For Eduardo Caravaca, guiding isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. After getting his start as a taxi driver at San José’s international airport in 2001, he discovered a love for sharing stories and connecting with travellers from around the world. That spark led him to train as a guide, and more than 23 years later, he’s still just as excited to show people the wonders of Costa Rica.
And the best part? “I still love it as much as I did on day one.”
A Country Like No Other
Eduardo describes Costa Rica as a paradise for nature lovers—and he’s not exaggerating. With just 51,100 square kilometres of land but 5-6% of the planet’s biodiversity, the country is teeming with life. “It’s fun. It’s safe,” he says. “And it offers experiences that you really won’t find anywhere else.”
The best part of the job
For Eduardo, the real reward isn’t just in the views or the wildlife—it’s in watching travellers discover something they’ve never seen, tasted, or imagined before. “It could be a taste, a smell, a texture… when they realise they are experiencing something they have never lived before. A simple encounter with any creature, great and small, is something special!”
Favourite Places
Ask him to name his top spots in Costa Rica, and two come up right away:
Corcovado National Park, which National Geographic calls the most biologically intense place on Earth. “It’s full of energy! On the branches, under rocks, in the creeks… It’s everywhere. Every single corner is incredible – vibrant and full of life!”
And the Children’s Eternal Rainforest, where Eduardo had one of his most memorable (and hilarious) field moments.
“I was alone on a trail, doing a scouting trip, when I saw two collared peccaries. They’re meant to be the friendlier ones, so I stayed calm. They ran off, and I thought, great, peaceful encounter. But five seconds later… the ground starts rumbling. The whole pack was charging me! I’ve never climbed a tree so fast in my life. Thank you, mango trees of my childhood!”
Conservation with a Camera
When he’s not guiding, Eduardo is out photographing birds, collecting data, and supporting researchers with footage of endangered species. “I speak to international and local tourists every day, so I hope that I can continuously teach and promote the importance of sustainable tourism, reforestation, ecosystems and wildlife in our country and hopefully in the rest of the world.”
Final tip? Stay Open—and Stay Ready
“I always encourage that, when travelling to Costa Rica, our guests need to keep an open mind, every single minute! Opportunities to experience exciting wildlife encounters are around every corner, always offered, everywhere. Oh, and keep the camera and gear handy!
For more information on Costa Rica or adventures with Camino Travel, please contact millie@americas.co.uk
