A Walk with a Nature Guide: Meet Gilberth

Step onto a trail in Chachagua Rainforest, and you might find yourself quietly joined by one of the forest’s most enthusiastic storytellers. Gilberth is one of Chachagua Rainforest Hotel’s expert naturalist guides, known for transforming a simple walk into an extraordinary journey through Costa Rica’s vibrant ecosystems.

With ten years of guiding experience, Gilberth brings deep knowledge and joyful curiosity to every tour he leads. Whether it’s an early morning birdwatching expedition or a nighttime forest walk under the stars,

his goal remains the same: not just to help guests see the rainforest, but to connect with it. “I love creating unique and unforgettable experiences,” he says. “That’s my favorite part of the job.”

Nature is the Teacher

 Gilberth specializes in birdwatching and night tours, two Chachagua experiences that reveal the rainforest’s magic in very different ways. Early mornings are often filled with the melodic calls of toucans, the rustle of coatis, or the sight of a trogon catching the first rays of light. As Gilberth sets up his telescope—yes, they bring telescopes on the trail!—you’ll see vivid feathers and sharp beaks come into stunning detail. “The best hour to see birds is early morning,” he recommends, “but every hour has its magic.”

In the evening, the forest reveals a new cast of characters. With UV flashlights in hand, Gilberth points out glowing lichens, insects, camouflaged frogs, and bioluminescent fungi that seem to appear from nowhere. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a red-eyed tree frog or hear the chirp of glass frogs calling from the streams. The rainforest never really sleeps—it just changes rhythm.

Highlights from the Forest

Even frequent visitors will find that every day in the forest is different. “Just this week I saw a species I hadn’t seen here before,” Gilberth shares. Among his recent favorites: a red-legged honeycreeper (Tangara Rojinegra), a scarlet macaw (Lapa Roja), and a three-toed sloth with her baby, lazily navigating the treetops.

Rainforest sounds are part of the magic too—toucan calls echoing through the canopy, frogs chirping along the streams, the soft crackle of leaves underfoot. Walking alongside a guide like Gilberth tunes your ears to these rhythms and helps you notice the small wonders you might have missed on your own.

When to Visit: May & June in the Rainforest

Planning a visit in May or June? You’re in for a treat. “It’s the beginning of the rainy season,” Gilberth explains, “so amphibians and reptiles are especially active. You’ll also see lots of birds.” Moisture and cloud cover bring out species that stay hidden in the dry months—from tiny tree frogs to shy forest snakes. And for photographers, the filtered light and vivid greenery make every walk feel cinematic.

Gilberth’s Tips for Visitors to the Chachagua Rainforest 

 Curious about what’s singing in the canopy? Or want to know where the sloths are snoozing? Ask Gilberth. He and the other guides know where many animals tend to rest and roam, and their intimate familiarity with the area means you might find yourself on a spontaneous wildlife hike—even if you didn’t plan on one.

Here are a few of Gilberth’s favorite tips:

• Ask about the daily complimentary tour. “Sometimes people don’t realize it’s included. It’s one of the best ways to get your bearings—and maybe spot a toucan or two.”
• Check the agenda. Chachagua’s weekly schedule includes guided walks

Your Adventure Awaits

It doesn’t matter if it’s your first time in a tropical forest or you’ve been on many trails before; walking with a guide like Gilberth can change your perspective. Their sharp eyes, quiet footsteps, and love for the land turn every moment into a lesson about the Chachagua Rainforest.

.Don’t miss the opportunity to join one of Chachagua’s daily guided walks, included in your stay. Want something even more tailored? Book a private tour and let Gilberth, or one of our other talented guides, lead the way. Because in the rainforest, the real adventure often begins when you least expect it.