Discover Salitre's Unique Savanna
With Indigenous Guide Oscar Ortiz
Experience the rare savanna habitat of Costa Rica through the eyes of a local BriBri guide who knows every bird, plant, and secret of this extraordinary landscape.
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Meet Oscar Ortiz
Your Indigenous Guide to Salitre's Wildlife
Oscar Ortiz is a proud member of the BriBri indigenous community, raised in the heart of Salitre, Costa Rica. His deep connection to this land spans generations, giving him an intimate understanding of the unique savanna ecosystem that few others possess.
Growing up in this community, Oscar learned to read the subtle signs of nature from his elders. He knows where the rare birds nest, when they migrate, and how to find them in their natural habitat. His knowledge isn't just academic—it's lived experience passed down through his BriBri heritage.
Today, Oscar shares this precious knowledge with visitors, offering authentic nature experiences that respect both the wildlife and his cultural traditions. Every tour with Oscar is not just a birding adventure, but a journey into the heart of Costa Rica's most unique ecosystem.
The Unique Savanna of Salitre
A Rare Ecosystem in Costa Rica
Salitre's savanna habitat is one of Costa Rica's most extraordinary natural treasures. Unlike the lush rainforests that dominate most of the country, this unique ecosystem features open grasslands dotted with scattered trees and shrubs, creating a landscape more commonly found in Africa than Central America.
This rare habitat supports a specialized community of birds and wildlife that have adapted to the savanna's unique conditions. The open spaces, seasonal flooding, and specific vegetation create perfect conditions for species that are rarely seen elsewhere in Costa Rica.
Oscar's intimate knowledge of this ecosystem allows him to guide visitors to the best viewing spots at the optimal times, ensuring unforgettable encounters with some of Costa Rica's most elusive and beautiful birds.
Open Grasslands
Vast expanses of native grasses that provide habitat for ground-dwelling birds
Scattered Trees
Isolated trees and shrubs that serve as perches and nesting sites
Seasonal Wetlands
Periodic flooding creates temporary wetlands that attract water birds
Salitre's Special Birds
Rare Species Found in This Unique Habitat
Rosy-thrush Tanager
A stunning tanager with rosy plumage that thrives in the savanna's open habitats. This species is particularly well-adapted to the grassland environment of Salitre.
Wedge-tailed Grassfinch
This distinctive finch with its wedge-shaped tail is perfectly suited to the savanna's grassy expanses, where it forages for seeds and insects.
Ocellated Crake
A secretive rail species that inhabits the wetter areas of the savanna. Its distinctive spotted plumage makes it a prized sighting for birders.
Turquoise Cotinga
This brilliantly colored cotinga adds a splash of turquoise to the savanna landscape, often perching prominently in the scattered trees.
Rufous Nightjar
A nocturnal species that roosts on the ground during the day, perfectly camouflaged against the savanna's earth tones.
White-tailed Nightjar
Another nightjar species that calls the savanna home, distinguished by its white tail markings and distinctive call.
Guided Tours
Experience Salitre with Oscar
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All tours are personalized and can be customized to your interests and schedule. Oscar's deep knowledge ensures the best possible wildlife viewing opportunities.
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