Guillermo, or “Memo” as we all call him is one of the most recognized tour guides and leaders of Costa Rica.
While doing his interview, he was, actually at Esquinas Lodge, all the way to the South of Costa Rica.
When did you start guiding?
1994
What would you do if you were not a tour guide?
I would be what I studied for, a Materials Science Engineer* specialized in ceramics and metal.
What’s your favorite region of Costa Rica and why?
The Whole country… It is so hard to say! Every single part of Costa Rica is so beautiful and has its secrets and its magic. That’s why I love what I do! I love Tortuguero, and Savegre and Esquinas, as much as I love Rincon or Monteverde… It is so hard to pick only one. All of them move me.
What’s your favorite guiding story?
Do you have a favorite animal or bird? Something that has a special meaning for you?
The Resplendent Quetzal because of its colors, they way they fly when they are mating, the way they both raise and protect their chicks.
On the trees, I have two favorites: The Guanacaste Tree (Earpod Tree – Enterolobium Cyclocarpum) because of its story, the beauty of its wood, its seeds and the shade it provides.
My other favorite tree is the Kapok Tree, because of its magnificence, its huge buttress roots, and its meaning throughout the World.
Are you married?
No
Do you have children? Girls? Boys? Ages?
Garrett 33 and Jazmin 31. They both live in the States.
Pets:
My pets are my plants because I am never home. I love to do gardening. I have many plants that I care about and care for them. I love to plant them, see their growth and the different bird species they attract
- Materials Science Engineering is Study of the load-bearing capacity of materials as influenced by their basic properties, processing history, microstructure, and operating environment.