Hello, I'm Mario Miranda
Your local guide passionate about sharing the magic of Costa Rica. More than showing places, I create authentic connections with my country.
My Story with Costa Rica
I was born and raised in San Pedro, Montes de Oca, San José, where from childhood I developed a deep connection with nature. I remember spending hours watching birds, learning about medicinal plants from my grandfather, and listening to the stories of my community.
From a very young age, I had the opportunity to travel throughout Costa Rica thanks to various jobs that required me to take trips around the entire country. Later, that knowledge expanded even more thanks to my work as a transporter, which allowed me to know every corner of our beautiful territory.
In 2008, I decided to turn my passion and accumulated knowledge into my profession. I became a certified official tour guide and began sharing my Costa Rica with visitors from all over the world. Each tour is an opportunity to show not only beautiful places, but the traditions, stories, and secrets that only a local knows.
What excites me most is seeing the look of wonder when a child sees a sloth for the first time, or when a family manages to photograph a monkey family. Those moments of pure connection with nature are what motivate me every day.
"For me, every tour is an opportunity to make someone else fall in love with my country. Costa Rica is not just visited, it's lived and felt."
"Mario showed us a Costa Rica we never would have seen on our own"
- Sarah & Michael, USA
Certifications and Credentials
My commitment to excellence and safety is reflected in my professional certifications
ICT Certified Tourist Guide
Costa Rican Tourism Institute
2016
Customer Service with emphasis on Tourist Attention
Ecotourism Certification
Carlos Slim Foundation
2020
Introduction to Ecotourism
INS Insurance
Instituto Nacional de Seguros
2025
Full coverage for passengers on the road
Languages I Speak
Communication is key for a memorable experience
Spanish
Native
Mother tongue, perfect for connecting with local culture
English
Fluent
Complete fluency for communication with international tourists
My Specialties
Areas where I have developed specialized expertise over the years
Wildlife Observation
35+ years identifying and locating Costa Rican fauna
Volcanoes and Geology
Knowledgeable in volcanic formations and geological phenomena
Coffee Culture
Connoisseur of coffee processes and traditions
Nature Photography
I'll take you to the best spots for the most stunning photos
Local History and Culture
Fully aware of authentic stories and Costa Rican traditions
Sustainable Tourism
Responsible practices to protect our heritage
My Journey
The path that led me to become your trusted guide
Born into the Green
Born and raised in the lush eastern Central Valley of Costa Rica, surrounded by towering green mountains. I spent my childhood alongside my father, learning the rhythms of rural life—herding cattle, tending farms, and discovering that every corner of this land holds magic.
My Country Awakens in Me
I began my journeys across Costa Rican territory, and work took me to live for extended periods in the South Caribbean, the northern regions, and both the southern and central Pacific coasts. This wasn't just travel—it was an intimate dance with the soul of each region, learning local cultures as a true insider.
My Career Takes Flight!
I started my journey as a public transporter, leveraging my English skills to connect with international visitors. Working hand-in-hand with hotels, agencies, and tourism businesses, I discovered my true calling: being the bridge between travelers and the Costa Rica that lives in my heart.
Following My Dreams
I founded Mariomirandatours.com, transforming years of passion and local knowledge into my own company. This wasn't just a business—it was my commitment to offering personalized, authentic experiences that showcase the real Costa Rica.
ICT Certification - Making it Official
I received my first formal training from ICT (Costa Rican Tourism Institute), specializing in serving international tourists with the highest standards of quality and customer service. It was the official recognition of what my heart had always known—I was born to share this paradise.
Becoming an Eco-Guardian
I earned my Ecotourism certification, deepening my knowledge of our country's natural wonders and learning sustainable practices that honor and protect our environment. Every tour became not just an adventure, but an act of conservation.
500+ Souls Touched by Pura Vida
Celebrating over 500 families who have experienced Costa Rica through my eyes and heart. Each smile, each 'wow' moment, each family photo with a wild toucan—these aren't just memories, they're the reasons I wake up every morning excited to share my beloved Costa Rica.
My Philosophy
"I believe Costa Rica is more than a tourist destination; it's a feeling. My job is not just to show places, but to transmit the essence of Pura Vida: that philosophy of life that teaches us to appreciate every moment, respect nature, and live in harmony."
Sustainability
Responsible tourism that protects our natural heritage
Authenticity
Genuine experiences away from mass tourism
Connection
Creating lasting bonds between visitors and Costa Rica
Ready to Discover Costa Rica with Me?
Every adventure is a story to tell. Come and let's co-author your perfect Costa Rica experience.