Team Members
Sonia Nuñez Espinoza
Sonia Núñez was born in downtown Puntarenas, the largest province in Costa Rica. She grew up surrounded by the love of her parents, grandparents, and a large family in an environment filled with affection and values that shaped her life. She completed her primary education at Escuela Nuestra Señora de Sion and later attended Liceo Diurno José Martí for her secondary studies.
At the age of 18, she left her hometown and moved to San José in order to continue her academic education. There, she studied International Relations because she had a strong interest in diplomacy and the promotion of world peace.
In 1982, she had a life-changing experience when she participated in the AFS student exchange program in the United States. During that year, she attended West Iredell High School in Statesville, North Carolina. As a result, she improved her English language skills and gained a valuable international perspective.
Since childhood, Sonia has had a great passion for sports, especially basketball. In fact, she is an enthusiastic follower of the NBA. In addition, she enjoys soccer and tennis. Among her favorite teams are Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, Puntarenas FC, and Real Madrid.
Her professional career began at the Costa Rican Pacific Ports Institute. However, her proficiency in English opened the door to the tourism sector, where she has built a successful career for more than three decades. In September 1997, she joined Costa Rica Gateway, a company where she has worked ever since. Throughout the years, she has carried out key responsibilities, including personalized customer service, itinerary design, quotation preparation, coordination of accommodations, transportation arrangements, tour guide services, and supplier management.
Furthermore, tourism inspired in Sonia a deep admiration for nature and birdwatching. One of her most memorable experiences was a nighttime expedition near Irazú Volcano in search of the Unspotted Saw-whet Owl. Tthe adventure itself, surrounded by the rural landscape and local wildlife, became an unforgettable memory.
Thanks to her work, she has had the opportunity to meet people from different parts of the world and discover some of the most beautiful places in Costa Rica. Therefore, her dedication, experience, and passion for service have made her a highly respected professional in the tourism industry.
In her personal life, Sonia is married to Juan Carlos and is the mother of two sons, Juan Pablo and Carlos Andrés. Moreover, she deeply loves animals, especially dogs, and shares her life with three of them. Among birds, her favorites are the Snowcap hummingbird and the Unspotted Saw-whet Owl. She also has a special affection for sloths; nevertheless, she believes that every animal possesses a unique beauty worthy of admiration.
Herman Venegas
A native Costa Rican, Herman’s journey into birding is a testament to how contagious a passion for birds can be. He began working at Rancho Naturalista Lodge in positions unrelated to birding, but his enthusiasm for wildlife quickly caught the attention of the lodge’s resident bird guides. Recognizing his eagerness to learn, they took him under their wing, and before long, Herman was joining them on walks and birding excursions during his free time.
His dedication and growing expertise eventually led him to become the resident bird guide at Rancho Naturalista, a position he held for six years.
Like many passionate birders, Herman was eager to expand his knowledge beyond a single region. He took every opportunity to explore different parts of Costa Rica alongside fellow birding enthusiasts, many of whom are among the country’s most respected guides. Through years of field experience, he developed an exceptional understanding of Costa Rica’s rich birdlife diversity.
For more than 20 years, Herman has worked as a full-time birding guide in Costa Rica, earning outstanding reviews from clients around the world. His remarkable bird-finding skills, extensive knowledge of Costa Rica’s natural history, and warm, easygoing personality help make every tour both productive and enjoyable.
Herman lives in Turrialba, near Rancho Naturalista Lodge, with his wife, Jenny, and their two children, Yurell and Danna.
Vernon Campos
Vernon Campos has spent most of his life surrounded by the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica, a country renowned for its rich wildlife and breathtaking natural landscapes. Growing up among tropical forests filled with birds, mammals, amphibians, and countless other species, it was only natural for him to develop a deep passion for nature and the outdoors.
More than 22 years ago, Vernon made a life-changing decision to leave his career as a computer programmer and pursue his true calling in tourism and nature guiding. Driven by his enthusiasm for wildlife and a desire to share Costa Rica’s natural wonders with others, he embarked on a journey that would become both his profession and his passion.
His path began as a driver, allowing him to learn the country’s roads while gaining valuable field experience. Along the way, he spent countless hours accompanying expert bird guides, developing his skills in bird identification and learning to recognize bird calls by ear. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for his future as a professional naturalist.
Vernon eventually joined one of Costa Rica’s leading birding companies, where he fulfilled his dream of becoming a full-time birding and nature guide. His work took him across every corner of the country, exploring diverse ecosystems and introducing visitors to Costa Rica’s extraordinary wildlife. For Vernon, the greatest rewards have always been the smiling faces and appreciative comments from guests whose experiences have been enriched by his knowledge and passion.
As wildlife photography became increasingly popular among nature enthusiasts, Vernon expanded his expertise to lead photography-focused tours. Guiding photographers has inspired him to deepen his understanding of animal behavior, habitats, and opportunities for capturing memorable moments in the wild. Helping others connect with nature through photography has become another fulfilling aspect of his career.
Today, Vernon remains a dedicated student of nature. He believes there is always something new to discover, new people to meet, and new places to explore. His commitment to continuous learning, combined with over two decades of experience, makes him a knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and inspiring guide for anyone seeking an authentic Costa Rican wildlife experience.
Raúl Obregón Hernández
Raúl Obregón Hernández was born and raised in La Fortuna de San Carlos, surrounded by the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Arenal Volcano region. Growing up in this environment shaped his deep appreciation for wildlife and laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong career in nature-based tourism.
Raúl began his professional career in 1998, guiding visitors through the treetops as a canopy tour guide-an experience that immersed him daily in the sounds, colors, and rhythms of the forest. This constant closeness to nature inspired him to take the next step and become a certified naturalist guide, deepening his understanding of the environment and strengthening his bond with the natural world.
As the years passed, that connection began to spark a growing fascination with birds. What started as a simple interest slowly grew into a true passion, motivating Raúl to learn everything he could about the species surrounding him. Almost without realizing it, he found himself learning alongside some of the best ornithologists in the country. That curiosity—and the desire to keep expanding his knowledge—has driven him to travel as far as he can in pursuit of new landscapes, new species, and new discoveries.
Today, with over 28 years of experience dedicated specifically to the study and observation of birds, Raúl is recognized as a knowledgeable expert in Costa Rican avifauna. His commitment to continuous learning has taken him to multiple countries, enriching his understanding of birdlife across the Americas.
Raúl is a Certified General Guide of Costa Rica, combining extensive field experience, scientific knowledge, and genuine enthusiasm in every tour he leads. His guiding style reflects not only his expertise but also his deep respect for nature and his desire to inspire others to appreciate the rich birdlife of Costa Rica.
Beyond his professional life, Raúl is deeply family‑oriented. He is married and the father of two children, a 17-year-old son and a 10‑year‑old daughter—who are his greatest sources of pride. He comes from a close-knit family with three brothers and one sister, roots that continue to influence the warmth and authenticity he brings to his work.
José Roberto Guido Méndez
José Roberto Guido Méndez, known in the ornithological world as Beto Guido, is a passionate Costa Rican naturalist with a deep connection to wildlife, especially birds. His lifelong love for nature has guided him toward becoming a respected figure in birdwatching and in the professional guiding of specialized groups both within Costa Rica and abroad.
Beto began his career around 2008, gaining extensive experience in birdwatching, group management, and customer service. He is widely recognized for his friendly demeanor, expert knowledge, and ability to create memorable experiences for visitors and bird enthusiasts.
Throughout his career, he has worked with several renowned institutions and reserves, including:
- Rancho Naturalista
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and Curicancha
- Macaw Lodge
- Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve (Moncho), as a volunteer
- Cristalino Jungle Lodge (Brazil)
He is currently part of the Costa Rica Gateway guiding team, where he continues to lead tours, teach, and share his passion for Costa Rica’s extraordinary birdlife.
A native of El Roble de Puntarenas, where he still resides, Beto comes from a family of six siblings three sisters and three brothers and is the proud father of Agustín, his nearly seven‑year‑old son and one of his greatest inspirations.
Beto Guido’s story is one of authenticity, dedication, and a profound commitment to nature. He has made birdwatching not just a profession, but a way of life one that continues to inspire both locals and visitors to appreciate the natural richness of Costa Rica.
Jorge Gabriel Campos Villalobos
Jorge Gabriel Campos Villalobos is a Costa Rican naturalist guide who specializes in birdwatching and bird photography. He holds a degree in Environmental Management as well as a technical degree in Ecotourism. Furthermore, he has more than ten years of experience guiding birdwatchers and photographers throughout Costa Rica.
His interest in birds began at an early age and, over time, developed into both his profession and one of his greatest passions. As a result, he has traveled extensively across Costa Rica in search of birds and has explored a wide variety of ecosystems and habitats. In addition, he has had the opportunity to observe birds in several countries throughout Latin America, including Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, and Paraguay. Consequently, these experiences have broadened his understanding of Neotropical birds and enriched his knowledge of different bird families and environments.
Throughout his career, Gabriel has developed extensive skills in bird identification by both sight and sound. Moreover, he possesses a deep understanding of bird behavior, distribution, and ecology. Due to his expertise, he also serves as an eBird reviewer in Costa Rica, contributing to the quality and accuracy of bird observation records.
One of the aspects Gabriel enjoys most about his work is spending time in the field with people who share an interest in nature. Not only does he help them find new species, but he also encourages them to learn more about birds, their natural history, and the ecosystems they inhabit. Therefore, his tours provide both exciting birding opportunities and valuable educational experiences.
In addition to his guiding experience, Gabriel is passionate about nature photography. As a bird photographer, he understands the challenges and rewards of capturing wildlife images. Consequently, he is able to assist guests who wish to combine birdwatching with outstanding photographic opportunities.
Thanks to his dedication, knowledge, and enthusiasm for conservation, Gabriel has become a respected professional in Costa Rica's birding community. His commitment to sharing the beauty of nature continues to inspire birdwatchers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
Carlos Alberto Ramírez Rodríguez
Carlos Alberto Ramírez Rodríguez was born in San José, Costa Rica and raised in Carrizal de Alajuela, Costa Rica, surrounded by nature, birds, and wildlife. Growing up in such an environment inspired a lifelong appreciation for the natural world and a strong commitment to environmental conservation.
He is a Digital Production Engineer with experience in social media management and website development. His passion for nature has motivated him to promote environmental awareness through recycling initiatives and social media content that showcases Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity and outstanding tourist destinations.
Although his professional background is in the digital field, Carlos is passionate about learning more about nature and sharing that knowledge with others. He enjoys using communication and technology as tools to educate and inspire people to value and protect the environment. Outside of work, he enjoys reading, learning new things, and spending time with his family. His favorite animals are the hummingbirds and the Jaguar.
Committed to protecting the environment, Carlos strives to inspire meaningful actions that help preserve biodiversity for future generations. His message is simple yet powerful:
"We must continue to love nature through real actions that create awareness, inspire change, and contribute to the protection of the world's animals and plants."