Costa Rica Bird Guides
Alex C.
Alex C., a native of Naranjo, Costa Rica—a charming town just north of San José and near the Arenal Volcano—grew up immersed in nature. His childhood was marked by the freedom to explore rural fields and nearby rainforests, experiences that fueled his lifelong passion for wildlife and plants. In his late teens, Alex moved to the United States to study English before returning to Costa Rica, where he pursued studies in Tourism, Environmental Interpretation, and Natural History.
Driven by a deep love for birds, Alex began his career as a private freelance guide. For the past 25 years, he has expertly led birdwatchers and photographers across Costa Rica, Panama, and Nicaragua. With his extensive knowledge, warm personality, and infectious enthusiasm for nature, Alex creates unforgettable experiences for his guests. When he’s not guiding, he enjoys reading, hiking, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Andres R.
Born in Cartago in 1982, Andrés grew up in the quaint agricultural community of Cervantes. During his secondary school years, family trips to various national parks and natural areas ignited his passion for nature, wildlife, and especially birds. Initially aspiring to be a marine biologist, he soon realized that his true dream was to work outdoors in the tourism industry. He enrolled in the Ecological Tourism program at the University of Costa Rica (UCR), earning his Bachelor’s degree in 2004 and immediately stepping into a guiding role.
While working with a tour operator, Andrés enhanced his qualifications by completing the “General Guide” program at the National Learning Institute (INA). This experience led to his certification as an official tour guide by the Costa Rican Board of Tourism (ICT) in 2009.
With over 17 years of guiding experience, Andrés has navigated a diverse array of tour opportunities, catering to groups of all ages—from large birding enthusiasts to intimate private tours focused on specific interests like birdwatching and photography. He leads tours across Costa Rica and extends his expertise to Nicaragua and Panama as well.
A passionate birdwatcher and wildlife enthusiast, Andrés has recently ventured into nature photography, seamlessly integrating this new skill into his guiding services. Currently studying at Fundatec, he is on the cusp of completing his program to become a Technician in Digital Photography. His enthusiasm for capturing the beauty of Costa Rica through the lens fuels his desire to share his knowledge with travelers, helping them create lasting memories of their experiences in this stunning country.
Andres Z.
Andrés was born in San José and grew up in a small village in Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands, surrounded by vibrant forests, flowing rivers, banana and cocoa plantations, and a love for soccer. His journey into birding and ecology began nearly two decades ago after completing a degree in Ecotourism at the University of Costa Rica.
As a certified naturalist guide and dedicated birder, Andrés has a passion for sharing his extensive knowledge, deep respect for nature, and appreciation of Costa Rican culture with his guests. His years of experience guiding birdwatching and nature tours across Costa Rica—and his travels through Central and North America—have given him a profound understanding of conservation’s role in sustaining ecosystems and the importance of responsible stewardship.
When not guiding, Andrés enjoys hiking, swimming, photography, reading, and gardening. He also treasures time with his family, especially his four-year-old daughter, who shares his love for the beach.
Anthony A.
Meet Anthony Arce, a passionate ecotourism expert hailing from the stunning Northwest region of Costa Rica. With a deep-rooted love for nature and a specialization in birds and birdwatching, Anthony launched his career by leading one-day nature tours across the country. This hands-on experience immersed him in Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems and habitats, fueling his enthusiasm for avian adventures.
Now based in the breathtaking Arenal Volcano area, Anthony excels at guiding birdwatchers and photographers, helping them discover the vibrant birdlife that Costa Rica has to offer. He actively contributes to the Arenal Bird Count and serves as a regional reviewer for eBird, focusing on the captivating Caribbean Slope. Dive deeper into his birdwatching journey through his eBird profile: Anthony’s eBird Profile.
Equipped with a Swarowski Spotting Scope ATS 80 HD and Swarowski Binoculars SLC 8×42, Anthony is ready to help you spot the wonders of the avian world!
Carlos J.
Carlos J. studied Biology at the University of Costa Rica and has pursued further education in Environmental Tourism Management. Growing up in the Caribbean Lowlands of Costa Rica, he was immersed in rich biodiversity from an early age. Carlos vividly recalls the moment he first spotted a Rufous Motmot, an experience he describes as life-changing: “At that moment, I was hooked.” This sparked his lifelong passion for birdwatching and nature.
Carlos has More Than 20 Years Experience in the Field
Carlos began his career as a Field Assistant at the renowned La Selva Biological Station, later advancing to manage the Tourism and Academic Department at Palo Verde Biological Station. With over 20 years of experience guiding specialist birding and nature tours across Costa Rica, Carlos brings deep expertise and enthusiasm to his work. His dedication to sharing Costa Rica’s unique flora and fauna has left a lasting impression on countless guests, making him a sought-after guide in the field.
Carlos U.
Carlos was born in Pérez Zeledón in southern Costa Rica, an area rich in farms, mountains, and rivers that fueled his early love for birds and wildlife. His introduction to ecotourism began by assisting his brother in hosting international students, leading activities ranging from hikes to Costa Rica’s highest peak, Chirripó, to coordinating community volunteer programs.
Since dedicating himself to birdwatching tours in 2004, Carlos has established himself as a skilled guide and driver, making birding an integral part of his daily life. His expertise has been honed through participation in the La Fila Costera Bird Count, where he played a significant role in organizing and managing this vital event.
Erick C.
Born and raised in Costa Rica, Erick C. is a highly skilled, self-taught naturalist and bird photography guide with over 30 years of experience. As a teenager, Erick spent time in Nebraska, where he learned English and immersed himself in U.S. culture. He began his career interning at a small birding lodge in his hometown of Sarapiquí, before pursuing formal training with Fundacion Neotropica to become a local guide. This path led him to the Organization for Tropical Studies at La Selva Biological Research Station, where he gained expertise in tropical biology, ecology, and conservation under the mentorship of leading scientists.
Over the past three decades, Erick has excelled in roles as a naturalist guide, guest speaker in Panama, tour leader, and birding guide for organizations such as the Audubon Society. He has successfully guided groups of all sizes, from intimate bird-watching excursions to large, multi-interest groups of up to 100 participants.
Beyond guiding, Erick enjoys a range of outdoor activities, from mountain biking and white-water rafting to scuba diving. His interest in digital photography has become an integral part of his work, using a semi-pro DSLR to capture Costa Rica’s diverse wildlife. With a passion for birds, animal behavior, conservation, and environmental education, Erick strives to inspire his guests, hoping they leave with a piece of his enthusiasm to share with others.
Erick G.
Erick Granados is a seasoned birding guide and accomplished bird photographer with over a decade of experience leading tours across Costa Rica. Certified by the ICT as both a guide and driver, Erick’s passion for birds and nature began in his childhood amidst the scenic Talamanca Highlands. His journey started with a simple pair of binoculars, but after observing visitors with their cameras, he became captivated by photography. This passion blossomed, leading him to develop an impressive portfolio, featured on his Instagram at Quetzal_experience.
Dedicated to showcasing the natural wonders of Costa Rica, Erick takes pride in offering guests an immersive and memorable experience. In his personal time, he enjoys life in the picturesque Cartago Valley, where he spends quality time with his two children.
Esteban B.
Esteban first became interested in birds and wildlife while working in a remote lodge on the Osa Peninsula. With access to an array of birding books, and incoming guides, his interest was sparked. He started seeking out the huge variety of birds on the Osa peninsula. He loved the Scarlet Macaws, Toucans, and Tanagers. When he returned to his home town, he realized what he was missing in his own backyard and began to study the flora and fauna of his area. Esteban studied Tropical Biology with a specialization in Ornithology at the University of Costa Rica. His career as been a mix of academia and field studies plus guiding visitors to Costa Rica who are keenly interested in birds.
Esteban loves exploring the deepest forests of Costa Rica, away from civilization, trekking through the jungle observing birds and wildlife. When he is at home with his family, he likes spending time with his daughters, snorkeling and scuba, mountain biking, and wine tasting. He is excited to share his knowledge and experience with his guests, highlighting the top bird species of Costa Rica.
Fito D.
Fito’s passion for nature began at a young age, rooted in his upbringing in Costa Rica. Growing up surrounded by the country’s vibrant wildlife, he developed a deep love for its animals, birds, and plants. This early exposure fueled a lifelong dedication to studying and sharing his knowledge with visitors across Costa Rica and South America.
Fito launched his career at the renowned La Selva Biological Station, where he spent two years conducting field research and guiding visitors through the region’s rich ecosystems. He later expanded his research experience with the Smithsonian Institute on Barro Colorado Island in Panama. While Costa Rica remains his home—anchored by close ties with family and friends—Fito has also spent years guiding expeditions in Ecuador, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.
Birding is his foremost passion, but Fito’s interests extend to nature, travel, swimming in the local Sarapiqui River, photography, soccer, and basketball. Fluent in English, Portuguese, and his native Spanish, Fito brings an exceptional level of expertise and enthusiasm to every journey he leads.
Helmut G.
Helmut is a dedicated birdwatcher and wildlife photographer who has turned his passion into a full-time career as a guide in the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica. Born and raised in this biodiverse paradise, Helmut developed a deep appreciation for nature at a young age. His journey into birdwatching began during his high school years, where he immersed himself in Ecotourism, sparking a lifelong fascination with the natural world, and especially birds.
Since 2012, he has diligently honed his birdwatching skills, continuously expanding his knowledge and expertise. With a strong foundation in photography, Helmut studied the art of capturing wildlife, allowing him to share the beauty of Costa Rica’s birds through his lens. Fluent in Spanish, English, and German, he has been guiding enthusiastic groups since 2016, showcasing the vibrant birdlife of the region. The only hiatus in his guiding career occurred during the pandemic, but he has since returned with renewed vigor and enthusiasm, eager to help others experience the wonder of birdwatching in one of the world’s most spectacular ecosystems.
Ivan C.
Ivan C. is a Costa Rican naturalist and dedicated birder with extensive training from the Organization for Tropical Studies at La Selva Biological Research Station. He holds a degree in Sustainable Tourism Management from Costa Rica’s state university system. Raised in the lush lowland rainforests of Sarapiquí, Ivan developed an early love for the Neotropical flora and fauna that surround him and remain his primary area of expertise.
With over a decade of experience, Ivan has been guiding ecotourism travelers and sharing his knowledge of Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems. During his tenure as a resident naturalist at a rainforest lodge and private reserve in Sarapiquí, he coordinated and participated in natural history events, including annual bird counts and Costa Rica’s International Herpetological Symposia. Outside of guiding, Ivan enjoys exploring new regions for birdwatching and staying active through mountain biking, continually deepening his connection with Costa Rica’s natural wonders.
Johan W.
Johan was born into a farming community near Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano, where he spent his early years exploring the rainforest and fields in search of frogs, snakes, and unique insects. His experiences working on the family farm exposed him to diverse wildlife and cultivated his interest in nature. Pursuing this passion, Johan studied Ecotourism and was especially inspired by a course with a renowned local ornithologist, sparking a lifelong dedication to birdwatching.
After studying Natural History at the University of Costa Rica, Johan continued fieldwork focused on Costa Rica’s birds. With over a decade of experience, he has since guided birdwatchers and photographers from coast to coast, sharing his expertise and love for the country’s avian diversity. Beyond birding, Johan enjoys staying active through forest hikes, photography, and reading, making him a well-rounded and knowledgeable guide.
Jorge C.
Jorge C. is a highly skilled birdwatching guide from Costa Rica, with over 11 years of experience in birding and bird photography. With an educational background as an Ecotourism Technician and a BA in Environmental Engineering, Jorge’s career has been driven by a deep passion for nature, which began at the age of 15. His enthusiasm for birds and wildlife has led him to explore diverse ecosystems across Latin America, with birding experience in countries such as Brazil, Panama, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Peru, and Colombia.
Jorge has an impressive bird list of 848 species in Costa Rica and over 1,970 species worldwide, with notable achievements, including holding the top spot on eBird for the highest number of species observed in Alajuela, Costa Rica. Equipped with Swarovski binoculars and a Vortex Viper scope, he brings exceptional expertise to every tour, ensuring guests have the best possible experience.
Jorge’s mission is to provide top-tier birdwatching and photography tours, offering clients in Latin America an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature. His knowledge, dedication, and warm personality make him a standout guide in the region.
Lenin D.
Lenin D. was born and raised in Puerto Viejo, Sarapiquí, nestled in the lush Caribbean Lowlands of Costa Rica. Growing up in a small banana community, he spent his childhood immersed in the vibrant outdoors, with a pristine forest and a beautiful river just behind his family home. It was here, exploring the wonders of nature, that Lenin’s profound love for the natural world began to blossom. He would spend countless hours listening to the symphony of birds and the chorus of the jungle, learning to distinguish between the calls of birds, the croaks of amphibians, and the buzz of insects. His curiosity drove him to observe the habits of mammals and keep track of the diverse species inhabiting the forest and riverbanks.
This deep connection with nature inspired Lenin to turn his childhood dream into reality by becoming a birding and nature guide, dedicated to sharing his passion for Costa Rica’s natural wonders. He pursued studies in Ecotourism at Colegio Técnico Profesional de Puerto Viejo Sarapiquí, where he gained valuable knowledge in biology, natural resources, ecology, and English. After completing his education, Lenin became a certified Naturalist, working at Selva Verde Lodge in its botanical and butterfly gardens.
Lenin has also served as a Bird Watching Guide at La Selva Biological Station and as a tour leader for renowned birding companies. His specialties include leading naturalist trips for birders and photographers, but he is equally eager to share his insights into Costa Rican history, culture, and the essence of this stunning region.
Luis F.
Luis was born in the bustling capital of San José, surrounded by lush coffee plantations, that made the perfect playground. As a child, he would spend hours exploring these fields with friends, captivated by the rich diversity of animals around them. It was the birds that truly captured his heart.
Everything changed the day his cousin gave him a field guide to the birds of Costa Rica. That book opened a whole new world—he poured over its pages, teaching himself about each species and dreaming of seeing them all.
As the years passed, he ventured out with friends to national parks and attended bird festivals across the country, deepening his passion and knowledge. He went on to study tourism, combining his deep love for nature with a career that lets him share his passion with others.
With almost 15 years of birding knowledge and close to 10 years of experience as a guide for birdwatchers and photographers, Luis knows the birds of Costa Rica like old friends. The more he learns, the more his fascination grows. Luis is a joyful birdwatcher who lives to connect people with the incredible avian life of Costa Rica.
Mayer J.
Mayer was raised in a small town in Costa Rica’s Pacific northwest province of Guanacaste. He left his quiet rural roots to attend the University of Costa Rica in San José, where he pursued studies in Natural History, Geography, Ecology, and Biology. There, under the mentorship of a professor specializing in ornithology, Mayer’s passion for birds took flight, shaping his career path. Upon earning his degree in Ecotourism, Mayer became a certified, licensed guide with ICT, leveraging his expertise in Costa Rica’s avifauna, flora, and natural history. With over two decades of field experience, Mayer has established himself as an expert naturalist guide, known for his deep knowledge and exceptional field skills.
While not a photographer himself, Mayer is skilled at assisting photographers in capturing their best shots, thanks to his comprehensive understanding of Costa Rica’s ecosystems. In his free time, he enjoys early morning walks along the river he grew up near, quality time with family, birdwatching, cooking, and reading. An avid reader, Mayer has a particular appreciation for classic literature and books on biology and nature.
Minor H.
Minor hails from Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí in Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands, where the lush tropical rainforest instilled in him a deep love for nature, especially birds. With studies in Tourism, Ecology, and Biology, Minor has dedicated 24 years to working at La Selva Biological Station, both as a researcher and as a birding guide. His passion for photography led him to capture Costa Rica’s birds on camera, winning him first place in both the 2016 National Photography competition, The Birds of Costa Rica, and the International Festival of Migratory Birds photo contest on the Osa Peninsula.
As a birding guide, Minor takes great pride in helping guests discover the species they’ve come to see, and as a photography guide, he understands the importance of capturing the perfect shot, always working to help guests achieve their goals. Outside of guiding, Minor enjoys an active lifestyle with his teenage son, with whom he shares a love of sports and movies. An avid kayaker, white-water rafter, mountain biker, and martial artist, Minor is also an exceptional Latin dancer, often teaching classes when he isn’t out in the field seeking the next perfect bird photo.
Rodolfo Z.
Rodolfo “Rudy” Z., born in Santa Ana, Costa Rica, in 1960, grew up immersed in nature on his family’s coffee plantation and dairy farm—a legacy dating back to 1863. Inspired by his father, an enthusiastic naturalist, Rudy was introduced to Costa Rica’s flora and fauna from a young age, often with binoculars in hand as he explored the diverse landscapes around him.
Rudy pursued studies in chemistry and Natural History at the University of Costa Rica and later furthered his education in Ecology, Music, and English at the University of Arizona. Returning to Costa Rica, he launched a distinguished career as a naturalist guide, specializing in botany, zoology, geography, agriculture, natural history, and Costa Rican folklore. His true passion, however, has always been ornithology. Rudy’s fascination with birds took root in his teenage years, leading him to travel the globe, where he has recorded over 4,000 species on his life list.
As a member of the American Birding Association, Rudy has guided numerous Audubon groups and was instrumental in organizing the Association’s convention in Costa Rica. With over 30 years of experience in Costa Rica’s biodiverse ecosystems, Rudy is one of the country’s most respected naturalist guides. His deep commitment to conservation, along with his passion for sharing Costa Rica’s rich natural heritage, makes a journey with Rudy an unforgettable experience.
Gabriel R.
Gabriel was born on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica at the foothills of the Arenal Volcano in the town of La Fortuna. Growing up in an area so rich with flora and fauna, his interest in the natural world was sparked and his passion for birds and wildlife began. After completing his high school education, Gabriel continued studying the natural history of Costa Rica with a specialty in tourism. He began guiding in La Fortuna, Monteverde and Guanacaste and developed a specialty in birding, night tours, and river floating and kayaking. With over 22 years of guiding experience Gabriel has become a very sought after bird specialist.
As a guide he is knowledgeable and brings his love of Costa Rica to each and every trip he hosts. As a person he is warm and humble and a pleasure to have as a travel companion. Gabriel is eager to share his country with everyone.
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About Costa Rica Focus
Costa Rica Focus is a birding tour company that offers customized Costa Rica birdwatching tours for individuals or groups of people and guided by a knowledgeable birding expert who will help you spot and learn about the beauty of the birds of Costa Rica. Let’s talk about your Costa Rica birding vacation!
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