Location: Panama

For over 12 year, I served as a naturalist guide for one of the most prestigious tour operators in Panama, running long trips in all the life zones and geographic regions of Panama and nearby countries, both land-based and at sea. 

But my passion has always been to travel and explore the depths of nature, in places where other people don’t regularly venture. One day, as I was bushwhacking my way across Panama on the first Thru-hike of the TransPanama Trail, it just dawned on me that although there are lots of people wanting to immerse themselves in pristine jungles and have a great time, most of them never do it, because they lack the know-how and they lack someone to coach them and show them the way.

Today that is not only my profession, but also my hobby. On my time off, my girlfriend and I hike and camp often, and at Jungle Treks we volunteer to help outdoor clubs and other organizations fulfill their purpose.

When I’m not leading a trek or circumnavigation, I’m usually exploring new routes for future itineraries; and when I’m not doing that, I’m perhaps backpacking or kayaking somewhere else in the world, in deserts or snow-covered mountains.

I like to tell my friends that I don’t have a job, I just have fun and get paid for it!

Rick is a Certified Wilderness Instructor and a Certified Specialized Guide with the International Association of Jungle Guides. He is also a Certified Interpretive Trainer with the National Association for Interpretation.