Gabriel — Naturalist Guide at Rain Forest Experiences
Meet Your Guide

About Gabriel

Founder of Rain Forest Experiences CRLa Fortuna, Costa Rica

Gabriel — Your local naturalist guide
13+
Years of Experience
My Story

Your Personal Connection
to the Rainforest

I'm Gabriel, founder of Rain Forest Experiences CR. Born and raised in the heart of La Fortuna, I grew up surrounded by the wonders of the rainforest. From childhood explorations along volcanic trails to earning my Bachelor's degree in Ecological Tourism from the University of Costa Rica, my passion has always been sharing the magic of Costa Rica's biodiversity with visitors from around the world.

With over 13 years of professional experience as a naturalist guide, I bring a deep, personal knowledge of the local ecosystem — the secret spots where sloths sleep, the trails where toucans feed, and the streams where poison dart frogs thrive. I've guided tours across the entire country, from the cloud forests of Monteverde to the pristine shores of Corcovado, but La Fortuna will always be my home and my greatest passion.

I founded Rain Forest Experiences CR to create authentic, unforgettable connections between people and nature, while supporting conservation and the local community. Together with my team of certified guides, we ensure every guest gets a world-class experience. When you book with us, you're not just getting a tour — you're gaining a friend in the jungle.

My Qualifications

Professional Credentials

I combine formal academic training with over a decade of hands-on field experience to deliver world-class guided experiences.

Bachelor's in Ecological Tourism

I graduated from the University of Costa Rica (UCR) with a Bachelor's degree in Ecological Tourism, combining academic knowledge with hands-on field experience.

Licensed General Guide — INA

I hold a General Guide License issued by the National Learning Institute (INA) of Costa Rica, the official certification for professional tour guides in the country.

Professional Lifeguard

I'm a certified professional lifeguard, ensuring the safety of my guests during water-related activities and outdoor adventures.

First Aid & CPR Certified

I'm trained in first aid and CPR, prepared to handle any emergency situation in the field so you can explore with complete peace of mind.

Expert Birder & Naturalist

Over 13 years of experience in birdwatching and general naturalism, with deep knowledge of Costa Rica's 900+ bird species and tropical ecosystems.

Nationwide Touring Experience

I have extensive experience leading tours across all of Costa Rica — from Arenal and Monteverde to Manuel Antonio, Corcovado, and beyond.

13+
Years of Experience
5,000+
Happy Guests
8
Unique Tours
5.0
Google Rating
In the Field

Gabriel in Action

From spotting rare birds with professional optics to leading groups through hanging bridges and volcanic trails — here's a glimpse of what your experience will look like.

Gabriel guiding a tour in Costa Rica's rainforest
Gabriel using binoculars for wildlife observation
Gabriel as expert naturalist guide
Gabriel guiding visitors through the rainforest
Gabriel as tour guide in La Fortuna
Tour experience in La Fortuna with Gabriel
Gabriel at Arenal Volcano viewpoint
Gabriel, professional naturalist guide
Gabriel leading a tour group
All Tours Include

Everything You Need for a Perfect Adventure

Every tour includes these essentials so you can focus on enjoying the experience — no hidden fees, no surprises.

Round-Trip Hotel Transportation

Complimentary pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in the La Fortuna area. Sit back, relax, and let us handle the logistics.

Snacks & Refreshments

Fresh tropical fruits, water, and light snacks are included on every tour to keep you energized throughout your adventure.

Professional Optical Equipment

High-powered spotting scopes and binoculars provided so you can get incredible close-up views of wildlife and birds.

Small Groups & Personal Attention

We keep our groups small to ensure a personalized, intimate experience where every guest gets the attention they deserve.

Also Included on Every Tour

Round-trip hotel pick-up & drop-off in La Fortuna
Certified bilingual naturalist guide
Park or reserve entrance fees
Professional spotting scopes & binoculars
Fresh tropical fruit snacks & water
Small group experience (personalized attention)
Testimonials

What Our Guests Say

5.0120+ reviews on Airbnb
Y

Yeraldid

Fullerton, CaliforniaJanuary 2026

We had a great time with Josue. It's been our highlight of our trip thus far. We were able to see a Tucan, tarantula, unique hummingbird, spider monkies. The history and learning experience added to the experience. 10/10

A

Ashmit

United StatesJanuary 2026

The experience was truly magical from start to finish. We began the hike surrounded by thick clouds, which made us disappointed, but just as we reached the end of the lava trail, the skies cleared to reveal a breathtaking, picture-perfect view of the volcano — it felt incredibly rewarding and almost cinematic. Our guide was outstanding, sharing deep knowledge of Arenal's history and geology in a way that was engaging and easy to follow.

E

Eric

Saint-Philippe, CanadaDecember 2025

What an amazing experience! We were kind of worried that it would be too much of a walk and a climb but it was just perfect. We never felt like if we were in a rush. Daniela took all the time to answer every single question we had and she was extremely knowledgable and funny. We very much appreciated this excursion as it's a fantastic site and we strongly recommend it.

A

Andrew

Ann Arbor, MichiganDecember 2025

This was a fascinating hike through volcanic territory filled with interesting facts from Gabriel and a few animal spottings. Gabriel made the trip very interesting, thrilling at times, and a great introduction to the Arenal area. Gabriel himself was a stellar guide who I would hire again and again.

J

Janine

Newark, DelawareNovember 2025

This experience was exactly what we were looking for. Our guide met us at the entrance and provided us so much useful information about what we were seeing. We hadn't yet seen a sloth on our trip and let the guide know. Within the first few minutes, she spotted one and got out the scope for us to take a look. Mission accomplished!

P

Peter

Hamilton, CanadaNovember 2025

Tour guide was amazing, very knowledgeable about the location and very accommodating to our family. Highly recommend!

R

Rajiv

New York, NYApril 2025

Gabriel's tour was a great experience especially if you're interested in geography and nature. He is extremely knowledgeable and was patient with all our questions. He even took a lot of pictures and videos from his scope when there were interesting finds along the way. I would strongly recommend his guided tour.

G

Griselda

Tlaquepaque, MexicoFebruary 2025

Excelente atencion por parte de Gabriel, mucha informacion, siempre amable y resolviendo dudas, siempre atento en la comunicacion, en el inter del camino siempre estuvo dando alertas de donde debiamos pisar. Recomendado al 100!

R

Rachel

New York, USFebruary 2025

The hike was great! Even though it was a rainy day and we couldn't see the volcano, Gabriel pointed out many things we wouldn't have noticed on our own and told us interesting facts about the wildlife and the land. Gabriel was very accommodating of our pace.

S

Sarah

Chicago, IllinoisJanuary 2025

Great opportunity to see the volcano and its surroundings! Climb to the viewing point and other points were very steep but not too bad overall. Our guide Gerardo was very knowledgeable and shared tons of information on the volcano! Would recommend!

Y

Yeraldid

Fullerton, CaliforniaJanuary 2026

We had a great time with Josue. It's been our highlight of our trip thus far. We were able to see a Tucan, tarantula, unique hummingbird, spider monkies. The history and learning experience added to the experience. 10/10

A

Ashmit

United StatesJanuary 2026

The experience was truly magical from start to finish. We began the hike surrounded by thick clouds, which made us disappointed, but just as we reached the end of the lava trail, the skies cleared to reveal a breathtaking, picture-perfect view of the volcano — it felt incredibly rewarding and almost cinematic. Our guide was outstanding, sharing deep knowledge of Arenal's history and geology in a way that was engaging and easy to follow.

E

Eric

Saint-Philippe, CanadaDecember 2025

What an amazing experience! We were kind of worried that it would be too much of a walk and a climb but it was just perfect. We never felt like if we were in a rush. Daniela took all the time to answer every single question we had and she was extremely knowledgable and funny. We very much appreciated this excursion as it's a fantastic site and we strongly recommend it.

A

Andrew

Ann Arbor, MichiganDecember 2025

This was a fascinating hike through volcanic territory filled with interesting facts from Gabriel and a few animal spottings. Gabriel made the trip very interesting, thrilling at times, and a great introduction to the Arenal area. Gabriel himself was a stellar guide who I would hire again and again.

J

Janine

Newark, DelawareNovember 2025

This experience was exactly what we were looking for. Our guide met us at the entrance and provided us so much useful information about what we were seeing. We hadn't yet seen a sloth on our trip and let the guide know. Within the first few minutes, she spotted one and got out the scope for us to take a look. Mission accomplished!

P

Peter

Hamilton, CanadaNovember 2025

Tour guide was amazing, very knowledgeable about the location and very accommodating to our family. Highly recommend!

R

Rajiv

New York, NYApril 2025

Gabriel's tour was a great experience especially if you're interested in geography and nature. He is extremely knowledgeable and was patient with all our questions. He even took a lot of pictures and videos from his scope when there were interesting finds along the way. I would strongly recommend his guided tour.

G

Griselda

Tlaquepaque, MexicoFebruary 2025

Excelente atencion por parte de Gabriel, mucha informacion, siempre amable y resolviendo dudas, siempre atento en la comunicacion, en el inter del camino siempre estuvo dando alertas de donde debiamos pisar. Recomendado al 100!

R

Rachel

New York, USFebruary 2025

The hike was great! Even though it was a rainy day and we couldn't see the volcano, Gabriel pointed out many things we wouldn't have noticed on our own and told us interesting facts about the wildlife and the land. Gabriel was very accommodating of our pace.

S

Sarah

Chicago, IllinoisJanuary 2025

Great opportunity to see the volcano and its surroundings! Climb to the viewing point and other points were very steep but not too bad overall. Our guide Gerardo was very knowledgeable and shared tons of information on the volcano! Would recommend!

My Commitment

At Rain Forest Experiences CR, I believe that the best way to protect nature is to help people fall in love with it. Every tour we lead is designed not just to show you the rainforest, but to help you understand it — its incredible complexity, its fragility, and the vital role it plays in our planet's health.

We keep our groups small to minimize our impact on the environment and maximize your experience. We support local conservation projects and work with communities to ensure that tourism benefits the people who live alongside the rainforest.

I'm a proud member of the La Fortuna community, and I'm committed to sharing our paradise with the world in a way that preserves it for generations to come.