JUNGLE SKILLS COURSE
Become a Certified Jungle Guide
Ready to lead in one of the most extreme environments on Earth?
Join us deep in the rainforest for an unforgettable field experience that will challenge your limits, sharpen your instincts, and connect you with Indigenous knowledge keepers, world-class instructors, and the raw power of the jungle.
This course is for aspiring and active expedition leaders, eco-tourism professionals, Indigenous guides, field researchers, and anyone ready to take their jungle skills and leadership to the next level.
Train in real jungle conditions
Learn advanced survival & navigation
Master expedition planning & emergency protocols
Work with Indigenous experts
Build expedition leadership skills
Earn internationally recognized accredited certification
April 2026 — Dates announced soon.
Limited spaces. Global applicants welcome.
Languages: English, Spanish
IAJG Certified Instructor: Rick Morales, IAJG Certified Instructor, Association Director.
Group Size: A minimum of 4 participants is required for this course.
Location: Darien Province, Panama
An IAJG Certified Jungle Guide is a trusted professional expertly trained to safely navigate tropical rainforest environments worldwide. Equipped with advanced risk management skills, wilderness medical knowledge, and deep cultural and environmental understanding, our certified guides set the standard for excellence in adventure, research, film expeditions, and beyond. Choosing an IAJG guide means choosing proven expertise, commitment to safety, and responsible exploration.
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Description
Certified Jungle Guides may lead training and expeditions in Jungle, Tropical and Rainforest Regions not exceeding their certification and competency level. They may mentor non-certified guides in knowledge and skills-testing preparation for certification.
They may wear or otherwise display International Jungle Guides Association logos and media in a professional manner and context on clothing, marketing material and digital marketing platforms, as approved by the association.
They may participate in International Jungle Guides Association curriculum development in discussion with Certified Jungle Guide Instructors. They may lead training and expeditions on behalf of the association, as employed by the association to do so. Certified Jungle Guides must adhere to the International Jungle Guides Association currency requirements.
Certification Currency
Curriculum minimum components (jungle specific):
Planning and Preparation
Risk and Emergency Management
Indigenous Communities and Cultural Awareness
Movement and Navigation
Equipment and Camp Craft
Medical Preparedness
Communication and Coordination
Knowledge testing:
Candidates must first successfully complete an approved knowledge curriculum course through either the International Jungle Guides Association, an International Jungle Guides Association Certified Jungle Guide Instructor or through an approved Training Partner to include the following jungle region specific subject matter. This knowledge may be delivered through an online or digital course platform or in-class / in-person.
Skills testing:
Candidates must then successfully apply tested knowledge and jungle specific practical leadership skills through either the International Jungle Guides Association, an International Jungle Guides Association Certified Jungle Guide Instructor or through an approved Training Partner, in an approved field setting over a multi-day expedition scenario. Field testing may be delivered in-person only. Course schedule and curriculum and testing must be association approved.
Candidates that have successfully completed both knowledge and skills testing will be granted Certified Jungle Guide status.
Hybrid testing:
Combined Knowledge and field testing may be conducted as approved by the International Jungle Guides Association.
Challenging Certification Requirements:
Candidates may challenge knowledge testing by contacting the International Jungle Guides Association for more information on requirements for proof of competency. Skills testing can only be done in person as approved by the International Jungle Guides Association, by an International Jungle Guides Association Certified Jungle Guide Instructor or through an approved Training Partner.
Certification fee: USD$150. Valid for three (3) years.
Recertification and Currency Requirements:
Certified Jungle Guides must maintain a high degree of professionalism, respect for nature, peoples, cultures and clients. They will adhere to International Jungle Guides Association Rules, Regulations, Policies and Ethos. They will operate solely within their experience, physical capability, competency and certification level.
Recertification
Certified Jungle Guides must recertify every three (3) years from the date of certification issuance, only through the International Jungle Guides Association. To be eligible, two expeditions must have been lead over the past 3 years of certification. Recertification fee: CAD$150. Recertification fee includes annual membership dues, recertification administration, and three (3) years of certification.
First Aid Currency
Certified Jungle Guides must maintain valid and applicable first aid training certification relative to their operation, as offered and available in their respective region(s) of operation. Proof of first aid certification must be available upon request by the association, and included in any certification application, or recertification application.
Regular spot checks or audits
In order for the International Jungle Guides Association to maintain international credibility among its certified guides, instructors, staff and training partners, all persons holding certification, approvals or training partner status must be available and willing to undergo regular random spot checks whether in person or otherwise, by the International Jungle Guides Association, or designated person(s) thereof.
Failure to comply with Association Currency Requirements may result in the member(s) being stripped of certification.
Clear process to address non-compliance:
Written warning → Probation → Certification suspension or expulsion.
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Difficulty Level: Advanced
Description: This is a physically and mentally demanding field course designed for those with prior outdoor experience. Participants should be prepared for long days on foot in challenging terrain, high heat and humidity, minimal comfort, and unpredictable conditions. The training takes place in real jungle environments with limited access to outside support, requiring a high degree of personal responsibility, adaptability, and teamwork. This course is not suitable for beginners.
Your Instructor: Rick is a veteran explorer and expedition leader, with over two decades guiding various projects through Central America’s most challenging terrain. Respected across the region, he’s played a key role in developing sustainable eco-tourism practices that protect fragile ecosystems while delivering authentic cultural experiences. His leadership has influenced both public policy and private sector initiatives, making him a driving force in Central America’s environmental and tourism landscape.
A native of Boquete, Panama, Rick Morales is a pioneer of Panamanian adventure—he is one of the very few to have thru-hiked the length of Panama non-stop.
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IAJG Certification fee
IAJG Certified Instructor for prior planning, course duration, and post course administration.
Transport from Panama City, to your course location, and back to Panama City upon course completion.
Lodging while on course, campsites, park fees, indigenous territory permits, fees and permissions.
Transportation if required while on course: Boats, canoes, 4×4 etc.
3 x meals per day while on course. Mixture of Panamanian camp-style meals, freeze-dried trekking meals, locally catered meals when lodging in villages.
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International air transportation to and from Panama City.
Insurance of any kind
Alcoholic beverages not provided by hosts with meals
Additional hotel days/nights in Panama, or in the jungle.
Personal equipment according to personal needs and preferences (list of mandatory items and recommendations will be provided upon registration)
Tips to local support guides; discretionary but anticipated by the local guides. Your trip leader can help advise on how much.
Evacuation costs from course location. We recommend each participant carries USD$500 on their person while on course for evacuation to Panama City.
Expedition snacks (Can be purchased in Panama City)
Snacks, drinks not included in course, frequently available when lodging in villages.
