen and Dick U., Walla Walla, WA (Costa Rica january 2011)
I just returned from a wonderful, wonderful trip to Costa Rica. I cannot say enough about the guide. He is just amazing. I was speechless at his remarkable, almost scary, ability to see and hear birds. And he works intensely to get those birds. If he hears it, 99% of the time, he gets it. It was unbelievable. His hearing his remarkably acute. The lodges were good. This was a well planned trip and went perfectly. The checklist you made, Jim, was a real prize. It was so helpful, so efficient. We met every night to go over the checklist, and later, when I went to record the birds in my birdbook, the checklist was valuable. I really enjoyed this trip, and will recommend Cheepers to anyone I can. I think I got more value from this trip than any trip . . . Thank you so much for working so hard to provide a good, solid birding experience within a reasonable cost.
Susan H., Tampa, FL (Costa Rica, January 2011)
John and I will definitely travel more trips with Cheepers! We think your company has it right in terms of travel and customer service. . . . Jim and Cindy always looked after the welfare of each birder. . . . The friendliness of your company was "over the top"!
Diane and John F., Helodes, TX (Ecuador, November 2010)
The two of you made the trip extra special. . . It is incredible that you are able to pick such great guides. Bernie U., LaFeria, TX (Ecuador, November 2010 and Panama, January 2009)
This was a trip of a lifetime for me. Cindy and Jim went above and beyond to make this trip run so smoothly. All of this and a CD of photos to remember this trip and the good times we had!
Edith T, Durham, NC (California, June 2010)
Thanks again for a perfectly planned and executed trip for our Lucky Ladies for California endemics. This was a trip we wanted badly, but which seemed was not going to happen. Several other tour coordinators presented proposals which were just out of our budget range. Then a friend recommended I contact Cheepers and our dream trip became a reality. The local guide certainly knew where to go and the couple of hoped-for birds we missed were more than made up for with some very nice surprises. Our lodging was comfortable, and the Cheepers extras like the customized trip list and the day pack turned into special keepsakes. This was a trip where even the veteran birders were thrilled with their life bird count. Both Jim and Cindy were cheerful and fun-loving traveling companions. We all enjoyed their company and Cindy's photo record of our trip was AWESOME!!! Everyone seemed delighted with the entire experience, and hopes to have another Cheepers adventure in the not too distant future.
BG A, Durham, NC (California, June 2010)
I had high expectations for the Panama trip and was not disappointed! The tour leaders Jim and Cindy were organized, knowledgeable, and great fun to travel with. The itinerary, lodging and local guides were terrific. I couldn't recommend a trip more, and hope to be travelling with Cheepers! Birding again soon!!
Christine S, Ossining, NY (Panama, April 2010)
Twenty four hours ago I was in the jungle and now I’m sitting here at work. Hard to believe! We just wanted to thank you again for putting together a fantastic trip. We had a great time. We logged 307 birds (183 of which were lifers!) The trip exceeded our every expectation. The guides, the food, the lodges ………… all terrific. Couldn’t have asked for more. We would certainly recommend Cheepers to anyone and, of course, we’d love to hook up with you guys on another trip someday. Good luck with the business and keep up the good work.
Matt & Cathy M, Mastic, NY (Panama, April 2010)
I got the photo CD in yesterday's mail and looked at each pic last night. Wow! Terrific, and quite a few should be guaranteed prize winners--hope you submit a few. . . . Loved the Canopy Lodge, saw some marvelous birds (including over 136 lifers!), and enjoyed the company of everyone in the group. I've been on trips with VENT, Wings, Field Guides and local groups, and Cheepers measures up beautifully! I'll definitely recommend you to other birders and look forward to getting the chance to bird with you again some day. (Easy Costa Rica, perhaps?) Thanks for everything!
Sarah S, Cincinnati, OH (Panama, April 2010)
The trip was well-planned and the most enjoyable I have been on.
Stephen S, Springfield, MO (Belize, March, 2010)
I forgot to say on my evaluation form how invaluable the (photo) discs are. We love them and will look at them over and over, deciding which pictures to use/print. Nothing could help me learn the new birds more - the pictures are so much more "real" than plates in a book - for me anyway. Thanks so much for doing this - it was really above and beyond. Tell us if you go to Peru!
Becky W, Marietta OH (Belize, March 2010)
Seeing/hearing some 300 birds with patient guide, hosts and tolerance for one with limited hearing and sight made this trip the best of the five I've taken.
Brad B, Marietta, OH (Belize, March, 2010)
We had a wonderful time trekking through the rainforests of Ecuador. Our guides, Andres and Marcelo, were awesome and the trip leaders, Jim and Cindy, were always pleasant and addressed any concerns we had. They carried a first aid kit and extra flashlights for those of us who needed extra supplies. All of the transportation was top notch and impeccably timed. The pre-trip information was very informative. We highly recommend to anyone to tour with Cheepers!.
Deb J, Venice, FL (Ecuador February 2010)
Thank you so much for the great trip to Panama! I'm so glad that I went. You two made sure everyone was comfortable and having a good time. Seeing 96 lifers was great, but being with such great people as yourselves was even more important to me. I hope I can join you again on a future trip!
Mary W, Sandusky, OH (Panama January 2010)
It was much more than we expected. Guido was undoubtedly the best guide we've ever had. Jim and Cindy went out of their way to ensure our comfort and enjoyment. At all times we felt safe.
Bernie and Jude U, TX (Panama, January 2010)
Clotilde B & Don S, Torrey, Utah (Panama Canal Zone & Chiriqui Highlands, Jan. 2012)
Cindy and Jim escorted us on a magnificent journey to some of Northern Ecuador's best birding locations. They surrounded us with exceptional local guides and a driver who took us to the hottest birding spots on the Andes' west and east slopes, foothills and, during the extension, the Amazon Basin. As if finding over 500 birds (encountering over 600) wasn't enough, we stayed at wonderfully unique and welcoming ecolodges where we were well fed and got our much-needed rest. (A few of our days were necessarily rugged and/or started very early, but bird sightings - and lifers - always made it worthwhile.) Another endearing aspect of Cindy and Jim's is their mandate that everyone see every bird as much as possible. Consequently the whole group got into the practice of helping each other. We now fully understand why birders rave about Ecuador. And we think Cindy and Jim are the people to take you there!
Joan & Richard B., Jacksonville, FL (Northern Ecuador, Nov/Dec, 2011)
This was only my second trip out of the USA and because it was so wonderful, I look forward to more travels, especially with Cheepers! At no time did I feel like I was with a tour group of strangers. This had a lot to do with how Cindy and Jim arranged the trip. Communications were open and friendly, pre-trip gifts - fanny pack, notebook, pen/pencil set, lens cloth and the journal were thoughtful! The photo dvd an absolute plus. I recommend Cheepers! without a moment of hesitation! I will be travelling with them again in the future.
Carole A., Jacksonville, FL (Panama Canopy Tower and Lodge, April 2011)
Thanks for the link to your bird photos. I totally enjoyed looking at all the Panamanian birds again. Since most of these birds were lifers for me, it really helps to see them in the setting where I first got to see them live and in person. Maybe next time when I am on a Cheepers! Birding on a Budget tour, I will be able to ID some of the birds without the excellent help of you, Jim (and his laser pointer) and of course Carlos, the most awesome bird guide EVER. . . . I thought the tour was organized beautifully. The sunset dinner at the Miraflores Locks and stay at the airport hoel on the last night was a perfect way to end the trip. Thanks for making my first real birding tour a fantastic one. Can't wait to go with you guys again!
Janel N., Austin, TX (Panama Canopy Tower and Lodge, April 2011)
Any birding trip involving a group needs to be led by an excellent birding guide and to be organized so that all goes smoothly. In addition, it helps greatly if all the leaders have not only leadership skills but personalities that lend themselves to an enjoyable and successful experience. Jim and Cindy, you were great in all that you did, and it is clear that you both give a lot of forethought into how you plan your trips. You were especially helpful to Georgene and me in arranging for the extra day on each end of our regular trip. Guido was just an excellent birding guide and his knowledge of Panamanian birds and their songs was most impressive, as well as his interest in getting all in the group on the birds. He is also well acquainted and able to inform in general regarding the flora and fauna of Panama. I would recommend this trip without hesitation to anyone interested in a Panama birding experience.
Bob and Georgene B, Salt Lake City, UT (Panama February 2011)
This was our first birding tour, and we thought it was fantastic! Jim and Cindy went out of their way to make sure everyone saw the birds and that our needs and expectations were met. The price was right. The expertise of the guides was great and their bird calls added extra enjoyment to our adventure.
Terry and Pam S., Murray, UT (Panama, February 2011)
I added over 200 new birds to my life list. Wow! The trip was well-planned and organized to obtain as many birds and varieties as possible. Excellent guides and leaders. Accommodations comfortable and at times luxurious . . . . The food was a bonus, simple tasty meals, well done! Good job, Jim and Cindy!
Gloria N., Harlingen, TX (Panama February 2011)
We have considerable experience birding Central and South America with 5 or 6 different bird guides. Our trip to Costa Rica with Cheepers! struck a good balance with an excellent English-speaking guide, a great choice of birding locations nicely spaced with comfortable accommodations, good food, and great driver. We added well over 100 lifers to our list while viewing over 300 species. We were extremely satisfied and will strongly recommend Cheepers to our birding friends.
Karen and Dick U., Walla Walla, WA (Costa Rica january 2011)
I just returned from a wonderful, wonderful trip to Costa Rica. I cannot say enough about the guide. He is just amazing. I was speechless at his remarkable, almost scary, ability to see and hear birds. And he works intensely to get those birds. If he hears it, 99% of the time, he gets it. It was unbelievable. His hearing his remarkably acute. The lodges were good. This was a well planned trip and went perfectly. The checklist you made, Jim, was a real prize. It was so helpful, so efficient. We met every night to go over the checklist, and later, when I went to record the birds in my birdbook, the checklist was valuable. I really enjoyed this trip, and will recommend Cheepers to anyone I can. I think I got more value from this trip than any trip . . . Thank you so much for working so hard to provide a good, solid birding experience within a reasonable cost.
Susan H., Tampa, FL (Costa Rica, January 2011)
John and I will definitely travel more trips with Cheepers! We think your company has it right in terms of travel and customer service. . . . Jim and Cindy always looked after the welfare of each birder. . . . The friendliness of your company was "over the top"!
Diane and John F., Helodes, TX (Ecuador, November 2010)
The two of you made the trip extra special. . . It is incredible that you are able to pick such great guides. Bernie U., LaFeria, TX (Ecuador, November 2010 and Panama, January 2009)
This was a trip of a lifetime for me. Cindy and Jim went above and beyond to make this trip run so smoothly. All of this and a CD of photos to remember this trip and the good times we had!
Edith T, Durham, NC (California, June 2010)
Thanks again for a perfectly planned and executed trip for our Lucky Ladies for California endemics. This was a trip we wanted badly, but which seemed was not going to happen. Several other tour coordinators presented proposals which were just out of our budget range. Then a friend recommended I contact Cheepers and our dream trip became a reality. The local guide certainly knew where to go and the couple of hoped-for birds we missed were more than made up for with some very nice surprises. Our lodging was comfortable, and the Cheepers extras like the customized trip list and the day pack turned into special keepsakes. This was a trip where even the veteran birders were thrilled with their life bird count. Both Jim and Cindy were cheerful and fun-loving traveling companions. We all enjoyed their company and Cindy's photo record of our trip was AWESOME!!! Everyone seemed delighted with the entire experience, and hopes to have another Cheepers adventure in the not too distant future.
BG A, Durham, NC (California, June 2010)
I had high expectations for the Panama trip and was not disappointed! The tour leaders Jim and Cindy were organized, knowledgeable, and great fun to travel with. The itinerary, lodging and local guides were terrific. I couldn't recommend a trip more, and hope to be travelling with Cheepers! Birding again soon!!
Christine S, Ossining, NY (Panama, April 2010)
Twenty four hours ago I was in the jungle and now I’m sitting here at work. Hard to believe! We just wanted to thank you again for putting together a fantastic trip. We had a great time. We logged 307 birds (183 of which were lifers!) The trip exceeded our every expectation. The guides, the food, the lodges ………… all terrific. Couldn’t have asked for more. We would certainly recommend Cheepers to anyone and, of course, we’d love to hook up with you guys on another trip someday. Good luck with the business and keep up the good work.
Matt & Cathy M, Mastic, NY (Panama, April 2010)
I got the photo CD in yesterday's mail and looked at each pic last night. Wow! Terrific, and quite a few should be guaranteed prize winners--hope you submit a few. . . . Loved the Canopy Lodge, saw some marvelous birds (including over 136 lifers!), and enjoyed the company of everyone in the group. I've been on trips with VENT, Wings, Field Guides and local groups, and Cheepers measures up beautifully! I'll definitely recommend you to other birders and look forward to getting the chance to bird with you again some day. (Easy Costa Rica, perhaps?) Thanks for everything!
Sarah S, Cincinnati, OH (Panama, April 2010)
The trip was well-planned and the most enjoyable I have been on.
Stephen S, Springfield, MO (Belize, March, 2010)
I forgot to say on my evaluation form how invaluable the (photo) discs are. We love them and will look at them over and over, deciding which pictures to use/print. Nothing could help me learn the new birds more - the pictures are so much more "real" than plates in a book - for me anyway. Thanks so much for doing this - it was really above and beyond. Tell us if you go to Peru!
Becky W, Marietta OH (Belize, March 2010)
Seeing/hearing some 300 birds with patient guide, hosts and tolerance for one with limited hearing and sight made this trip the best of the five I've taken.
Brad B, Marietta, OH (Belize, March, 2010)
We had a wonderful time trekking through the rainforests of Ecuador. Our guides, Andres and Marcelo, were awesome and the trip leaders, Jim and Cindy, were always pleasant and addressed any concerns we had. They carried a first aid kit and extra flashlights for those of us who needed extra supplies. All of the transportation was top notch and impeccably timed. The pre-trip information was very informative. We highly recommend to anyone to tour with Cheepers!.
Deb J, Venice, FL (Ecuador February 2010)
Thank you so much for the great trip to Panama! I'm so glad that I went. You two made sure everyone was comfortable and having a good time. Seeing 96 lifers was great, but being with such great people as yourselves was even more important to me. I hope I can join you again on a future trip!
Mary W, Sandusky, OH (Panama January 2010)
It was much more than we expected. Guido was undoubtedly the best guide we've ever had. Jim and Cindy went out of their way to ensure our comfort and enjoyment. At all times we felt safe.
Bernie and Jude U, TX (Panama, January 2010)
