Jungle Diaries is more than just a trip. It provides a connection, one that is often lost in our busy day-to-day lives. Daniel Solis spent a lifetime in the wilds of the world, beginning with his childhood in remote El Salvador. Over decades, he formed a bond with nature that he seeks to share with you. Jungle Diaries expeditions extends this opportunity, a chance to reconnect with our natural and wild ways and bask in the beauty already all around us. Our itineraries are far more remote and exotic than any other comparable tour operator. We work closely and routinely with scientists on-the-ground to identify the best locations in which to find the rarest animals. Further, Daniel Solis himself spent more than a decade tracking and photographing animals around the world. During this time, he forged friendships with locals that enable access to the most authentic experiences. The opportunities offered throughout every Jungle Diaries expedition are truly unique to Jungle Diaries and cannot be experienced anywhere else.

Unless otherwise noted, the total excursion price includes transport (including to/from the airport), lodging, three (3) meals each day, local guide(s), translator(s), activity host(s), park entry fees and internal airfare/boatfare (if applicable). The price does not include travel insurance (which is required), flights to/from the expedition, tips, snacks and/or drinks outside of mealtime, alcoholic beverages, souvenirs and laundry services.

We post trips approximately one (1) year out, and they typically fill within three (3) months.

We accept credit cards but are willing to accept Venmo, Zelle, Cashapp and/or check. Should you choose to pay with one of these alternate methods, or seek to establish a payment plan, please contact us before booking.

It is suggested to book airfare no later than three (3) months before your expedition to take advantage of lower airfare costs and broader options. However, we do ask participants provide their flight details no later than three (3) weeks ahead of departure. This enables us to schedule for your airport transfer. You will have an opportunity to provide your flight details at the time of booking your expedition. However, this is not required. You can send us your flight itinerary after booking as well.

We tend to recommend arriving prior to 11AM local time on the first day of the expedition, and departing after 4PM local time on the last day. If this changes, we will post all relevant information on the expedition listing so that you are aware prior to booking. Please note we recommend airline-offered trip insurance, which is available as an add-on to your flight during purchase.

Group transportation from the airport upon arrival is provided in the total cost of the expedition. Should you choose to arrive earlier, transportation from the airport will not be provided. Group transportation to the airport at the end of the expedition is also included in the total cost. Jungle Diaries is able to assist with alternative transport arrangements should they be required/desired.

All expeditions are led by Daniel Solis unless otherwise noted.

'Herping' is a term used to describe exploring the wild in pursuit of amphibians and reptiles. It involves tracking, identifying and oftentimes photographing the reptile/amphibian in its natural habitat. You do not need to possess any skills nor have any experience in herping to join any Jungle Diaries expedition. Please note that even during herping hikes, we seek and identify other animals (birds, insects, mammals, fish) and plants as well. At Jungle Diaries, there is no interference and/or disturbance to any animal at any time.

Our itineraries vary based on many factors, such as destination, activities, season and/or weather. However, we do tend to follow these general timeframes: Meals: Breakfast between 7am-9am; lunch between 12 pm-1pm; dinner between 6pm-7pm. Night trekking: From approximately 7pm to midnight. Activities: Most activities take place after lunch and before dinner. Free time: Free time is most likely to take place after breakfast. Please check the itinerary specific to your destination for the most accurate and up-to-date information, and keep in mind that itineraries are subject to change due to inclement weather. The full and complete itinerary is provided via email to each participant following booking.

"Downtime" most typically takes place in the morning. Although Jungle Diaries itineraries are deliberately full to maximize the experience, participation is at the full discretion of the individual traveler. As such, you may incorporate as much (or as little) downtime as you desire.

Jungle Diaries' itineraries are quite full, to maximize the experience. Participation in all activities is at the discretion of the traveler. There are no mandatory activities, aside from movements to secondary locations (e.g., one-way hikes to a lodge or destination).

We encourage expedition attendees to adhere to the itinerary, with the exception of remaining at lodges for rest/relaxation or "downtime." Attendees that choose to venture apart from the group must recognize all inherent risks, for which Jungle Diaries is not liable.

We aim to get as close as possible to the animal without causing disruption and/or disturbance. Per policy, participants are not permitted to handle venomous amphibians or reptiles.

Herping nighttime treks are offered most evenings. Should circumstances allow, there may be opportunity to experience local nightlife. Please consult your itinerary for full details on evening offerings. Full itineraries are provided shortly after booking.

Jungle Diaries does not offer nor provide alcohol. However, alcohol may be available at the restaurants and/or lodges we patronize. Should a participant choose to consume alcohol, it is at their own discretion and cost. Please keep in mind that alcohol may not be available and/or legal in some destinations.

Accommodations vary greatly, depending upon the itinerary. Because of the remoteness of our expeditions, accommodations tend to be simple and rustic. We make every effort to select the most comfortable accommodations within our area of travel. Please contact us directly with any specific questions.

Yes.

Expeditions tend to range from three (3) to ten (10) participants and two (2)-three (3) guides. Groups are kept deliberately small so that individualized photography instruction can be provided as desired.

Absolutely. During booking, you have the opportunity to "opt-in" to a private Whatsapp group for your particular excursion.

Jungle Diaries expeditions are open to everyone over 18, and there is no typical attendee. Past attendees ranged from 18 to 65 years of age and have come from different countries, backgrounds, cultures and varying levels of experience in herping and/or photography. We welcome beginners and experts alike, and happily accommodate all levels on each individual tour. Jungle Diaries is proud to welcome solo female travelers as well.

Yes. At least once per year, we offer a couples-only tour. At present, this tour takes place in Costa Rica.

We welcome public-facing reviews on our Facebook, which is linked at the bottom of this site. If you would like to share your feedback with us directly, you may do so through our "Get in touch" section.

Absolutely! Jungle Diaries provides a great experience for anyone that enjoys adventure and the outdoors. Plus, if you have a cell phone... you too can be a photographer.

You do not need to be a wildlife photographer, or have any experience with wildlife photography, to join an expedition. We welcome photographers with all experience levels, including no experience whatsoever. As such, we offer photography guidance and expertise as requested. Expeditions are designed to be enjoyable for all nature and adventure lovers, and if you'd like to take photographs as well... a cell phone will do!

When attending an expedition, you can expect to receive as much or as little hands-on photography instruction as you desire. Daniel Solis is an acclaimed professional wildlife photographer with over a decade of experience. He is eager to share his knowledge with you.

Anything from a cell phone to a professional camera, depending on what you have and your personal preference. Daniel Solis packs a Sony Alpha A7 mirrorless camera and three (3) main lenses: a macro lens, a wide-angle and a telephoto lens. He also brings an external flash.

Not at this time.

You always have the option to bring your cell phone camera! If Jungle Diaries is your first foray into professional wildlife photography, and you would like to obtain some equipment prior to your expedition, please contact us directly via the form towards the bottom of this page. It would be our pleasure to help guide you.

All Jungle Diaries tours are appropriate for all levels of photographic ability. For this reason, tours are kept small so that Daniel Solis is able to provide one-on-one instruction as necessary and desired.

All Jungle Diaries tours are appropriate for all levels of photographic ability. For this reason, tours are kept small so that Daniel Solis is able to provide one-on-one instruction as necessary and desired.

A required gear list is provided upon booking. However, we recommend these general items: ▫️Sunglasses ▫️Hat ▫️Raincoat/poncho ▫️Sweater/sweatshirt ▫️Lightweight, quick-dry clothing that is easy to layer ▫️Extra socks ▫️Sandals and/or sneakers ▫️Sleepwear ▫️Underwear ▫️Swimwear (if participating in water activities) ▫️Photography equipment (camera, lenses, flashes, memory, drones) ▫️Electronics adaptors, battery packs, charging cables ▫️Binoculars ▫️Dry Bag or backpack (20L-40L recommended) ▫️Sunscreen (at least SPF 30) ▫️Wet or baby wipes ▫️If necessary/appropriate, Dramamine, Benadryl and/or other OTC medications ▫️Copy of passport photo page, packed separately from actual passport If you have any questions regarding gear prior to booking, please reach out to us directly.

Potable drinking water is made available to you. However, participants are required to carry their own water. As such, please prepare to bring a canteen and/or reusable water bottle. While completely optional, we do recommend rehydration salts (e.g., "Liquid IV" or Pedialyte) to be carried on your person to protect against dehydration.

A required gear list is provided immediately upon booking. This includes items that are recommended by Daniel Solis for maximum comfort. If you have any questions regarding gear prior to booking, please reach out to us directly.

While all our expeditions are quite adventurous, we do divide itineraries into three tiers of varying intensity. Each trip is clearly labeled as being one of the following levels: Adventurous: Participants should be able to walk at least two (2) miles in high humidity and heat while carrying their own equipment and water. Highly-adventurous: Participants should be able to walk at least five (5) miles in high humidity and heat while carrying their own equipment and water. Expedition: These itineraries are geared towards professional wildlife photographers, biologists, researchers, scientists and other explorers (including explorers at heart). Participants should be quite physically fit and prepared to immerse themselves in the elements of the natural surroundings.

We make every attempt to accommodate for allergies and dietary restrictions. However, due to the remoteness of our operations this is not always possible. You will have the opportunity to provide your meal requirements and/or requests during booking. Jungle Diaries will contact you directly if accommodations cannot be made. In any case, we do recommend those with dietary concerns to pack their own high-energy snacks.

Yes. By registering for a Jungle Diaries expedition, you are agreeing to purchase travel insurance for the entire duration of the trip. Proof of travel insurance must be carried on you throughout the expedition. Jungle Diaries does not recommend nor endorse any particular travel insurance provider at this time.

Health requirements are highly individual. Please consult with your doctor and/or healthcare provider if you are planning on attending a Jungle Diaries expedition. We recommend consultation with your doctor before booking. A common travel vaccine is for Yellow Fever, which you can learn more about here. However, this site is not a replacement nor substitution for professional medical advice. Jungle Diaries does not provide nor endorse any medical advice under any circumstances.

All Jungle Diaries itineraries are previously traveled and vetted in order to provide the best possible experience for our customers. Please note there is risk inherent to any activity, including international travel. Jungle Diaries therefore defers to the traveler to determine their comfort with any prospective destination. Links to official government websites providing foreign travel guidance are available under "Safety & security" on this page. Travelers are encouraged to review this information and conduct their own research before booking any excursion.

We ask participants be respectful of one another, the wildlife and our host communities' cultures. We also encourage an open mind/attitude and a willingness to explore. Jungle Diaries respects and adheres to the local laws in all our areas of operations, and expects participants to do the same.

Absolutely. We provide private and completely customizable tours to meet a variety of needs, such as: scientific expeditions; ultra-remote exploratory excursions; media support services and/or location scouting; and rare animal tracking. Our vast, international network is able to support a range of highly specific requests that nearly all other tours cannot. Please get in touch with us directly so we may work together to achieve your goals.

Jungle Diaries regularly adds new locations, itineraries and activities to our roster. We post these regularly on our Facebook!

We do our best to accommodate refunds, understanding fully that life happens. However, this is not always possible as we pay each of our vendors on different timelines ahead of every expedition. Should you require a refund, please contact us directly using the form at the bottom of this page. Unfortunately, we cannot make any guarantees nor promises once payment has been made.

Jungle Diaries is incredibly thankful for the decade + of support provided by our faithful following. Special offers and discounts will be made available for returning customers. Contact us directly to learn more.

Tipping is not included in the price, and is not mandatory. Tipping any guide(s) and/or support staff engaged throughout the expedition is at the sole discretion of the traveler.