Tropical Herping is an initiative striving to preserve tropical biodiversity through tourism, photography, and education. Our goal is to create a passion for amphibians and reptiles among the greatest number of people in order to obtain the support needed to address the most urgent conservation challenges faced by this group of animals.

Core team

Lucas Bustamante

Lucas Bustamante
CEO, Director of Photography

Frank Pichardo
Director of Tourism

Jose Vieira
Director of Field Research

Ángela León
Project manager

Amanda Quezada
Field researcher

Jorge Castillo
Environmental visual communicator

Honorary members

Alejandro Arteaga

Alejandro Arteaga
Former President and Research Director

Greg Basco
Honorary member, photography

Andrea and Antonella Ferrari

Andrea and Antonella Ferrari
Honorary members, photography

Juan M Guayasamin

Juan M Guayasamin
Honorary member, science

James Muchmore
Honorary member, conservation

Where do we work?

World map showing countries where we work

Why reptiles and amphibians?

Amphibians and reptiles need our help. Hundreds of species are facing extinction.

One way to help them is by fixing up people's attitude towards them.

We seek to replace fear with fascination and a desire to conserve.

Our policy and standards

Image showing an expedition team wearing helmets and life jackets

Policy of health and safety

Code of ethics for guides

Code of ethics for our guides

Code of ethics for participants

Code of ethics for participants

Image of a covid-19 face mask

COVID-19 action plan

Image an expedition team working

Risk management plan and emergency response