At Casitas Tenorio we pride ourselves in being able to offer trained and passionate local guides. Our highly experienced naturalist guides speak English, Spanish and French. They are passionate about our local area and will be able to point out interesting things about the flora and fauna and give an insight into the local culture. Many have developed specific specialties and interests such as ornithology, herpetology or botany. Going with a guide is great way to know more about our local area, meet and become friends with a local person, and support rural community tourism in a meaningful way.

Donald Varela Soto

Donald first started working on farms clearing fields with a machete when he was seven. He was lucky enough to be sponsored for an English course when he was nineteen. He passed the course and has since worked as a naturalist guide in Costa Rica for more than ten years. Donald is a passionate birdwatcher and can spend hours in the forest calling birds and observing them in their natural habitat. He has studied natural history and has extensive experience working with various universities from Costa Rica and North America as a guide for tropical biology courses. He is a very knowledgeable guide and likes to show tourists the beauty that is found in our local area. Donald has been fortunate to have had visited North America, South America, Europe and Australia. When he is not guiding, Donald likes to spend time with his wife and daughter, take care of the animals at Casitas Tenorio and visit his other farm to walk through the primary rainforest to try and spot the elusive tapir.

Jorge Luis Soto Obando

Jorge was born and raised in Bijagua. As an adolescents he was able to learn English speaking to tourists at Heliconias Lodge. Jorge is now a very experienced guide and a brilliant birder. He also is a keen frog spotter and night tours are his forte. Jorge has studied in Canada and various courses within Costa Rica. A tour with Jorge is a wonderful experience and at the end of the day you will feel like you have not only learnt many things about the area, but that you have also gained a new friend.

Kim Bustos Arias

Kim is a passionate birdwatcher and is often seen around the area with her binolcuras and a bird book in hand. Kim I extremly knowledgeable about the local area and is keen to share her knowledge with others. Kim has studied English and is learning French and is trying to learn German from visitors to the area. Kim is a great guide for families with children. In her spare time Kim likes to talk about the various species of birds she has spotted, teach children English and dance salsa.

Marlon Calderon Brenes

Marlon first came to Bijagua during his university studies. He now calls this area home and has developed a deep attachment to the area. Marlon studied Tourism at university and has worked as a guide for several years. He is also a founder of the youth group and undertakes work planting trees with fellow members of the group in the biological corridor for companies and individuals who want to offset their carbon emissions. Marlon is also great birder and has a passion for visiting Rio Celeste and playing soccer in his free time.