Johan Chaves is a very passionate naturalist and a dedicated birder who has been leading tours since 2005. He is the author of a book, "Wildlife of Manuel Antonio National park", a photographic wildlife that covers most of the wildlife typically seen at this beautiful national park.

 

  He grew up in the country, south of Quepos and since the age of 14 has been intrigued by the natural world around him. 

​

   His experience and knowledge comes from his studies in the Universidad Estatal a Distancia (UNED) and the National Learning Institute INA (A Government educational institution) where he took several programs and certifications, including Local tour guide, Specialized naturalist guide and General tour guide. He is trained in several important subjects such as History of Costa Rica, Costa Rica Geography with an emphasis on tourism, Natural history of Costa Rica (and its sub-branches including Birds, amphibians/reptiles, mammals, Lepidopera, Dendrology etc) tourism ethics, touristic legislation and various other coursers. However, Johan prefers to call the forest his favorite university, it is his direct contact with it that has allowed him to gather important experience to lead visitors into this beautiful natural world.

​

   During his initial steps as a guide he was inspired by a friend, who was an excellent naturalist but also an avid birder. He taught him a lot and got him into birding - a hobby and profession both practiced side by side and enjoyed many moments chasing birds around the country. Today he dedicates his birding service to the loving memory of his best friend Roy Orozco, who left this world but never our hearts on August 4th 2016. 

​

In addition to Johan's abilities, he is also a portrait photographer and offers photography sessions in beautiful Manuel Antonio area. You can see his work on IG as Johanchaves_fotografia