Costa Rica Bird Guides

Alex, a native of Naranjo in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, has spent more than 25 years guiding birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts through the country’s most diverse habitats. Growing up surrounded by rural fields and nearby forests sparked his early love of wildlife, a passion that only deepened as he studied Tourism, Environmental Interpretation, and Natural History.

Widely regarded as one of Costa Rica’s top birding guides, Alex is equally skilled at working with photographers. His ability to anticipate behavior, position groups for the best light, and spot hard-to-find species makes him a favorite among guests who want both sightings and striking images. Beyond Costa Rica, he has guided extensively in Panama and Nicaragua, adding to his regional expertise.

Known for his warmth, patience, and sharp field skills, Alex creates memorable experiences for every guest, whether they are building their life list or focusing on perfect shots of elusive species. When not in the field, he enjoys hiking, reading, and time with his family and friends.

Born in Cartago in 1982, Andrés grew up in the agricultural community of Cervantes, where family trips to national parks first sparked his love for nature and wildlife. After earning a degree in Ecological Tourism from the University of Costa Rica, he quickly moved into guiding and has since built a career of more than 17 years leading birding and nature tours across Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama.

While he began as a naturalist and birding guide, Andrés has become especially known for his work with photographers. He combines his sharp field skills with an eye for light, background, and behavior, ensuring that his guests don’t just see birds but have the best opportunity to capture them on camera. Currently completing advanced studies in Digital Photography at Fundatec, he continues to refine his technical expertise and creative approach.

Guests appreciate his patience, adaptability, and ability to balance instruction with field guidance. Whether leading large groups or private tours, Andrés creates rewarding experiences for birders and photographers alike, helping travelers return home with not only sightings but also outstanding images and lasting memories.

Andrés was born in San José and raised in a small village in Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands, surrounded by lush forests, rivers, and plantations. This early immersion in nature shaped his lifelong love of wildlife and eventually led him to earn a degree in Ecotourism from the University of Costa Rica nearly two decades ago.

A certified naturalist and experienced guide, Andrés specializes in bird photography and has led tours across Costa Rica, as well as throughout Central and North America. Guests value not only his sharp eye for spotting elusive species but also his ability to position them perfectly for memorable photos. He combines his deep ecological knowledge with a friendly, down-to-earth style, making both seasoned photographers and beginners feel at ease in the field.

Passionate about conservation and cultural connection, Andrés enjoys showing how Costa Rica’s biodiversity and traditions are closely linked. Away from guiding, he spends time hiking, swimming, and practicing his own photography, as well as enjoying life with his young daughter, who shares his love for the outdoors.

Based in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, Andrey has been guiding birdwatchers and nature travelers for more than fifteen years. He studied Ecological Tourism at the University of Costa Rica and combines that training with a natural talent for spotting wildlife and a genuine passion for sharing it with others.

Andrey has worked with respected organizations such as Esquinas Rainforest Lodge, helping guests explore Costa Rica’s rich habitats from coastal mangroves to highland forests. He is also an avid bird photographer, using his skills to help travelers capture memorable shots in the field.

Beyond guiding, Andrey contributes to annual bird counts across Costa Rica and has broadened his experience with fieldwork in Mexico, Peru, and Europe. He has also volunteered in some of the country’s most important protected areas, including Isla del Coco and Irazú Volcano National Park, reflecting his ongoing commitment to conservation.

Fluent in English and with additional skills in German and Italian, Andrey connects easily with guests from around the world. His calm approach, deep knowledge, and enthusiasm make him a trusted guide for both dedicated birders and first-time visitors alike.

Anthony is an experienced birding guide from Costa Rica’s northwest, where his early exposure to diverse habitats inspired a deep love for wildlife. He began his career leading one-day nature tours across the country, gaining firsthand knowledge of Costa Rica’s ecosystems and the birdlife that thrives in them. Over time, his passion for birds became the heart of his guiding career.

Now based near the Arenal Volcano, Anthony is known for his skill in helping birdwatchers and photographers connect with Costa Rica’s rich avian diversity. He participates actively in the Arenal Bird Count and contributes to eBird as a regional reviewer for the Caribbean slope, reflecting both his expertise and commitment to the birding community. Guests appreciate his sharp field skills, patient teaching style, and ability to make every outing both educational and enjoyable.

When he’s not guiding, Anthony enjoys contributing to citizen science projects and continuing his own birding adventures throughout the country. With his mix of local knowledge, field experience, and genuine enthusiasm, Anthony offers travelers an authentic and memorable birding experience in one of Costa Rica’s most iconic regions.

Carlos grew up in Costa Rica’s Caribbean Lowlands, surrounded by biodiversity that shaped his passion for nature. His fascination with birds began with a memorable sighting of a Rufous Motmot, an encounter he describes as life-changing. From that moment, he was hooked on birdwatching.

He studied Biology at the University of Costa Rica and went on to complete additional training in Environmental Tourism Management. Early in his career, Carlos worked as a Field Assistant at the renowned La Selva Biological Station, later taking on the role of Tourism and Academic Department Manager at Palo Verde Biological Station. These formative experiences gave him a strong foundation in both research and guiding.

With more than 20 years of experience leading specialist birding and nature tours across Costa Rica, Carlos combines scientific knowledge with an engaging guiding style. Guests value his ability to bring the forest to life, whether through detailed explanations of ecology or his sharp eye for elusive species. His dedication to sharing Costa Rica’s natural heritage has made him a trusted and highly respected guide for birdwatchers from around the world.

Carlos U. was born in Pérez Zeledón in southern Costa Rica, a region of farms, rivers, and mountains that shaped his early love for birds and nature. His first steps into ecotourism came through helping his brother host international students, leading hikes—including treks up Chirripó, the country’s highest peak—and coordinating community volunteer programs.

In 2004, Carlos dedicated himself fully to guiding birdwatching tours and has since become a trusted guide and driver, blending local knowledge with years of field experience. He has also contributed to conservation as an organizer of the La Fila Costera Bird Count, helping to monitor bird populations in the region.

Carlos is especially known for his remarkable ear; his ability to identify species by sound adds a unique depth to every outing. Guests often remark on his patience and willingness to spend long hours in the field to ensure they enjoy the best possible experience. In addition to guiding, Carlos enjoys filming bird behavior, hiking, camping, farming, and spending time with his family—always staying closely connected to the landscapes and wildlife that inspire his work.

Erick C., born and raised in Costa Rica, is a seasoned bird watcher, naturalist and bird photography guide with more than 30 years of experience in the field. As a teenager, he spent time in Nebraska, where he became fluent in English and developed a cross-cultural perspective that enhances his work with international travelers. Erick’s guiding career began in Sarapiquí, interning at a local birding lodge, before completing training with Fundación Neotrópica and later expanding his expertise at La Selva Biological Research Station under the mentorship of leading tropical biologists.

Over the years, Erick has guided for respected organizations such as the Audubon Society, leading everything from small, specialized birding tours to large, multi-interest groups of up to 100 participants. Known for his adaptability and depth of knowledge, he brings energy and expertise to every outing, whether spotting elusive species or helping photographers frame the perfect shot.

Outside guiding, Erick is an avid outdoor enthusiast, with interests ranging from mountain biking and rafting to scuba diving. His passion for digital photography has become a central part of his work, allowing him to share Costa Rica’s remarkable birdlife and inspire travelers with a deeper appreciation for nature and conservation.