I've had the good fortune to travel extensively on nature tours around the world. Fabiano is world class in his knowledge, enthusiasm, smoothness handling logistics, flexibility with changing circumstances, and patience with a disparate group. When our son suddenly needed a bathroom, he (1) found one in moments down the next dirt road, (2) declared this an excellent spot for the group to search out a certain rare bird, and (3) enthusiastically led everyone in a very successful hike. Was this a complete change in itinerary? Sure. But handled with such aplomb that no one even noticed. 

He kept mental track of every species observed on our 2-week trip, and every time we saw a new one he was as excited as could be. He's a fantastic birder, recognizing every call and silouhette we came across (several hundred!) - and able to successfully imitate most. Ask him for his giant river otter call!

My extended family of six and another couple with whom we're now friends just returned from two weeks in the lower Amazon, the Pantanal and the parque Chapada dos Guimaraes. Fabiano Ficagna de Oliveira was our Brazilian guide, with U.S. guide Michael Ellis. What a amazing trip! 

I can't write highly enough of Fabiano---an astoundingly skilled naturalist, he is also warm, flexible, kind and smart. His English is excellent. Our group included a range of people from 81 years to a mature 7-1/4 years and biologists to complete amateurs. Fabiano handled us all---it was probably like herding cats---with grace and charm. We stayed on track, never felt rushed, and saw an enormous variety of birds and animals about which Fabiano is SO knowledgeable.