David Salas is a consummate professional, a close friend, and an expert on the archaeology of the Maya and other cultures of ancient Mexico. Since 1998, he has served as a guide and trip planner for university study abroad programs that I run. So far, David has planned and guided us on educational adventures in Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, and throughout Mexico.

With up to 20 students, we have boated many rivers, crossed borders where there are no customs officials, visited 60 archaeological sites, eaten worms and ant larvae, and even explored water-filled caves. Along the way, of course, we have slept in fine hotels and jungle lodges, and always enjoyed good food. There is no one better to organize an archaeological or bird-watching trip at any level of simplicity or luxury than David Salas.

Ph.D. Geoffrey E. Braswell. University of California, San Diego.

David Salas Pacheco has had a lifelong interest in the natural world around him, working on his first educational degree in agriculture as a young man. This led him to bird watching, and eventually to guiding for visitors with a strong interest in seeing the birds of Mexico.

He has for more than ten years worked as a certified archeological guide, keeping current on the birds of the Peninsula of Yucatan while visiting more than one hundred mayan sites - large and small - many of which are a forested birders paradise. Fronteras de Ecoturismo its a licensed Mexican travel agency, that owns a fleet of vehicles to offer the most efficient travel options for birding parties, large or small.

While working the past five years with Legacy Tours, a USA based specialist birding company, David mastered the skill of finding and showing endemic birds to clients, developed a system for effectively managing a tour, and most importantly, gained a keen understanding of the desires and needs of foreign birders that visit Mexico. His warm personality is a huge plus, as is his willingness to go the extra mile for his customers. He is responsible, honest, and reliable; thus making a the decision to bird watch in Mexico with David Salas Pacheco, an excellent choice in terms of time in-the-filed, value for the money, and ease of travel in a foreign country.

Michael Carmody. Spokane, Wa.

Testimonies

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I have known David Salas for nearly 20 years, and it would be hard to find a more enthusiastic birder and guide, a better driver, or a better companion. David always knows exactly where to go to find a special bird, a delicious meal, or great lodging. He knows when you need to arrive on the site to see a target species, and he always has the coffee ready. Aside from his expertise in finding and identifying rare birds, David is a licensed archaeological guide. His insight into all things indigenous is phenomenal. After dinner--while you were getting ready for bed, David bought everything needed for snacks in the field and / or a picnic lunch. David never complains and he is always courteous. Above all, David has a great sense of humor!

Rick Taylor, CEO: Borderlands Tours.