Where Every Journey Becomes a Story Worth Remembering
Start your custom journey through Panama—guided by stories, shaped by people, grounded in purpose.
Welcome to Isthmian Adventures Panama. We are more than a tour company—we are storytellers, naturalists, and travel designers rooted in Panama’s land, people, and spirit.
Founded by a Panamanian–Californian duo and supported by a team of passionate local experts, Isthmian Adventures is a family-owned travel company offering custom, eco-conscious journeys across Panama.
Every journey we design is curated with purpose—blending deep cultural knowledge, immersive nature experiences, and the freedom to explore at your own rhythm. Whether you seek adventure, insight, or reconnection, we’re here to guide you through a side of Panama most travelers never see.
At Isthmian Adventures, we operate at the intersection of nature, culture, and self-discovery. Every experience is designed with intention—honoring the land, empowering people, and enriching the traveler.
For the Land: We minimize impact through low-emission travel, reusable resources, and partnerships with leading conservation groups.
For the People: We work hand-in-hand with Indigenous, rural, and coastal communities to preserve culture and uplift livelihoods.
For You: Our journeys awaken curiosity, insight, and transformation. You leave not just with photos — but with new perspectives.
When you travel with Isthmian Adventures, your journey gives back — to the rainforest, to the community, and to yourself.
It all started not in an office, but on an island. While on vacation in the Galápagos, Christian Gernez, a Panamanian naturalist guide with years of experience, crossed paths with Micaela Schmidt, a seasoned global traveler from California. They weren’t working. They were wondering—what could travel become if it went deeper?
Christian brought the lens of ecology, storytelling, and local roots. Micaela brought the traveler’s perspective, a love for cultural connection, and an eye for comfort and intention.
Their conversations led to something more: a partnership of vision, marriage, and transformation.
In 2008, they founded Sendero Panama, a boutique tour company dedicated to creating regenerative travel experiences—custom, immersive, and people-centered. As their vision expanded, so did their identity. In 2018, they became Isthmian Adventures, honoring Panama as the living bridge between continents, cultures, and possibilities.
What began on volcanic shores now thrives in the forests, reefs, and communities of Panama.
What began as a personal vision between two passionate travelers has grown into one of Panama’s most respected and purpose-driven tour companies.
In 2008, Isthmian Adventures (originally Sendero Panama) was born out of a desire to create something different: travel experiences that didn’t just visit Panama—but belonged to it. From the beginning, we focused on offering custom, private journeys that honored the rhythm of our guests while respecting the ecosystems and communities we call home.
As our company grew, so did our commitment to excellence and responsibility. We realized early on that meaningful experiences could only happen with exceptional guides—so we began investing in them. What started as internal mentorship evolved into the creation of the Certified Interpretive & Naturalist Guide (CING) program, training a new generation of storytellers, conservationists, and cultural interpreters.
By 2018, our company’s growth and recognition across the industry called for a new name—one that reflected the bridge we build every day between traveler and place, ocean and continent, culture and wild. Isthmian Adventures was born. That same year, we launched the Naturalist Guide Academy, formalizing our commitment to guiding excellence and community empowerment across Panama.
Through global shifts, changing travel trends, and challenges like the pandemic, we’ve remained grounded in the same values that started it all: connection, curiosity, care, and a deep respect for the story every place—and every person—has to tell. We didn’t just evolve as a company. We evolved as storytellers, mentors, and stewards of a more meaningful way to travel.
At Isthmian Adventures, we don’t offer packaged tours — we design experiences that reflect you.
Our journeys are co-created with intention, grounded in local connection, and guided by people who love Panama as much as they love sharing it. We believe travel, at its best, isn’t just about going somewhere new — it’s about coming home to something true.
Here’s what makes your journey with us unlike any other:
No two travelers are the same — your journey shouldn’t be either. Every itinerary is custom-designed around your interests, pace, and rhythm. This is personalized travel through Panama designed for meaning, not mass tourism.
We carefully match you with a Certified Interpretive & Naturalist Guide who shares your passions — whether it’s birdwatching, diving, photography, or cultural exploration. Your guide doesn’t just lead you — they help you listen. They connect the dots between place, people, and purpose.
Every experience uplifts the communities and ecosystems you visit. We hire locally, support grassroots tourism, and collect real-time biodiversity data on every tour to contribute to scientific research. This is regenerative travel in action — for the land, for the people, and for you.
You’re not joining a tour. You’re joining a purpose.
Behind every trail, reef, and village path in Panama is a story — and behind every story is a guide who helps bring it to life.
Our Certified Interpretive & Naturalist Guides (CING) are more than tour leaders. They are naturalists, educators, photographers, conservationists, and passionate storytellers — trained through our Naturalist Guide Academy to connect ecology, culture, and community in every experience.
Each guide shares a deep, personal relationship with Panama’s biodiversity and cultural heritage. Their expertise spans ornithology, scuba diving, natural history, whale-watching, and Indigenous knowledge systems — and their training ensures that no matter your interest, you’ll be matched with someone who speaks your language, both literally and metaphorically.
Whether you’re a seasoned birder chasing endemics or a family discovering Panama for the first time, our guides are the bridge between what you see — and what you understand.
Travelers don’t just remember the places. They remember who brought them to life.
Meet the people who make the magic happen: Explore our guide bios — and see how their knowledge, care, and passion shape every journey.
Born in the town of Chitre in central Panama to a Panamanian mother and a French father, Christian embodies the rich cultural blend that has shaped Panama for centuries.
Spending most of his early years outdoors in the countryside, Christian developed a deep love for nature and a fascination with the intricate relationships between animals in an ecosystem. He quickly discovered that a bird is not simply a bird, but a complex creature intricately connected to its environment.
Throughout the years, Christian has actively participated in various wildlife conservation projects, taking on diverse and captivating roles. One such role involved working as a professional scuba diver, monitoring Hammerhead sharks in the Caribbean waters.
As one of Panama’s most reputable tour guides, with more than 25 yrs of experience leading groups in Panama and Costa Rica and as a co-owner of Isthmian Adventures, Christian is dedicated to sharing his passion for connecting people with the environment through unique and life-changing experiences.
When he is not leading tours or managing the business, you can find Christian exploring mangroves, snorkeling in coral reefs, or immersing himself in forest ecosystems while promoting conservation efforts.
Christian, a founding associate of The Naturalist Guide Academy, has been actively involved as a guide trainer in various nationwide training programs since 2010. His expertise spans a wide range of subjects, including birdwatching, sustainable whale watching, cultural and natural interpretation.
During the pandemic, Christian played a crucial role as part of a team of experts from the Naturalist Guide Academy. Together, they donated a comprehensive virtual guide training program through The Naturalist Guide Academy. This program aimed to support the Tourism Authority of Panama and the guiding community.
José Alberto Pérez, a native of Panama City, spent his formative years in the charming town of El Valle de Anton, nestled in the caldera of a dormant volcano in the province of Coclé. From a young age, José developed a deep appreciation for nature, thanks to the guidance and knowledge imparted by his grandfather and father. They would often embark on long walks, engaging in conversations about plants, insects, and the various animal species they encountered along the way.
Driven by his love for nature and a desire to explore the world, José pursued a career in tourism. With two decades of experience as a tour guide, he has led groups for numerous national and international tour operators, with a particular focus on ecology and wildlife observation. José’s expertise extends beyond birdwatching, as he is also an experienced scuba diver and a certified guide for whale-watching tours. Additionally, he possesses extensive knowledge of the history of the Panama Canal.
Today, José continues to lead groups on captivating journeys throughout Panama and Costa Rica. In recognition of his expertise, he joined the trainers core of The Naturalist Guide Academy in 2022, where he primarily focuses on birdwatching, one of his areas of specialization.
José Pérez’s unwavering passion for nature and his wealth of knowledge make him an exceptional guide, ensuring unforgettable experiences for all who embark on his tours.
Alejandra Jaen Cordoba, affectionately known as Ale by her friends, hails from the eastern region of Panama. She pursued a degree in International Business with a focus on Auditing at USMA. However, it was during her studies that she discovered her true calling: guiding.
For nearly a decade, Ale has dedicated herself to bridging the gap between Panama’s Cultural and Natural heritage and its visitors. She wholeheartedly shares her love, knowledge, and passion for her country with her guests, visitors, and passengers. To further her professional growth in this field, she has obtained various certifications in advanced scuba diving, nature interpretation, water rescue, protocol, customer service, logistics, and more.
Ale’s favorite activities include hiking, diving, swimming, walking, and constantly expanding her knowledge. She is always eager to share her expertise and demonstrate that Panama is not just about the Canal, but also about its people and much more.
Yoselyn grew up in Chorrera, next to Panama City, and feels a stronger connection to life in the countryside. Growing up close to nature, she has always had the urge to explore and travel. This led her to study Business Administration with a minor in Tourism. Eventually, 11 years ago, an opportunity arose to become a tour guide, and her adventure began. In addition to her studies in Business Administration with a minor in Tourism, Yoselin has also pursued a Master’s degree in Protected Areas Project Management and a Master’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in data analytics in Spain.
She is primarily driven by a desire to learn new things, both in her personal and professional life. Growth is one of her top priorities. However, she also believes in spreading this knowledge with others. Whether it’s promoting conservation, helping communities through volunteer programs, or teaching the importance of ecosystems, Yoselyn is dedicated to sharing her knowledge and making a positive impact.
She has a deep love for nature, conservation, and photography, being particularly passionate about orchids and their beautiful flowers with eccentric shapes, colors, and scents. She keeps a small greenhouse with over 60 different species of orchids and is working towards building a small lab where she can propagate them using in vitro techniques.
Yoselyn has worked as a project assistant with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and provided support as an administrator to the Eugenne Avifauna Foundation in Panama during the COVID-19 pandemic.
She is organized, collaborative, multitasker, fast learner, creative, and independent. Her energy, love for nature, and commitment to sustainability make her a valuable addition to the Isthmian Adventures family. We are excited to see what great things she will achieve in the future, especially with her family projects on their family-owned ranch.
With a calm presence and an exceptional eye for detail, Euclides “Kilo” Campos is one of Panama’s foremost birding experts. Having recorded over 940 bird species, Euclides is not just a guide but a lifelong student of Panama’s rich avian diversity. His deep love for birdwatching has taken him through almost every corner of the country, constantly adding to his personal bird list while sharing his discoveries with fellow enthusiasts.
Euclides’ academic background in Nature Tourism from the National University of Panama, combined with his hands-on experience in international conservation efforts—such as the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary’s raptor conservation program in Pennsylvania, USA—sets him apart as a guide who not only knows Panama’s wildlife but actively contributes to its preservation.
Fluent in English, Euclides excels at making birdwatching accessible and enjoyable for birders of all levels. His patience, paired with his passion for education, means guests never miss a moment, whether it’s spotting a rare species or understanding the significance of Panama’s ecosystems.
At the end of each trip, Euclides is consistently praised for his attentiveness, ability to find the rarest of species, and his infectious enthusiasm for the natural world. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just beginning your journey, Euclides promises a birding adventure that goes beyond just sightings—it’s about connection and discovery.
Alex Guevara is a seasoned Certified Interpretative & Naturalist Guide with a deep passion for Panama’s rich biodiversity and cultural heritage. With years of experience exploring every corner of the isthmus, Alex has become one of Panama’s foremost authorities on birdwatching and natural history. His love for nature is boundless, and his commitment to sharing the wonders of Panama’s ecosystems with travelers makes him a cherished guide.
Fluent in English, Alex is known for his patience and his ability to engage guests, ensuring no moment goes unnoticed—whether it’s spotting a rare bird in the rainforest or uncovering the ecological significance of Panama’s unique landscapes. His passion for education shines through as he effortlessly translates complex natural phenomena into fascinating stories that captivate and inspire.
A leading guide on Isthmian Adventures’ nocturnal tours, Alex brings a special insight into the after-dark world of Panama’s wildlife. His enthusiasm for Panama’s cultural heritage adds yet another layer to his tours, where guests experience the rich tapestry of history, nature, and human connection.
Venicio “Beny” Emmanuelle Wilson Altamiranda was born in Almirante, Bocas del Toro in Western Panama.
His childhood home was surrounded by beautiful creeks and swamp forests. It was there where his father and grandfather inspired his interest in “the little animals.” Beny discovered his passion for birds at age sixteen when he fortuitously received a copy of the newly translated Spanish version of “A Field Guide to the Birds of Panama.” Two years later, along with his fellow biology students at the University of Panama, he created Grupo Ecologista Vida, a non-profit organization conducting environmental education programs for elementary students in the city of Colon.
Beny is currently a volunteer for Fundacion Avifauna Eugene Eisenmann, Panama Audubon Society, and CEASPA. Founding member of the Naturalist Guide Academy, has participated as a trainer in multiple guide training programs across Panama in a variety of subjects, such as whale watching, birdwatching and natural history.
As one of Panama’s most reputable certified interpretive and naturalist guides, Beny has worked for many top-tier tour operators.
He is an expert in the Darien region and has led treks from Ustupo, on the Caribbean coast, to the Gulf of San Miguel, on the Pacific side of Panama. Besides hiking and birding, Beny is also an authority on frogs, with expert knowledge of the Dendrobatid poison dart frogs.
Cris was born in Chile, but his Panamanian parents brought him to live in the tropics of Panama at a very young age. His love for nature started at the age of 10 when he joined the Pathfinder’s Club. Receiving several honors in outdoor activities, ecology, camping and other specialties, he soon became a Master Guide. He grew fond of the tropics’ biodiversity and was soon guiding relatives and friends through the jungles of his country.
At the age of 19 Chris returned to Chile for college and returned to Panama with a degree in Metallurgic Civil Engineering. His passion for nature continued to grow stronger, so he decided to go back to college and earn an Associate degree in Tourism, a Bachelor degree in Touristic Business Administration, a Postgraduate in Management, an MBA in Human Resources, and a Postgraduate degree in Higher Education. Since 1995 Chris has been working as a Naturalist Guide exploring with guests all around the country and abroad.
Though Chris especializes in bird watching and ecology he also has a passion for indigenous cultures, history, hiking and trekking.
When he is not guiding, he teaches different subjects related to tourism, conservation and tropical ecology in several Universities in Panama.
He is a certified scuba diver and is often found exploring coral reefs along the Caribbean and Pacific coasts of Panama.
Chris is fond of Panama’s natural heritage and is always happy to show the great biodiversity that it hides!
Yesenia (also known as Yeye or JJ in English) was born in Venezuela to a Panamanian mother. In 1998, she moved to Panama to finish high school and fell in love with the country. Inspired by the friendliness of the panameños, she felt determined to learn how to be a “real” Panamanian and learned all she could about the history of Panama, the Panama Canal, and the country’s natural resources.
JJ has been working in travel in the early 2000s. She taught herself English and has guided guests on cultural experiences with indigenous communities, historical tours, archeological visits, and nature experiences. She encourages guests to visit patronize Panamanian entrepreneurs such as hat makers or sellers of Pollera, our national dress .
JJ likes to enjoy exploring the mountainsides, rivers, and trails during her days off with her best friend and son. Whenever she can, she’ll take the opportunity to show people the real Panama, without boundaries, starting with the day to day lives of the Panamanian people: tasting delicious Panamanian food, strolling in beautiful colonial sites, dancing to traditional music, and experiencing the unique sounds of the rainforest. Because there is so much to Panama beyond the Canal.
From the Caribbean to Europe and back to the Neotropics, Jean Maurice Posner, or “Moondog” as his friends know him, has studied the natural history of many regions of the world, lending to impressive interpretive skills. Born and race in a multicultural and multilingual family, his passion for guiding has not diminished in the almost 40 years he has dedicated to his career. As a biologist, he has assisted on expeditions in the jungles of Venezuela and Brazil for several years. His passions extend to photography and writing, sharing good times with everyone through his great sense of humor. Moondog sees an opportunity to discover something new around every corner. So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure filled with knowledge, laughter, and discovery, Moondog is the perfect guide to accompany you on your journey.
Birding Guide | Cultural Interpreter
“Always with respect and humility, I give the best of myself—as a guide and as a person.”
Raised on the banks of the Chagres River by an Emberá father and Wounaan mother, Natalia “Natty” Sarco grew up immersed in the rhythms of rainforest life. Her childhood was rich with the sounds of birdsong and stories passed down by her father—tales of the jungle’s secrets, Emberá traditions, and the Indigenous knowledge that once helped astronauts prepare for life after space.
Today, Natty is one of Isthmian Adventures’ most beloved naturalist guides. With over 12 years of experience, she specializes in birdwatching and Emberá community tours, offering guests a rare chance to connect deeply with Panama’s biodiversity and cultural heritage. Her sharp eye and gentle spirit make her a standout guide in Panama’s birding community—known not just for spotting rare species, but for helping guests feel them in their hearts.
She is certified as a Specialized Guide in Protected Areas, a Certified Interpretive Guide, and holds a diploma in Environmental Tourism Management with an emphasis in Birdwatching. In addition to guiding, Natty lends her skills as support staff in jungle survival training programs, contributing her deep familiarity with the terrain and its challenges.
From dawn chorus outings to Emberá cultural visits in the rainforest, Natty’s tours are a graceful blend of knowledge, humility, and meaning. She doesn’t just guide—she invites travelers into a living story, woven through with ancestral memory and the vibrant life of the land.
Sustainability Is Not a Trend—It’s Our Foundation
For us, sustainability isn’t a policy—it’s a way of being. It’s present in the routes we take, the stories we tell, the partners we choose, and the way we prepare our travelers before the journey even begins.
We believe that travel should contribute more than it consumes. That it should be a force for regeneration—for ecosystems, for cultures, for people, and for the traveler themselves.
That’s why every aspect of our operation is guided by intention:
Our office runs on solar power and we minimize paper use, not just because it’s smart—but because it’s necessary.
We provide reusable water bottles on all our tours and avoid single-use plastics wherever possible.
We work alongside grassroots, community-led tourism projects, not only booking their services but helping them develop sustainable models and training.
Our guides collect real-time wildlife data during tours, contributing to regional and global research on biodiversity, bird migrations, and marine life.
And perhaps most importantly—we teach this philosophy to every guest, every guide, and every partner we work with. Because sustainability isn’t just about what we protect. It’s about how we travel through the world—and what we choose to leave behind.
Let the Next Chapter Begin
Whether you’re seeking wildlife, cultural connection, a family adventure, or a moment to reconnect with yourself, we’re ready to co-create something unforgettable.