What a wonderful day. Our guide,Vicky, was so knowledgeable and friendly. She was able to identify sounds and site birds with her scope that we could not see with our binoculars. I believe we had about 50 bird sitings. Will definitely look forward to our next outing.

Despite the uncharacteristic weather, I got 207 life birds on the trip! Leader Paul Laurent was fantastic, making sure that all in the group saw the birds and was willing to go above and beyond to help folks have the best experience possible. I highly recommend any trip with Paul. Communication with the office could have been a little more prompt before the trip, but all our questions were ultimately answered before we left the US. I trust the Ventures team on any itinerary, whether here or abroad.

It was a wonderful experience! So many birds, as well as other wildlife. Our guide, Paul Laurent was amazing! So knowledgeable, organized and attentive to the guests. I would definitely travel with him again. I do have to say that communication from Ventures leading up to the trip was very one way and lacked the kind of service one would expect for this type of tour. Emails and phone messages went unanswered. Some important information, such as the phone # for Paul, was incorrect. At one point I was wondering if I had been scammed in some way. Excuses included being short-handed. Apparently we were not the only ones to experience this. Once we got closer to the trip and we could communicate directly with Paul everything went smoothly.

Paul Laurent was a spectacular guide for this trip. His knowledge of Costa Rica and the birds which could be found in different areas, the selection of off-the-beaten-track lodges and his knowledge of and use of local guides for river trips and other excursions was impressive. Even with unexpectedly cold/wet weather at the start, our group was enthusiastic and undaunted. Paul kept us moving and learning and exploring 5 very different ecosystems. I am still amazed at how many birds we were able to see/hear in a fairly short period of time (well over 300). Also mammals, including the odd and illusive Tapir. While communications with Ventures related to planning was sometimes less than optimal, the trip was amazing and I am very glad I went.

This was the trip of a lifetime and the reason was Paul Laurent. He has a genuine love of birds and nature. He can't get enough. We basically birder from before dawn until after dark. Everyday! He was very knowledgeable about all the Costa Rican species, biology, migration, and evolution. And He hired several guides who were a great addition and contributed speciality knowledge. Franklin Sanchez was outstanding. We also saw mammals and snakes/lizards. Paul was patient and attentive to the guests. He cared about everyone and check to make sure everyone was settled, etc. It was a lot! 330 species in 11 days! Thanks Paul!