Our staff - Field Guides
Gustavo Abarca
Is respected for his knowledge of natural history and loved by children for his friendly and helpful personality. Born in 1970 in San José, he was the TV host of a children’s musical variety show when he was 10 years old. He learned the value of hard work by picking college, painting houses and selling bicycles during his school vacations when he was a teenager. In college, he studied biological sciences and modern languages at the University of Costa Rica.
Fluent in English and Italian, as well as his native Spanish, Gustavo began working as a naturalist guide in 1992, after travels to the U.S., Italy and Holland gave him a special appreciation for other cultures.
He is currently studying Natural Resources Management and Conservation at Costa Rica's state university UNED, and coordinates an environmental study abroad program for a Texas-based university.
Gustavo has been guiding for seventeen years and enjoys working with families as well as specialized groups including zoological societies and othersOne of his favorite hobbies is bird watching.
Willy Alfaro
Soft spoken, with a gentle disposition, Willy says his love of nature and science began at 6 yrs old when his father bought him an encyclopedia on Natural History.
Artist and photography enthusiast Willy Alfaro has been guiding natural history and birding trips in Costa Rica, Cuba, the East Coast of US and Panama since 1992. When not guiding, he is an active lecturer and educator, having led biology workshops for the University of Costa Rica and for the University of Delaware’s Horticulture Program in Costa Rica.
His interest in birding has inspired active participation in the Costa Rican Ornithological Association, for which he has been on the Board of Directors since 1997. With the association and other organizations, including The Nature Conservancy, Willy has participated in several taxonomy projects, documenting bird species and migration patterns of Costa Rica’s avifauna.
Willy has also volunteered for the Costa Rican Biodiversity Institute (INBio), La Selva Biological Station, and has organized guide training workshops EARTH Agricultural College.
José Calvo
Nicknamed “Indio” (Indian) because of his powers of observation and quiet nature, Jose has 16 years working as a naturalist guide in Costa Rica, and is recognized as an expert birder on Costa Rica’s Central and South Pacific Coast.
His gentleness and sense of humor makes him one of Horizontes’ most requested guides, especially by expedition cruise ship companies who employ on-board naturalists. He has also guided extensively in Panama and is a certified naturalist with Costa Rica’ National Learning Institute (INA). Aside from birding, Jose has led general natural history trip for leading conservation and wildlife organizations, and has recently gained experience leading soft adventure and multi-sport trips for young adults and students working in rural communities.
In the off-season, he works as a graphic designer and pursues his passion for wildlife photography. He is a proud father of a 14-year-old named Esteban.
Ronald Calvo
Ronald Calvo, 37, double majored in Geography and Ecotourism at University of Costa Rica, where he earned his degrees. He has worked as a consultant for the non-profit Fundación Neotropica on a Management Plan for Palo Verde and Barra Honda National Parks. He has also analyzed and advised on water resources for several communities in the Turrubares region.
Ronald, who is fluent in English, is a teacher at heart, and has organized workshops on environmental education for the Inter-American Development Bank (BID). He has participated in the development of tourism in the province of Guanacaste and advised on the management of Tortuguero, Arenal and Amistad national parks, as well as the Atlantic and Central Pacific zones.
He holds a certificate in first responder training and has taken specialized courses on amphibians and reptiles, snakes, botany and vulcanology during his career as a naturalist guide. In his free time, Ronald has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, the Program for Geographic Reasearch (PROIGE) and the Casa de la Cultura. His hobbies include mountain biking and traveling.
Maguil Céspedes
Maguil, born in San Jose, but raised in the rural zone, has an inside view and deep knowledge of rural life in Costa Rica.
His passion for nature resulted in studying biology at the UCR where he got his master degree in 2002. His thesis was about the genetic structure of Big Leaf Mahogany, one of the three endangered species in America.
Besides his studies Maguil has worked in several projects related to the genetic structure of species from the tropical dry forest at the UCR. He worked for the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), Neotropica Foundation, FUNDECOR Foundation (Fundación de la Coordillera Volcánica Central) as well as other NGO’s in topics related to endangered species, sustainable use of natural resources, tropical ecology and environmental education.
He is specialized in Botany and currently working as academic coordinator for the Central American Institute for Biology and Conservation where Maguil has been involved in several field courses and training programs. Besides his other activities he has been working as a naturalist guide for over 10 years including leading natural history trips on ships in Central America.
Federico Chacón
Federico loves to tell jokes, and his lively sense of humor allows him to present his knowledge of the natural world in an entertaining manner. Currently studying natural resource management at Universidad Estatal a Distancia, Federico specializes in the flora and fauna of Costa Rica´s lowland rainforests. He recently participated in a summer-long work exchange program near Estes Park, Colorado, and has also spent time in England.
Federico, 32, comes from a family of writers and storytellers, and loves to share anecdotes of Costa Rican life with visitors He credits his older brother, who also guided for Horizontes, with helping to form his love of nature. In his spare time, Federico enjoys playing Ultimate Frisbee, mountain biking, bird watching, reading and playing chess.
Greivin Cubero
Known for his kind disposition and upbeat demeanor, Greiven Cubero is one Horizontes most sought after naturalist guide/drivers. A native of the agricultural town of San Ramon on the western edge of the Central Valley, Greivin began cultivating his love for nature after high school, attending several natural history workshops and seminars. The study of snakes, spiders, botanicals and volcanic activity are among Greivin’s passions.
Greivin has been working in tourism since 1999, the same year he became a father. He lives with his wife Rodette, a Long Island New York transplant, and their son Noel in San Ramon, just 5 minutes from where he grew up.
He is a certified guide by the Costa Rican Tourism Board.
Bernal Díaz
Passionate about conservation, Bernal Diaz is one of our most experienced naturalists with 25 years working in the field. A former student of law, literature and history, Bernal’s knowledge of global themes has made him a favorite guide and trip leader for American Museum of Natural History, the Smithsonian Institution, World Wildlife Fund and Audubon Society study groups.
His experience leading natural history and cultural trips has led him to guide on the Galapagos, and in continental Ecuador, Peru, Panama and Nicaragua. When not leading groups through nature or archeological trails, Bernal has enjoyed lecturing as an onboard naturalist for expedition cruise ships.
Bernal is also in charge of marketing for his personal project—Costa Rica’s Coffee Legacy tour. On the tour, Bernal and his wife welcome guests to their family’s organic coffee farm to see and participate in the coffee harvest, roasting and packing of Costa Rica’s most famous crop. He has also helped organize and host foreign student programs and was a trip leader for Stanford University’s Family Camps Abroad.
Julio Fernández
Julio is a historian and expert in Costa Rican and Central American culture whose enthusiasm for teaching and learning never wanes. He is also a wood carver, ceramicist and art lover.
After graduating with a B.A. in history from the University of Costa Rica, Julio spent 12 years of his career teaching Latin American history and philosophy at an international high school in San Jose. In 1987 he was awarded a Fullbright Scholarship to continue his studies at the University of Texas in Austin.
When he returned to Costa Rica, Julio's love of people brought him back into the classroom and led him into guiding after further study in his country's natural history. During the past decade, he has worked as an environmental educator and lecturer on board several small ships. He has also worked closely with conservation NGOs and student groups. Fluent in Spanish, English and French.
Julio is known for his quick wit and skill as a lecturer on art and history and current affairs. In his free time, Julio enjoys gardening at his mountain home in Heredia, where his faithful mutt "Paco" is usually found at his side.
Ricardo Howell
Ricardo Howell was born in San José, Costa Rica. He has more than 18 years of experience as a Tour Director and Naturalist Guide in Costa Rica and Central America leading programs developed for special-interest groups. His breadth of knowledge and his charming disposition have made him a favorite guide for general natural history programs and escorted trips, as well. As a Tour Director and Naturalist Guide, he has also gained experience leading soft adventure and multi-sport trips for senior citizens, young adults and students.
Ricardo discovered guiding when he was a university student, after receiving his early education; Ricardo studied industrial engineering for two years but it wasn't long before his lifelong love of nature and people led him to guiding. Ricardo immersed himself in biology, natural history, geography, geology and interpretive guiding courses, and completed the Costa Rican Tourist Board's challenging guide certification program.
Ricardo has been invited as a guest speaker/lecturer at different universities in the United States, such as Johnson & Wales University in Rhode Island and the University of Southern Mississippi in Mississippi. In his free time he enjoys horseback riding, mountain biking and birding throughout the country.
Marcel Lichtenstein
A Native Country side Costa Rican, raised in an environment of French, English and Spanish speaking family of Professors and Naturalist with a hard core Library. Marcel became fascinated in all aspects of Tropical and Subtropical ecosystems and study their natural history till today. Started to worked as a Guide Cultural and naturalist, in Costa Rica since 1989, Marcel has spend more than 4000 hours in the Rainforest Aerial tram Canopy.
Observing, researching as well as helping researchers, training naturalists, helping with the children's natural history program teaching over 500 students. This led in 1997 to his Conservation Company Bosque Protegido that has a preserve of 65 Hectares of primary forest next to the national park Braulio Carrillo.
Because of his broad knowledge of botany, ethno botany, ornithology, marine ecology and natural history driven by a profound passion for nature, Marcel was employed by expedition cruise lines since 1993.Operating new expeditions in South and Central America with Clipper cruise line and has worked in 21 countries of the American Continent as well as most islands on the Caribbean till today.
His different point of view, adaptability, stargazer nights, knot presentations, experience and rich sense of humour makes him a valuable part of any expedition. chess.
Christian Mata
Known for his big smile and easygoing disposition, Christian Mata has been guiding nature and agriculture-based programs in Costa Rica since 1994. Christian, a native of the agriculture community of Turrialba, holds a degree in forestry science with a specialization in Tropical ecology.
As a naturalist, he has participated in several specialized tourism workshops, including “Agroecotourism and Sustainable Development” at EARTH college for Tropical Agriculture,” and “Managing Tourism Development in Rural Areas” at CATIE’s Center for Tropical Agronomy Research and Learning.
Prior to guiding, he was in charge of Research and Ecotourism Development for the Coco Island Marine Conservation area, and also worked as Assistant Director for Costa Rica’s National Parks service, with a focus on National Marine Parks. In 1992 Christian helped coordinate the First International Conference of Biodiversity Studies, organized by the Parks service.
In his free time, Christian can be found either at the library keeping abreast of latest research on conservation, or enjoying the outdoors while playing soccer or participating in adventure sports.
Jeffrey Muñoz
Jeffrey is known for his passion for working with Nature, especially with plants. He has been guiding natural tours since 1998 and working with Horizontes for more than 5 years.
The last 10 years Jeffrey has taken several courses about volcanology, history, birding, Costa Rican culture and geography, CPR, coffee, etc.
Fluent in English, as well as his native Spanish, Jeffrey describe himself as an easy going person who adapts to different type of groups, such as seniors, photography and incentives. He enjoys great health and likes jogging and keeping in good shape.
As a father of three he handles family groups with a lot of enthusiasm and professionalism.
He is a certified guide by the Costa Rican Tourism Board.
Gustavo Orozco
Born in the agricultural community of San Ramón, northwest of San José, Gustavo has more than 12 years experience leading programs developed for special-interest groups, including museums, zoological societies and birders. His breadth of knowledge and charming disposition has made him a favorite guide for our general natural history programs.
He discovered guiding when he was a university student, after receiving his early education in his local community and participating in a high-school international exchange program in Kansas. Because his family owns a bakery, Gustavo studied business administration for a year at the University of Kansas and nearly four at the University of Costa Rica.
But it wasn’t long before his lifelong love of nature and people led him to guiding. After completing the Costa Rican Tourist Board’s challenging guide certification program, he immersed himself in biology, natural history, geography and interpretive guiding courses. Gustavo continues to invest time and energy in his chosen career, and broadens his horizons with travel to other countries. He enjoys horseback riding and birding throughout the country, as well as from his farm in his beloved San Ramón.
Rafael Robles
Rafael “Rafa” Robles is one of Costa Rica’s foremost botanists and the author of several plant identification books and guide training manuals. His Manual of the Flora of Costa Rica (sponsored by Missouri Botanical Garden and the National Museum of Costa Rica), includes annotated checklists, interpretive trail guides for lodges and reserves.
Rafa is an expert in the Caribbean coast ecosystems and waterways near Tortuguero. Rafa also has related administrative experience, having spent one year as the Administrator of Mawamba Lodge on the Tortuguero Canals and three years as Horizontes Guides Coordinator. In addition to his expertise, an outgoing, gentle personality and genuine love of working with people have contributed greatly to Rafa's long and successful guiding career, which began in 1989.
Rafa speaks Spanish and English and has a basic knowledge of French. Make sure to ask him about his Tasbayam Conservationist Association, an organization he developed and directs.
Isabel Salas
Known for her professionalism and experience in the field of animal behavior, Isa Salas earned her Master's Degree in Biology from the University of Costa Rica, where she also engaged in research for the Chemistry and Biology departments. Isa has carried out specialized projects on mantled howler monkeys for Costa Rica’s National Institute of Biodiversity (INBio), and is one of the country’s foremost experts on howler monkey sexual and social behavior.
Always eager to share her vast knowledge about Tropical nature and local culture, she been an onboard naturalist and expedition leader for small cruise ships since 1997. Isa has also led nature-based land programs for affinity groups from leading universities and museums, as well as family programs.
When not guiding, Isa has taught tropical biology courses for Duke University’s Talent Identification Program, Iowa State University’s International Fieldtrips in Biology and California’s Cabrillo College, as well as the University of Costa Rica.
In her free time, Isa enjoys training her Border Collie, Facundo, for agility competitions and reading authors with a focus on natural history.
Gastón Trujillo
Gastón has a gentle good humor that makes him a favorite guide of families with children and groups of students. He is also an excellent naturalist who has traveled extensively and draws on his international experience when guiding.
Gaston was born and raised in Costa Rica but attended Costa Rica’s German school, the Humboldt Schule, from kindergarten through high school. This specialized education gave him a thorough knowledge of German language and culture. He also spent a year studying at the University of Michigan, where he perfected his English and learned about life in the U.S. He was a summer camp counselor before becoming a naturalist guide in 1990.
Gaston has taken several intensive courses in botany, ornithology and natural history, and holds a degree in topography from the University of Costa Rica. He is also an avid birder. When not on the road, he enjoys spending time at home with his wife and daughter.
Danny Ugalde
Has a good sense of humor that makes him a favorite guide of families with children, groups and photographers. He is also an excellent naturalist who has traveled to Canada, U.S.A, France, Mexico, Nicaragua and Panama.
Danny was born in Costa Rica but attended elementary school in Panama, while living in Contadora Island with his family. This specialized education gave him a thorough knowledge of English language and culture but the mean experience for him was on tourism. He also spent a year working in Phoenix Arizona, where he perfected his English and learned about life in the U.S. He was a waiter and hostess at a famous restaurant. Also lived in Quebec for 10 months, in that time took a lot tours to different parks of Canada.
Danny has taken several intensive courses in botany, ornithology, herpetology, photography and natural history, and holds a degree in tourism by the national association of professionals in tourism of Costa Rica. When not on the road, he enjoys spending time at home with his wife and son.
Danny is one of our Driver Guides that has been with us since 1997. He has a Guide license and CPR & First Aid certificates.
Magrit Ulrich
Fluent in English German and Spanish, Margrit Ulrich has always had an affinity for language and for and working with people. These traits coupled with her passion for adventure led her into an early career in tourism, first working with hotels, then as an animator and performer, and finally as a naturalist guide. Margrit is one of our most cosmopolitan guides with a family that hailed from Switzerland, France and Germany before settling in Costa Rica's capital city San Jose, where Margrit was born and raised.
She is a self-described perfectionist who loves the arts and the creative process. One of Margrit's most influential experiences came during a two-year internship in Germany, working with the mentally disabled. "I learned patience and how to read faces and body language instead of depending on words", she says. Currently, Margrit is studying Tropical Ecology at the University of Costa Rica and has taken several specialized courses on Natural History, Conservation and Environmental Education.
She has guided hiking groups to Costa Rica's highest peak Mount Chirripó, and general natural history programs throughout the country.
Jenny Villalobos
Jenny Villalobos, 32, is known for her sweet and outgoing personality. She has a degree in Biology from Costa Rica’s Universidad Nacional. A former assistant teacher for childcare centers in Evanston, Illinois, Jenny has combined her love for children and nature in her current profession as a naturalist guide and mentor.
She is a certified tour guide by the Costa Rica Chamber of Tourism with nine years of experience in the field. Her work has included family programs, student programs, general culture and natural history programs and also hospitality desks for important symposiums and major cruise lines. In addition to her career, Jenny has taken several special courses in ornithology, museums and local cultures, medicinal plants, vulcanology and first aid.
Jenny was born and raised in the area of San Miguel of Heredia, where she lived for 7 years among coffee plantations and a peaceful rural setting. Then, her family decided to live in the suburbs of northeastern San Jose to provide a better opportunity of education for Jenny, her two younger sisters and one older brother. Her hobbies include bird watching, gardening and exercising.
Max Vindas
Known for his passion for nature and dedication to conservation and ecotourism development, Max has been guiding natural history trips in Costa Rica since 1993. At age eight, he took his first trip to the rainforest with his family and realized his love for the outdoors and wildlife observation. Since then, he spends as much time as he can in the forest, sharing his knowledge with visitors to his country.
Fluent in English, as well as his native Spanish, Max studied microbiology and later agro/ecotourism with at the University of Costa Rica. During his years as a student, Max helped develop ecotourism projects near Arenal Volcano and on Costa Rica’s Caribbean slope. Well versed on techniques for thematic interpretation, Max organizes guide training workshops for local tour outfitters and has worked with the Inter-American Development Bank in Brazil to help develop national parks for the country’s emerging ecotourism industry. These experiences, as well as his passion for birdlife and tropical rainforest ecosystems make him one of our most knowledgeable guides in regional conservation and sustainable development themes.
“My job is focused on bird watching and environmental interpretation, so every time I feel the stress of living in the city, I just go to work,” he says.
