Wildlife by Luis

Luis was the best guide we could have asked for in Corcovado park! He was so knowledgeable and patient throughout our whole visit, and he really knew all the answers to our questions about the wildlife. He knew birds by their calls, could anticipate the animals next move based on their current behaviors and position, and knew exactly where to find some of the most special and rare sights. He went above and beyond what any other tour guide in the park did— we spent longer with the animals and saw more than anyone else we talked to at Sirena station. He also took the most incredible photos for us through the scope so we can share with friends and family the wildlife we saw. He’s an extremely talented guide, photographer, and conversationalist. We felt safe, special, and educated throughout our whole tour and I would highly recommend Luis to anyone. A once in a lifetime experience we will never forget!!

It's a feeling hard to describe: the pure joy birdwatchers feel upon seeing a special species. But there are indicators that reveal what it feels like. You see it in their twinkling eyes. You sense it in their behavior. And you hear it in their voices. Luis has given us that feeling several times by showing us remarkable birds in Corcovado. The Yellow-billed Cotinga, Turquoise Cotinga, and Red-throated Caracara were absolute highlights. And perhaps even more wonderful: we saw that he himself is still just as enthusiastic about special encounters with nature. Enthusiasm grows by sharing it as he shared his telescope with us to enjoy the birds from even closer. My wife and I will never forget eating breakfast on a pebble beach in the Rio Pavo, in a green, tranquil valley, alone with Luis in the middle of the park, the sun streaming through the trees and the river gently babbling past us, when Luis suddenly perks up at a distant sound. We don't recognize the sound; it sounds like a parrot we often hear here. But we can tell from his posture that a special encounter is about to take place: "The Red-throated Caracara is coming!" And indeed, we were able to enjoy the spectacle of this remarkable bird for 20 minutes. As avid birdwatchers, we couldn't have imagined a better guide. He recognizes all the birds in an instant, hears bird calls faster than our Merlin app, and also knows an incredible amount about the other animals and plants in Corcovado, the place where he was born and raised. He taught us a great deal about the beautiful area, we shared some unforgettable moments, and he's a guide who masters the art of being present and absent at the right moments. For example, my wife and I took several refreshing dips at Luis's suggestion; he gently withdraws, allowing us to truly have a moment together. Luis, thank you so much! Our extraordinary trip to Costa Rica was made even more special thanks to your calm personality, keen eye, and wealth of knowledge. We hope others will also make their trip extra special by taking a (3-day) trip with you. Because you made our trip even more unforgettable.

I went on a 20km hike along the cost and jungle with my friends and Luis. It was amazing, long and tiring? Yes, but we went to Costa Rica to go on adventures and new experiences and this hike and the following 2 days in Corcovado National Park were the highlight of the trip. A few tips, if you are still reading ;) - Travel as light as possible. - No plastic bottles. - Bring an energy bar or 2. - There’s no soap etc in the ranger station, bring yours. - There’s no washing machine, although you can wash by hand. - There’s meat, gluten-free, and vegetarian food in the Sirena Station. - If you during rainy season, be prepared. - Bring comfy shoes, and be prepared to step in mud,, sand, and climb rocks. - Not a good idea if your knees aren’t in good shape, you’ll have to climb through rocks and up a cliff. - Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent.