Testimonials
Many of the birders who have traveled with us have chosen to come back for additional trips with Cheepers! Nearly 40% of our clients have returned for a second tour, and nearly 25% have come back for three or more tours in just 10 years. Approximately 10% have been on 5 or more tours with us, and we even have a few valued clients who have already signed up for their 17th tour! For us, this is one of the most gratifying facets of our business. Not only are we flattered by their continued patronage, but we feel fortunate to be able to travel with people we now consider good friends.
Following are some observations from some of the people who have traveled with us. This page of the website has not been updated in quite awhile, so please note that most of these testimonials are a few to several years old.
Following are some observations from some of the people who have traveled with us. This page of the website has not been updated in quite awhile, so please note that most of these testimonials are a few to several years old.
I have gone birding with other tour companies . . . . but with Cheepers prices I can afford two trips and see the same birds other trips do.
Kevin H, Franklin, MA (Panama Budget trip)
My second trip with Cheepers! but not my last. Jim & Cindy are exceptional tour leaders and in obtaining the very best guides to find birds, securing good lodging and transportation while keeping the costs far below the competition. I don't know how they do it, but they do.
Dean C, Paradise, CA (Panama Budget trip)
It's hard to find leaders who are so friendly, easy to be with, relaxed, and yet right on spot with birding skills.
Marjorie G, Heath, OH (Honduras)
Cheepers! the total birding experience. Great places, great lodging, and great birds, all at an affordable price. Add knowledgeable top-notch local guides, and it all equals an unforgettable experience.
Mary W., Sandusky, OH (Honduras)
I couldn't be more pleased with all aspects of the trip to Honduras. The information that you provided . . . and the frequent communications that I received from you were very helpful. I would highly recommend Cheepers! to anyone and hope to schedule another trip with the two of you in the future.
Lou S, Sandusky, OH (Honduras)
Thanks for putting together a wonderful trip with a great guide and driver. This will go down in my memories as the perfect trip.
Edith T, Durham, NC (Jamaica)
Jamaica was a perfectly planned and executed bird trip. Glad I was part of your first offered trip.
Marion M, Tampa, FL (Jamaica)
The Panama trip was so very affordable, so many birds for relatively few bucks. Comparable tours were over twice the price for a shorter trip!
Mike H, Waco, TX (Panama Budget Trip)
We have made 8 trips with Cheepers!: 10 countries on 3 continents. In total I have added 1785 species to my birding life list. When I look at birding tours offered by other operators, I have to ask, "Why so much?" We've always had excellent local guides, and there is no scrimping on food or accommodations. Have we been happy with Cheepers! ? Yep, we are signed up for two more trips in the next 12 months.
Andre M, Duncanville, TX (Panama Tranquilo Bay)
This trip surpassed my expectations! Our birding guides were fabulous and supremely dedicated and knowledgeable . . . as a novice birder, I especially appreciated the booklet listing all the birds we might see and our daily post-birding meetings.
Connie R, North Canton, OH (Panama)
Thanks for a great experience in Panama that exceeded my expectations in every way! Your presence on the trip, attention to detail, birding skills, and (most of all) people skills made this a great experience. . . I was able to see 312 of the approximate 330 birds seen by the group as a whole. I was extremely happy with this and believe it was due to great guides and your presence and assistance every step of the way in the field. . . .
Jerry W, Leesburg, FL (Panama)
I am so comfortable with Cheepers! that I really can't imagine going with a different company. The level of detailed attention to multiple arrangements begins well before the trip, and continues afterwards (i.e. photos). Trips are well-researched and guides are excellent.
Robin T, Bath, OH (Colombia)
I believe Cheepers Birding to be a great company and have recommended it to others.
Tina W, Fort Myers, FL (Honduras)
Traveling with you has been an absolute positive experience again. This is our sixth trip and we plan another two in the near future. We would not consider another company. We can't say enough.
Bernie and Jude U., LaFeria, TX (Australia)
Our leaders are the most accommodating of any other trips that I have been on. They find us the best guides so that we find the best birds! I would recommend Cheepers! to anyone who asks.
Judy C. ,The Villages, FL (Honduras)
When I signed up for the Panama trip, I figured I would see ten life birds, but I ended with 153 new birds on my life list. It was one of the best birding trips ever!
Mary Jane Z., Blacksburg, VA (Panama)
The number of birds and animals far surpassed my expectations. The group and guides were so comfortable with each other - we became not just fellow travelers, but friends.
Anna M., Roanoke, VA (Panama)
The amount of personal attention you gave to ensure the success of our trip was impressive. . .Your continual support through responding to our many requests pre-trip gave us a great deal of comfort and translated to the trip meeting and often exceeding our expectations. I recommend Cheepers! to anyone interested in a well-planned, comfortable birding trip to excellent locations with top-notch birding guides.
Tim C., North Olmsted, OH (Custom tour for 4 to Northern Ecuador)
Thank you for all the extra effort you put into making the tour so special. Your thoughtfulness was overwhelming and appreciated very much.
Marje G., Heath, OH (India & Nepal)
In a word, this trip was rich - in birds, landscapes, culinary experiences, altitudes, climates. I feel as though I was on 4 trips, not just one. Ecuador birding with Cindy and Jim is an experience one should not miss. Thank you for an amazing journey and I am eagerly looking forward to our next adventure!
Jody W., Jacksonville, FL (Ecuador)
The Beckmans are the perfect trip leaders, providing you with valuable pre-trip information and supplies, on the ground ID and spotting, and post-trip amenities . . . . Jim is a great spotter and helps all participants "see the bird" and Cindy is a good coordinator of group and ID'er of birds, plus likes to take pix! Pre-trip info and supplies - great touch and helpful! Great trip for a great price!
Sue S., Springfield, MO (Colombia)
Many birders have shied away from Colombia due to past history of drugs and violence. That era seems to be behind them and at no time did I feel unsafe. The people, guides, drivers, hotel staff were all very friendly and accommodating.
Sue S., Springfield, MO (Colombia)
Traveling with Cheepers is a great pleasure, a real happiness for me. You and Jim make the trip so easy and so enjoyable. Everything is so well planned and executed that there really is nothing to worry about at all. It is so clear that we are your priority and that your sole focus is on making the birding experience a great one. I take great pleasure in recommending Cheepers to anyone who shows interest in birding trips. . . . the fantastic itinerary booklet and checklist, the thumb drive and CD as well as our "care" package. Cheepers is the only company I want to bird with. I can't thank you enough for all the marvelous memories I have from the four trips I've done with Cheepers. You are awesome.
Susan H., Tampa, FL (South Africa)
I just wanted to tell you that I thought our trip was phenomenal! It was so much more than I expected! I felt we had the best guides, birds and hosts. If I can pull the money together again I will definitely join Cheepers on another trip. . . . the checklist is great. It helps me identify the birds I took pictures of because they are all dated - I just reference back to the checklist and then look them up in my field guide.
Sue G., (Panama Budget Tour)
I felt like you both cared about all of us and were attentive to our needs, from duct tape to ace bandages to getting on the birds. Not having been on an international trip before, we didn't know exactly what to expect. You made it a fantastic experience. You patiently responded to all of our email questions. Even though you had been to Panama eleven times, you kept it fresh for us. . . . I feel more like a friend than a client. You were organized, friendly, thorough. We will be watching your website to try for future trips.
Kathleen K., Elizabeth, PA (Panama Budget Tour)
Traveling with Jim and Cindy is like an extra insurance policy for having a great time on a trip. Their attention to detail, their fun loving spirit, and the fact that they travel along with their customers on every trip ensures a positively wonderful experience! (excerpt from their BlogSpot http://birdingwithkennandkim.blogspot.com/search/label/Cheepers)
Kenn and Kim K, Oak Harbor, OH (Panama Canopy Family Lodges)
Thank you for a wonderful trip. It was truly the trip of a lifetime for me. The experience you and Jim have with birding in Panama and the organization of the trip were superb and more than we expected.
Phil W., Fort Myers, FL (Panama Canopy Family Lodges)
This was one of the most enjoyable trips I have taken, excellent birding and excellent group of participants.
Bob B., Salt Lake City, UT (Panama Canopy Family Lodges)
This was a very good trip for both inexperienced and experienced birders. As one of the least experienced, the pace was reasonable for seeing many tropical birds with good looks; at the same time the photographers and more experienced birders had time for their own indulgences.
Lois D., Granville, DE (Panama Canopy Family Lodges)
Our custom trip to North Dakota was everything that we hoped for and more! The birds are everywhere, the sites we visited were beautiful, and our guide was incredible. Go to ND with Cheepers!
Mary W., Sandusky, OH (North Dakota)
I was impressed with Cheepers! planning, pre-trip information, and ability to respond to mid-trip complaints. Very nice trip all around.
Art M., Dublin, OH (Panama Budget Tour)
This awesome trip had something for every level of birder, both beginner and advanced . . . and was well-planned and executed. All in all, it was a great experience, and meeting and getting to know the other birders was great - really good people. Thanks, Jim and Cindy, for a great time and a very organized trip.
Tom D., Midlothian, VA (Panama Budget Tour)
Travelling with Jim and Cindy on a birding trip is like travelling with old friends who love to bird. Their trips are the type of vacation I enjoy the most because I am seeing new birds every day and learning about the natural and cultural history of the place I am visiting. This trip was a wonderful experience . . . seeing extraordinary birds and landscapes, eating delicious food, and meeting interesting new people who could easily turn into lifelong friends!
Jody W., Jacksonville, FL (Panama Canal Zone & Chiriqui Highlands)
I had the best time on my birding excursion to Texas. Jim worked hard to ensure we had the best possibility of finding birds. I had comfort, fun, and would definitely choose Cheepers again!
Beth F., (Texas)
The Canopy Tower and Canopy Lodge are one of every birder's dream locations, but I didn't imagine it could be done so easily and affordably. . . . Beginning birders need not be reticent to come as everyone was very patient and supportive.
Connie B., Thousand Oaks, CA (Panama Canopy Tower & Lodge)
Cheepers! goes the extra mile to assure you a memorable birding experience. They will customize a trip and are prepared to adjust the itinerary during a tour if there appears to be a better birding opportunity or if the pacing needs to be adjusted. And you won't find a more trip-friendly checklist in the industry. Jim has developed an incredible list that will guide you to the bird in the field guide as well as in the list itself. It even shows you which birds have been seen on previous trips. Since they send the list pre-trip, you can use it as a study guide. Lodging and transportation are comfortable and guides are top-notch. Cheepers! does not disappoint in value.
B.G. A, Penhook, VA (Panama Canal Zone & Chiriqui Highlands)
I thought I would do this as a one-time experience, but now I'm eagerly awaiting a new offer of a similar trip and ready to go again! . . . you surely went out of your way to make it possible for me to see the same birds everyone else could see!
Mona R., Castalia, OH (Texas Upper Coast & Hill Country)
Jim, you exceeded my expectations of what your job is. You bent over backwards trying to please seven women. You did more than just drive us to our destinations, You made sure we were as comfortable as possible.
Beth F., Berlin Heights, OH (Texas Coast & Hill Country)
The trip surpassed my expectations by far. It was well-organized and Jim was very patient.
Pat D., Huron, OH (Texas Upper Coast & Hill Country)
Jim, thanks again for being so generous and accommodating. Your demeanor made the trip even more enjoyable.
Linda M., Norwalk, OH (Texas Upper Coast & Hill Country)
Jim went out of his way to make sure everyone was comfortable, safe, and happy. It's so relaxing to go on a trip and to leave all of the details to someone else - knowing that we are in good hands. Our "custom tour" was fantastic! Thanks, Cheepers!
Mary W.,Sandusky, OH (Texas Upper Coast & Hill Country)
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 photographs 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)
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)
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)
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 hotel 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)
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 )
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)
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)
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)
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 is 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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
Sarah S, Cincinnati, OH (Panama)
The trip was well-planned and the most enjoyable I have been on.
Stephen S, Springfield, MO (Belize)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Jody W., Jacksonville, FL (Panama Canal Zone & Chiriqui Highlands)
I had the best time on my birding excursion to Texas. Jim worked hard to ensure we had the best possibility of finding birds. I had comfort, fun, and would definitely choose Cheepers again!
Beth F., (Texas)
The Canopy Tower and Canopy Lodge are one of every birder's dream locations, but I didn't imagine it could be done so easily and affordably. . . . Beginning birders need not be reticent to come as everyone was very patient and supportive.
Connie B., Thousand Oaks, CA (Panama Canopy Tower & Lodge)
Cheepers! goes the extra mile to assure you a memorable birding experience. They will customize a trip and are prepared to adjust the itinerary during a tour if there appears to be a better birding opportunity or if the pacing needs to be adjusted. And you won't find a more trip-friendly checklist in the industry. Jim has developed an incredible list that will guide you to the bird in the field guide as well as in the list itself. It even shows you which birds have been seen on previous trips. Since they send the list pre-trip, you can use it as a study guide. Lodging and transportation are comfortable and guides are top-notch. Cheepers! does not disappoint in value.
B.G. A, Penhook, VA (Panama Canal Zone & Chiriqui Highlands)
I thought I would do this as a one-time experience, but now I'm eagerly awaiting a new offer of a similar trip and ready to go again! . . . you surely went out of your way to make it possible for me to see the same birds everyone else could see!
Mona R., Castalia, OH (Texas Upper Coast & Hill Country)
Jim, you exceeded my expectations of what your job is. You bent over backwards trying to please seven women. You did more than just drive us to our destinations, You made sure we were as comfortable as possible.
Beth F., Berlin Heights, OH (Texas Coast & Hill Country)
The trip surpassed my expectations by far. It was well-organized and Jim was very patient.
Pat D., Huron, OH (Texas Upper Coast & Hill Country)
Jim, thanks again for being so generous and accommodating. Your demeanor made the trip even more enjoyable.
Linda M., Norwalk, OH (Texas Upper Coast & Hill Country)
Jim went out of his way to make sure everyone was comfortable, safe, and happy. It's so relaxing to go on a trip and to leave all of the details to someone else - knowing that we are in good hands. Our "custom tour" was fantastic! Thanks, Cheepers!
Mary W.,Sandusky, OH (Texas Upper Coast & Hill Country)
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 photographs 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)
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)
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)
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 hotel 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)
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 )
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)
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)
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)
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 is 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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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.
Sarah S, Cincinnati, OH (Panama)
The trip was well-planned and the most enjoyable I have been on.
Stephen S, Springfield, MO (Belize)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)