Highlights

Sloth Wildlife Sanctuary
Monteverde Cloudforest canopy tour
Whitewater rafting and remote “Safari-style” wildlife float trips
Arenal Volcano & hot springs
Wildlife viewing in over 8 National Parks and Biological Preserves
Sea-kayaking with dolphins
Snorkeling at night in the bioluminescence
Expert naturalist guides
Breathtaking rainforest lodges

Special E-Offers

Costa Rica Ultimate Wildlife Guides

Costa Rica - Guides

Ultimate Wildlife Eco-Tour

Your guide is your gateway to the world of the rainforest; you'll laugh, you'll cry, and you'll learn things.
Wild Planet Adventures' guides are naturalists, biologists or leaders in their field. As wildlife specialists, we know that your guide is the difference between a good trip and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Our guides have been specially chosen both for their personality and interpersonal skills as well as their extensive naturalist knowledge and exceptional abilities to spot wildlife.

Legendary Master Guide Koky Porras

Koky Porras

The legendary master naturalist Koky Porras is our Head Guide in Costa Rica. Koky's amazing ability to accurately call birds to him has made him the "guide of choice" for scientists researching Monteverde's famous quetzals and bellbirds. Koky has also helped to train many of Monteverde's world-class guides. The cloudforest where Koky has lived his whole life is widely known as the hardest place to guide in all of Costa Rica. Here it requires extremely sharp eyes to spot wildlife because the foliage is more dense than anywhere else in the country. In addition, many species have slight differences in their appearance with as little as 150 meters of elevation change, so it requires an enormous amount of experience to identify birds and wildlife instantaneously. Koky's fascination with the symbiotic relationships in nature is as contageous as his love of laughter.

"We knew right away that we were privileged to have a very special guide. We can't say enough good things about Koky. It was a wonderful trip in all respects but Josh’s extremely well-crafted itinerary and Koky's skillful leadership made all the difference -- I can't imagine what the trip would have been like without them. Koky is not only a gifted guide but also a very special person. I can't thank you enough. It was the experience of a lifetime for my family." Jeff Grody – July 2007

"We would probably have loved Costa Rica under any circumstances but our experience would never have been so incredibly rich and memorable, were it not for Koky. From the first moment, he created an atmosphere that was both comfortable and promising. His ability to identify birds and animals is unparalleled. Still, his greatest gift is his persona. He is sensitive, warm and just plain fun. I could go on and on about the trip. There are not words to adequately express my appreciation. I will forever regard you as a friend. Thank you for one of the most precious experiences in my life."
Tom Waddell, March ‘08

"We want to personally thank you for helping to make our visit to Costa Rica the trip of a lifetime. Your knowledge of C.R.’s bountiful wildlife is amazing! There is no way we would have spotted or identified as many birds, animals, and insects ourselves. The one thing that will remain with us always was your friendship and kindness." Jim and Janet Feeley, July 2008

"Coming into Monteverde, Koky asked several of the guides where quetzals had been spotted. They said no quetzals had been seen in weeks. Koky stepped several feet beyond the entrance, threw back his head, and gave the call of the male quetzal. Within seconds he heard the answering female, and after she turned up, a male followed. Koky called in another pair and a single female before we left the park. After that, we knew if there was wildlife to be seen, we’d see it all—and see it first! We loved it!"
Jeanne & Rich Kearn ‘06

Josh Cohen with Jack Hanna

Josh Cohen

Wild Planet's director, Josh personally hand-crafts all of Wild Planet's itineraries to reflect his own love of wildlife and the transformational power of nature. The Costa Rica Ultimate Wildlife itineraries remain his favorite after guiding them for nearly a decade. A dedicated wildlife enthusiast and conservationist, his keen eyes and love of nature still make him Wild Planet's most requested guide.

"We had been to Costa Rica before, but this time the amount and diversity of wildlife we saw was thrilling! The cuisine was great, the accommodations extraordinary, and Josh and Wild Planet looked after our every need. We highly recommend Wild Planet Adventures!" Tom and Sandra Peters

"I must thank you and Wild Planet Adventures for making every thing you told us come true. The entire trip (itinerary, accommodations, restaurants, activities) was perfect. We can't think of anything we would change or do differently. Thank you, thank you!" Jim & Janet Feeley

"Our Costa Rica trip was sensational. Every day showed planning and careful selection of places and activities to provide a variety of novel adventures. And everywhere we went, people knew Josh and commented on his enthusiasm for that planning."
Jeanne & Richard Kearn

"A quick note to honor your incredible accomplishment and contribution to positive world change. You are truly using your higher consciousness to bring a beautiful life changing experience to travelers while also making us more aware of how we have impacted our environment and why we want immediately make a positive contribution to our earth. I am honored to call you my friend. I've told about 50 people about you (no kidding), your company, the trip and your awards."
Mary Beth Gaik