Cerro Punta- Boquete Trail
Panama

Jean Warneke,CTC

Jean Kelly Warneke has suffered from wanderlust since childhood. Her father's profession took the family all over the US and by the time she graduated from high school, she'd attended 15 schools. Having visited all 50 states, she is now in the process of traveling to all of the world's countries and territories.

However, on her first visit to Panama, Jean felt more at home and more comfortable than anything she'd ever experienced in her many years of travel. She now returns to Panama as often as possible to visit new lodges, swim new beaches, hike more trails, shop for handicrafts, and meet people.

Jean has worked in the travel industry since her college days and has done it all – retail travel agent, tour manager, receptive operator, meeting planner, conventions - she even has been known to do airport transfers!

She has a B.A. in German and Spanish, both of which she speaks quite well, and has been a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) since 1986. Jean has also earned the designation of Panama Travel Specialist.

Barbara Baggett, CTC

At the age of 10, Barbara’s parents took her to South America to visit her sister. Another world filled with llamas, prop-planes, iguanas & native peoples, opened her senses and sparked a passion for new experiences. During the ensuing years she has hiked, scuba dived, birdwatched, safaried, and ate her way through over 30 countries. She finds great enjoyment in the diversity of the words people and wild places.

Barbara has more than 20 years work experience in the travel business, including work with specialty companies promoting scuba diving, Mexico & Central America and bird watching. She received her Certified Travel Counselor credential in 1992; she is a Certified Panama Travel Specialist and Africa Destination Specialist. Barbara also has a Bachelor of Science in Forestry and Environmental Management, and is a Licensed Massage Therapist.

Panama’s wealth of culture and unspoiled wild places are a siren’s call to Barbara. Her intention is to facilitate memorable vacations that will support and sustain Panama’s treasures. And to inspire people to enrich their lives through travel; traveling with an open mind, a gentle heart, a light step and a curious nature.

Testimonials

We loved Panama and truly had a wonderful time; one of the best trips we have had!  We liked every place you booked for us. Panama City / Los CuatroTulipanes: Our favorite of the two places was Casa Mendes …. very attractive and bright with a great stereo system. We managed to catch two different nights of excellent Panama musician playing live (free) music at the Casa Gongora (Casa de la Cultura y del Artista Panameno) It happens to be just across the street from Casa Mendes. .....
     Cala Mia: We liked Cala Mia … a relaxing spot on a beautiful piece of property, a point on the island with rocky shore on one side and sandy beach on the other. ....Both the staff and the guests at Cala Mia were fun and interesting. Food was good.
     Canopy Lodge: ...Our best experience was one afternoon when it poured for hours. The serious birders went out, as usual. We sat under cover on the beautiful lodge deck and watched the three bird feeders just a few feet away...Accommodations there were quite nice...
     Coral Lodge: Must say, this was our favorite....The snorkeling was some of the best we have ever had and the San Blas Islands are amazing. Each island looks like what you would dream up for your tropical paradise. As you know, the Coral Lodge is strikingly beautiful and lived up to our expectation. What could be better than just lowering the ladder from you room and going snorkeling?..... I'm sure you can detect my enthusiasm for Panama. Thank you again for all your patience and for putting together such an interesting and varied trip. We will definitely recommend you to anyone who is considering travel in Panama.
Nina & Tod Huey

We had a wonderful time in Panama.  I'm so glad you told us about the Embera Overnight.  It was the highlight of our trip.  We learned alot about the tribe and had many memorable moments. .... The Posada Ecologica was also very nice.  ... The views were amazing!  ... El Valle is a sleepy, charming little town.  We loved it!  We did lots of hiking, horse back riding, and mud baths.  .....  The Anton Valley Hotel was also very nice.  We would definitely stay there again. Thank you so much for all your help.  Everything went smoothly and we all truly enjoyed Panama!
Sincerely, The McHarris Family

We had a wonderful time in Panama.  ....  Panama was very good to us.  I'm not sure exactly how many pictures we took but I know it's over 3,000.  Panama is a photographers dream location.  The different ethnicities, the different climatic zones, the tremendous variety of wildlife, I could just go on and on....  We enjoyed every place we stayed and every guide we dealt with.  Ivan's B&B is a little jewel, and I highly recommend his place.  ...  Carlos and his beautiful Los Quetzales was everything I'd hoped for and more.  ....  Thank you again Barbara for all your help in planning our Panama trip.  ....  I could talk up Panama until I'm blue in the face, and would be honored to be an ambassador for future travelers to such a special place. 
Dor'e Pearson-Smyth

 

Trip to the Embera Village with Ann Gordon was the number one highlight! What a GREAT day and a GREAT person!   Birds and guides were wonderful too. Saw 225 species total and 75 lifers among them. Many great photos. More on the trip and will send a few bird pics when I get them edited.   Thanks for everything . It exceeded our expectations.

Larry Griffin

 

 

You did a really great job. …. The accommodations, the food, the service were all top notch. The birds were incredible. I think the final count was 206 species. Just about everyone was talking about wanting to go back….
I also thought your contribution to Panama Audubon was great. Future trips, I hope the Latin American committee will follow your example. …I would highly recommend your company to anyone contemplating travel in this area ….Thanks again for a wonderful job.
Penny Potter Latin American Committee (Travis Audubon) Chair

The trip was wonderful – it was relaxing & exciting at the same time. Everyday brought new places & adventures. The mix was just right.
Sheryl Cox

…this was the best trip I’ve ever been on.
Carroll Price

Just a short note to say we had a fabulous time!! Everything went perfectly and guides and hosts were very friendly. We were very satisfied with all arrangements. The birds were also very beautiful and friendly. Thanks so much!!
You exceeded our expectations in every way! May be interested in Belize trip.
Ed + Jeanne

.... Of course the highlight of the trip was the full day transit. I loved it, and it made the book I was reading about the canal really come to life. I personally think people who only take the half day tour are making a big mistake. It was such a pleasure to sail across Gatun Lake after three quarters of the passengers disembarked halfway...and the view from Gatun Locks was wonderful. All in all, a great trip. Thanks again
Jeff Schmidt

Los Quetzales was the highlight of our 2+ week vacation. We hiked, crossed rapidly flowing rivers, spoke Spanish, and loved our Cabin #2. The host, Carlos, was gracious and we felt honored to know the local Panamanians working with Los Quetzales who shared their knowledge about birding. Thank you for all of your help. It was an unforgetable experience that enriched our lives.
Holly Terry

We can't thank you enough for the seamless coordination of transfers. It worked flawlessly and we were amazed at how well orchestrated everything was. We never had to wait and our rides were always on time. We were also impressed with the good quality of the hotels as well as the activities and tours. We were highly impressed with Coral Lodge and look forward to visiting in the future.
Michelle & Jason Alarcon

Travis Audubon Society 2007 Panama Tour
Canopy Tower & Canopy Lodge

"Most memorable experience"

"Sitting with a drink in the “library” at Canopy Lodge, seeing orange billed sparrow & dusky faced antshrike. "
Ann Bishop

"Staying at Canopy Tower. I have never stayed in any place like it."
Penny Potter

"Seeing the spectacled owls nesting in the forest brought tears to my eyes – the sheer beauty of it all!
Seeing my first Bay-headed Tanager from our patio at the Canopy Lodge & having Palm Tanagers nesting in the fern on our patio."
Shelia Hargis

"A Quetzal flying 10’ over my head at cabin #3. (during private extension to Los Quetzales in the Panama highlands) "
Carroll Price

"Every moment was memorable. This was truly a trip of a lifetime."
Mary Sanger

What is a CTC?

A CTC is a Certified Travel Counselor, an individual who has completed a program of rigorous training and testing, and has at least five year’s professional travel experience. CTCs must continue their professional education and remain current on industry trends in order to maintain their certification. CTCs are the only group within the travel industry that meets such high standards…on average, they represent the industry’s highest degree of professionalism.