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Citas de huespedes del Canopy Tower

famous visitors to Panama's Canopy Tower

from left to right:  Dee Press, Heather Medvitz, Marianne Slaughter, Karen Morris, Janet Kessler, and Jan Lewison. Carlos, far right, is one of the Canopy Tower Bilingual Bird Guides.
May 2004
Dear Raúl,
     My friends and I had such a wonderful time at the Canopy Tower! I was very impressed by your staff and how every thought was given to make our stay comfortable, pleasurable, and a fantastic birding experience. Carlos was great. He worked very hard and always was in good humor. I compliment you as a man of vision for creating an excellent eco-lodge from an old radar station. It must be equated with turning a sow's ear into a silk purse as the saying goes.
     Thank you again Raúl and Best Wishes to you and your staff.
     - Warm regards, Janet Kessler (Ventura Audubon Society)
Read the whole trip report: Panama Birding Trip -- May 8-15, 2004 (with photos)

famous visitors to Panama's Canopy Tower

November 2002
Great place, great birds, wonderful people!
A totally unique experience
in the world of birding.
We will see you again soon!
     - Terry and Judy Moore

from left to right: Carlos "Hawk Eyes" Bethancourt, Canopy Tower Birding Guide, Richard Payne, President of the American Birding Association, Raúl, and Terry Moore, Director of LEICA Sports Optics Division
from left to right: Carlos 'Hawk Eyes' Bethancourt, Birding Guide Canopy Tower, Richard Payne, President of the American Birding Association, Raul,  and Terry Moore, Director of LEICA Sports Optics Division

famous visitors to Panama's Canopy Tower

Sondra and Ed Markman with Raul in front of the Canopy Tower -- July 2002
July 2002
Raúl,
     In all of our travels we have never encountered a hotel that offered the uniqueness of the Canopy Tower. You have created the opportunity for visitors to experience the rainforest "up close and personal." The views from the Observation Deck will stay will us always.
     - Sondra R. Markman (Warren, NJ, USA)

famous visitors to Panama's Canopy Tower

Jeff Gordon - 5907 Bytes Jeff Gordon is a Tour Leader for Victor Emanuel Nature Tours (VENT) and has traveled extensively in Latin America, Africa and the United States. He is a 10 year veteran of VENT, one of the finest nature tour companies in the world. 6 February 1999
     The Canopy Tower is a wonderful facility which Panama is lucky to have...the place is fantastic!
     - Jeff Gordon

famous visitors to Panama's Canopy Tower

Feb 2001
Raúl,
"This is the first day of my life out of the USA. To come to such a great place was a super experience. I think it would be a pleasure to come back another time. I hope I will. Hope to see you again."
     - Tanner Wright, Orlando FL
Tanner Wright
Tanner Wright with Raúl

famous visitors to Panama's Canopy Tower

WWF group November 2001 Nov 8, 2001
Here is a group from the WWF (World Wildlife Fund, not the World Wrestling Federation!). This is the second year the WWF has come to the Tower and the plans are set for another visit next year! The trip was a success, these are the comments of some of the participants:

      Tad and I have really enjoyed sharing your vision for ecotourism in Panama. We count ourselves very fortunate to have opted for the WWF extension. Next year it should be longer".

     - Nancy and Tad Jeffrey

     Raul, this has been my first visit to a rainforest and I'd like to thank you for making it so memorable. The Canopy Tower is truly a magical place and I hope one day I'll be able to visit again".

     - Karen Goldamer

     We had a most delightful time at the Canopy Tower. You have an excellent staff, the meals are very good, the setting is superb!

     - George and Vanessa Arnold

famous visitors to Panama's Canopy Tower

19 February 1999
A marvelous experience by dawns early light, a plethora of birds and a chorus of primates. Just what Panama needs to encourage ecological tourists and nature lovers. I wish I had stayed overnight and seen the entire day of activity.
     - Michael Robinson
     Director, Smithsonian National Zoological Park
     Washington, D. C.

famous visitors to Panama's Canopy Tower

15 March 1999
Raúl,
     Hello from a very gray and cold Delaware, USA. I just wanted to thank you for a great stay at the Canopy Tower. The tower has to be one of the finest eco-lodges in the tropics. The diversity of wildlife that Jeff and I found at and near the tower was incredible. I will never forget the great looks that I had of the Blue Cotingas, Green Shrike Vireos, the army ant swarm, and the swarm of killer bees. I especially enjoyed the panoramic views from the observation and dining decks. Every time that I looked out over the trees the mood of forest changed. I managed to get some fairly good photos of the forest, but none that compare to the images in my memory. In addition, I greatly appreciated the hospitality that you and your staff bestowed upon us. Your operation is first class!
     I am very much looking forward to my next visit to Panama and your establishment. Good luck, although from what I have seen, luck will have very little to do the success of the Canopy Tower.
     Take care,
     - Jim White

famous visitors to Panama's Canopy Tower

29 April 1999
To Raúl and the Staff of the Canopy Tower,
     This is my first visit to the tropics and it has been beyond my expectations. The beauty and peace of the lodge are matched by the extraordinary birds so easily seen in the canopy. So many especial moments and vivid memories! The staff kept us so well fed and guided.
     Raúl, your grace and knowledge of the local wildlife and culture added so much to the richness of our visit. I will carry the vision of this place forever.
     Thank you for the experience,
     - Dianne Duesser
       McLean, VA

famous visitors to Panama's Canopy Tower

8 March 1999
Raúl
     I would never have believed it could be done, turn an abandoned military site into a delightful lodge, but you did it! I am so glad to have had the opportunity to experience this wonderful place. Congratulations and good luck!
     - Sue Follett

famous visitors to Panama's Canopy Tower

19 March 1999
Dear Raúl
     Thank you for inviting me to this inspirational place. I am touched by your vision to preserve what is unique here, both in terms of ecology and history. Congratulations!      Warmest wishes for your continued success!
     - Lisa Barnett
     Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute
     Washington Office

famous visitors to Panama's Canopy Tower

4 April 1999
     The Canopy Tower is a superb concept and provides a unique opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the Panamanian forest. We had a great time and wish you every success. Congratulations,
     - Howard and Margaret Laidlaw

famous visitors to Panama's Canopy Tower

6 April 1999
     As a biologist, I am constantly searching for novel views of life in the forest. Often this requires tremendous effort. To get into the canopy, for instance, you need rope and a strong heart! It is a great pleasure to leave all that gear at home and enjoy the remarkable diversity of the rainforest canopy from the luxurious floors of the Canopy Tower. By far one of the most remarkable experiences of my life!
     This morning a light breeze triggered a shower of purple flowers while toucans croaked about our heads...
     - Andrew Martin
     Professor, University of Colorado
     Boulder

famous visitors to Panama's Canopy Tower

10 April 1999
     We'll be back with a group. Absolutely fantastic!
     - Dale and Nancy Delaney
     Delaney Ecotours

famous visitors to Panama's Canopy Tower

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