5-Hour Birdwatching and Photography Tour in Monteverde

It was our first time in Costa Rica, and we decided to hire a guide for the first five days of our trip. I had never hired a guide for that long before, but we wanted tours and a driver since we weren’t sure what to expect of the roads. A multi-day tour made sense. A friend referred me to Dennis, and after sharing our loose ideas and itinerary (La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Playa Flamingo), he quickly put together a plan. Dennis was responsive on WhatsApp, flexible with adjustments, and ultimately arranged a wonderful five-day tour through La Fortuna and Monteverde. Our trip began at San José Airport, where Dennis and Justin (the best driver in Costa Rica) picked us up. I liked Dennis immediately — he was warm, clear in his communication, and passionate about guiding. His knowledge of wildlife was incredible, and his excitement was contagious. He never missed an opportunity to point something out, whether that meant pulling over on the side of the road and setting up his scope or hopping out to show us something moving in the trees. Highlights included howler monkeys, anteaters, both two- and three-toed sloths, several vipers (including eye-lash and fer-de-lance), a tarantula, various types of frogs, and an array of birds — hummingbirds, woodpeckers, toucans, macaws, motmots, and many more! On top of that, Dennis is also a professional photographer. He has a keen eye for capturing the wildlife and scenery, and he made sure we had incredible photos to remember the experience. But the trip went beyond wildlife. Dennis added thoughtful touches that made the journey special. On the way from La Fortuna to Monteverde, we stopped for coffee and fresh sugarcane juice — even getting to press our own. After visiting the Mistico Hanging Bridges, he had Justin pull over for fresh coconut water. These small moments turned a great tour into something unforgettable. In Monteverde, Dennis’ hometown, we toured by day and ate at local favorites by night. Dennis and Justin seemed to know everyone, and they introduced us to warm, welcoming locals and some of the best Costa Rican food we had all trip. This vacation easily ranks among my favorites. I can’t imagine a better introduction to Costa Rica than the five days we spent with Dennis. We left with lasting memories, stunning photos, and a new friendship with a passionate and knowledgeable guide. Do yourself a favor: book a tour with Dennis. If you can manage a multi-day experience, even better. You won’t regret it!

Nesting Tucans and Quatzals. The tour was beyond our expectations! Several days before, Dennis, our guide reached out to us to customize the experience based on our expectations. Furthermore, he always made sure we had the best opportunity to take photos of all the birds.

We are birdwatchers. We first met Dennis four years ago in Monteverde. We have returned each year and have used Dennis as our guide from time to time during each trip. Dennis is a great birdguide. He is quick at spotting and identifying birds. He will help you to find the bird you are hoping to see if it is in the area. He's a good person who is great company.