Costa Rica Expeditions

Although he has only been with Costa Rica Expeditions for two years, Gerardo "Cola" Aguilar has 25 years of guiding experience, starting as a sport-fishing guide on Barra de Colorado. He has won the respect and friendship of many guests at Tortuga Lodge and is known for his permanent smile, hard work and flashy silver necklaces. Gerardo, 56, is from Barro del Colorado in Guapiles and enjoys reading in his spare time. He has four adult children and was born on Oct. 20, 1949. Read testimonials.

EDUARDO AGUILAR

Eduardo "Novoa" joined our rafting staff in 1998. Born on May 31, 1977, and raised near Turrialba, Eduardo first became interested in the river while working for a wooden paddle factory in town. A local rafting company warehoused their equipment next door and, interested in using the paddles he constructed, Eduardo began begging river trips with the guides. He also learned his English from his river friends. Eduardo is a keen birder and enjoys playing basketball and kayaking in his free time. He has a son, Dixon, 7. Read testimonials.

FEDERICO ALBAN

Born on April 11, 1971. Federico was raised in Costa Rica, but has lived all over the world, including Jerusalem, Madrid and New York City. Federico speaks English and can understand Hebrew. He has worked at Costa Rica Expeditions for five years and especially enjoys guiding the Multisport trips, which combine his love of nature with biking and other outdoor sports.

Federico is currently taking courses with the Universidad Estatal a Distancia in Natural Resource Management. He also finished two years of courses in Agricultural Engineering and four years of Industrial Design.

Federico first became interested in guiding by working with young adults. He was the group leader for a five-month program with Youth Challenge International and later went on to work for Fundacion D.A., a foundation dedicated to working with children with ADD.

Realizing how important environmental education is to the planet, Federico has taken numerous courses on the Natural History of Costa Rica. His goal is to show guests from around the world the value and beauty of nature.

Federico was recently married. He and his new wife, Karol, chose to honeymoon in Peru, where they traveled with their backpacks throughout the country. When not working, Federico likes to mountain bike, scooter with his dog and listen to music. Read testimonials.

JEANINA ALFARO

Jeanina, 25, was born outside San Jose, the oldest of five siblings. Put in charge of watching her younger brother and sisters (and often her cousins too), she grew into a leader, a guide and caretaker - exactly the skills needed to manage and organize groups. At Costa Rica Expeditions Jeanina is in charge of coordinating the various activities of some of our visiting groups, including rafting, hiking and diving. This year Jeanina graduated from the Univ. of Costa Rica with a degree in industrial engineering. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking Costa Rican dishes for friends and giving talks on the country’s natural history. Her birthday is Feb. 1, 1983.

LUZ ELENA ALPIZAR
Guide Scheduling & Reservations Coordinator
lalpizar@expeditions.co.cr

Luz Elena has been with us since 1992. She is responsible for many things but, most importantly, for keeping track of every room reservation Costa Rica Expeditions makes. Her other role is to keep our guides in line: juggling their schedules, organizing jobs and often acting as surrogate mother. When she is not working, Luz Elena dedicates time to her son Alejandro, 11. She also enjoys swim class, running in the morning and decorating her house. Read testimonials.

MARCOS ALVARADO

Originally from Limon Province on the Caribbean coast, Marcos learned to swim and fish at a young age. As a child he spent most of his time in the outdoors and developed a deep love and appreciation of the tropical rainforest and its fauna.

Marcos, 33, worked in cruise ships until he decided to come ashore and work as a guide in 2001. Since then, he has worked on the Osa Peninsula and more recently, leading biking trips. Marcos has two children, Fernando, 9, and Kemsy, 4. His birthday is Aug. 22, 1974.

HAVALE AMSBURY
Monteverde Lodge Manager
hamsbury@expeditions.co.cr

Hava, as everyone knows her, was promoted to Manager of Costa Rica Expeditions’ Monteverde Lodge at the end of 2008. As anyone who has met her can tell you, Hava is 100% personality, creating fun wherever she is. Once an actress, she found full-time, paying employment for many years in the restaurant business - as waitress, bartender and manager. At Monteverde Lodge, she says, “I love meeting new people every day and knowing I’ve helped to do those little things that make a vacation unforgettable.”

Hava is from Heredia, Costa Rica, and Seattle, WA, where she lived for many years after graduating from high school. She was born on Feb. 12, 1978, and when not working enjoys spending time with her boyfriend, Eli, and sewing and designing her own clothes. Read testimonials.

DIEGO ARROYO
Travel Planner Assistant

Luis has a tourism degree from Cartago College and has worked in hotels and for tour operators doing everything from bar tending and guiding to customer service. He came to Costa Rica Expeditions thanks to his sister, who used to work in our systems department and encouraged him to apply.

As an Assistant Travel Planner Diego has had to learn fast and manage hundreds of details, each critical to making our clients' vacations unforgettable. Now the right hand of our Travel Planners, Diego doesn't get to slow down often, but when he does, you'll find him grass-boarding with friends, playing soccer or winding down with a good book. His birthday is May, 14, 1983.

EDGAR BADILLA
Tortuga Lodge Assistant Manager

Edgar, or as friends call him, “Mane,” has worn several hats at Costa Rica Expeditions. His latest post is at the company’s Tortuga Lodge on the Caribbean coast, where he is Administrative Assistant. At the Lodge he finds himself working in all capacities - from guide to bartender to manager – sometimes on the same day. “I’ve always known I’d go into adventure tourism, but didn’t realize how much I would enjoy meeting people from around the world,” he says. Edgar, 24, is a sports fanatic, who once taught physical education and swimming, and coached minor league soccer for one of the Soccer Federation’s national teams. His free time may be spent surfing, mountain biking or organizing a soccer match with friends. His birthday is Oct. 12, 1983.

ERICK BATISTA
Finance Manager

Erick planned to become an electrical engineer, but his career path took a different turn when he started working for a tour operator a decade ago as an accountant. He came to Costa Rica Expeditions in 2000 and his talent for numbers was recognized quickly. He is now the Finance Department’s second in command. “Although I didn’t plan to go into accounting, I found that I liked working with numbers and creating reports that track how business decisions affect the company's bottom line.” Besides keeping the books at Costa Rica Expeditions, Erick is currently working on two bachelor degrees in accounting and systems engineering. His birthday is July 4, 1975.

ESTEBAN BIAMONTE

Esteban is a biologist with a passionate interest in tropical birds or just about any kind of living creature for that matter. Ever since he got his first pair of binoculars at age 18, he hasn’t left home without them. His interest in wildlife and working outdoors led him to guiding a decade ago, a career which allows him to share his passion for Costa Rica’s flora and fauna with others. He is a certified Naturalist Guide by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute.

Over the years Esteban, 29, has focused intensively on tropical birds. For three of the four years he was at the University of Costa Rica (2000-2003), he was the ornithology class’ Teacher’s Assistant. Esteban also worked for the Museum of Zoology, taking care of its bird collection. Currently he is in the second year of a Master’s Degree program in Ornithology. When he has free time, Esteban spends his free time practing Tan Soo Do (he is black belt, 4th dan) or enjoying a bike ride in the mountains around San Jose. Read testimonials.

DIEGO BLANCO

Diego, 26, was raised in Ciudad Quesada, a rural town located next to a National Park and studied Tropical Biology at the Univ. of Costa Rica. “My backyard was full of birds, bugs and even snakes,” he says. “As a kid I observed all these creatures with interest and developed a love of the outdoors and the wildlife of Costa Rica.”

Diego began guiding Costa Rica Expeditions’ Multisport and Naturalist trips in Sept. 2006. He is an avid mountain biker and after a decade with his home town’s swim team he swam for the National Team for two years. Diego spent a year in Belgium as a high school exchange student and later worked in Florida for six months in 2003.

Recently Diego began a Masters Degree correspondence program in Wildlife Management at the State University. When he's not guiding, Diego likes to read, bike and spend time with his girlfriend and his family. His birthday is Nov. 3, 1981.

PAULA CAMESELLE
pcameselle@expeditions.co.cr

From Vigo, Spain, Paula arrived in Costa Rica in 2000 with her Tico husband, Aaron. During her first years here, she worked at a call center but eventually moved into tourism, a career that allowed her to get to know her adopted country better. “As I began putting down roots in Costa Rica, I realized I didn’t really know the country,” she says. “Working in tourism allowed me to really explore the country and I ended up falling in love with it.”

Paula graduated with a business degree from the University of Vigo and has also worked in the entertainment and fashion industries in both Spain and Costa Rica. “I have always worked in contact with the public and look forward to continuing to do so. As a Travel Planner, I’m excited to help our clients plan vacations in this beautiful country and to share with them some of the places I love in Costa Rica.”

In her spare time Paula likes to cook, decorate her new home, and has started planning her garden. She and her husband also enjoy taking day trips to scenic areas around San Jose. Her birthday is June 12, 1975. Read testimonials.

ANDRES CARBALLO NEWCOMB

Andres - or Andrew as his clients know him - started at Costa Rica Expeditions in 2004 with eight years of experience as a guide. He is very proud that he was given the title of Naturalist Guide, a dream - as he puts it - that finally came true.

Besides being a passionate natural history buff, Andres has recently taken up a new hobby: cooking. He is now working on becoming a chef. Andrew is an avid reader and enjoys working with his hands, particularly with wood. He is married and, as he candidly says, "working on a baby." Read testimonials.

WALTER CENTENO

“I really enjoy meeting people from different places with different customs and being on the river with the other guides,” says Walter, 21, about his job as a Costa Rica Expeditions guide. He started out kayaking on weekends and after school and then looked for a job on the river after graduating from high school. Walter, known as Pate, was born on Nov. 15, 1985. He has emergency first aid training is now studying at the Colegio Tecnica Profesional La Suiza in Turrialba. When he’s not guiding or studying, he volunteers with the Red Cross. He enjoys listening to music or watching TV, and honing his kayak freestyle skills.

LUIS CHINCHILLA

Luis has a tourism degree from Alajuela Community College (2002) and is currently finishing a graduate program in Managment and Protection of Natural Resources while working as a Naturalist Guide. Originally from Heredia, Luis has always appreciated and enjoyed being close to nature. At Costa Rica Expeditions, he has moved from post to post, first as a transport provider, then in Corcovado as a Tree Platform Guide, more recently in Operations and now as a Naturalist Guide. No longer behind a desk in Ops, Luis is enjoying spending his time outdoors with his guests. He is one of six siblings and has four nephews, of whom he says, “I love as if they were my own.” His birthday is Jan. 14, 1979. Read testimonials.

ANA LUZ CONTRERAS
Rafting Coordinator and General Services Assistant
acontreras@expeditions.co.cr

Ana Luz is from San Jose and began working at Costa Rica Expeditions as a manager of Natural History group tours in 1986. Over the years she has worked as a liaison to local travel agencies, in information services, and as a trip planner. She dedicated herself to a career in tourism early on and has no regrets. “I enjoy books about personal growth and learning,” she says, “and working in tourism gives me space to grow and take on new challenges.”

In Oct. 2005, Ana Luz took up a new role in the company, that of coordinator for Costa Rica Expeditions Rafting and general services assistant. She is married to William Granados, a professional guide, and her birthday is Nov. 26, 1962. Ana Luz and William have three adult children: Stephanie, Nathalie, and Jose David. They are also the proud grandparents of Santiago, 3 years.

SOFIA CORDERO

Born December 20, 1979, Sofía was raised in Heredia, Costa Rica. From the ages of 6 to 10 she lived in England, which accounts for her very good command of the English language. Both her love for nature and her country, comes from memories of her childhood when her parents took her to the many of the National Parks of Costa Rica. These trips wre a major factor in her decision to study Biology in the University of Costa Rica.

Sofia has been guiding for Costa Rica Expeditions since Nov. 2003 and working on her masters degree in Natural Resources Management. She hopes to finish her thesis this year. What she likes most about guiding is the opportunity help her guests reflect on the complicated relationship between man and nature. "I am not an extremist," she says. "Many conservationists see only one side of the story. I like to give a balanced picture."

When Sofia was in training, here is what legendary biology teacher from Nolan High School in Dallas, Dr. Joe Kuban, had to say about her: "She was absolutely wonderful. The students were amazed that she was just a naturalist guide in training. I think she is mature beyond her years. Clearly, she has a grasp of ecology and natural history of organisms in Costa Rica. I would be happy to have her as one of my guides next year if everything works out for her. I would have to give her an A for her work as a guide and a compassionate human being. I would highly recommend her for any group visiting Costa Rica. She has the right passion and motivation/work ethic to be a fabulous guide."

When not guiding or studying, Sofía enjoys all kinds of outdoor activities and playing with her pet dachshund, Choco. But what can capture her attention for hours is building jigsaw puzzles. Read testimonials.

VALENTIN CORRAL
General Manager, CRE Lodges
vcorral@expeditions.co.cr

Chef Valentin is from Valencia, Spain, and came to Costa Rica Expeditions in 2005 with nearly 20 years cooking experience in his native country and France. His talent in the kitchen, however, doesn't stop at the dining room door. In the last couple of years he has revolutionized the menus at all three of our lodges, managed inventory and staff, streamlined the supply chain, and made other general improvements – outside the kitchen - at each of our lodges.

Valentin's efforts led us to promote him to General Manager of our lodges in early 2007. For someone who has been dedicated to haute cuisine and the study of enology (wine making), hotel management has proven to be a challenge, but one worth undertaking, according to him. “New challenges are exciting,” he says. “Essentially I'm a creative person who enjoys experimenting and trying new directions. Life isn’t static and since arriving in this beautiful country I haven't stopped growing, learning and being creative in and out of the kitchen.”

Before pursuing a career as chef, Valentin worked in the ready-to-wear fashion industry for Cristian Lacroix Paris. He speaks English, Spanish, French, Italian and a bit of Japanese, and loves the opera and art films. Valentin, born on March 30, 1964, is single. Read testimonials.

HAZEL COTO
Transportation Coordinator

Hazel came to Costa Rica Expeditions in 1994. At that time she worked in our white water rafting department. She left for another job, but returned to us in 1998. Since then she has proved herself as a hard worker with a strong commitment to providing Legendary Service®. In Sept. 2007, Hazel left her position as Coordinator of Air Services to take over as Manager of Operations. She was born on Oct. 27, 1974, and spends her free time with her daughter, Fabiola, 3.

LUIS CUBERO
lcubero@expeditions.co.cr

After working several years as a geographer, Luis has an intimate knowledge of Costa Rica’s most remote areas from the central mountain ranges to the coastal lowlands. This knowledge gives him a unique perspective when designing trips for guests. “Geographers are travelers by nature,” he says. “We like to explore places and cultures and we are lovers of the outdoors. As a travel planner I’m in contact with people from around the world who share my interest in learning about and exploring this marvelous country.”

Luis has been with Costa Rica Expeditions since Oct. 2006. He holds a geography degree from Costa Rica University (2002) and is an avid reader of National Geographic and other books and magazines. In his spare time Luis also enjoys listening to world music, Internet radio and playing Beatles tunes on his guitar. His birthday is July 4, 1980. Read testimonials.

RICARDO DAVIS

Ricardo, 47, is from Limon and has been with Costa Rica Expeditions since 2004. He became interested in guiding and handling boats while watching guides in the creeks of Tortuguero. He takes special pride when his clients are satisfied and enjoys talking with visitors. In his spare time, Ricardo, born on Oct. 13, 1959, enjoys playing soccer. Read testimonials.

MARIA DEL MAR
Local Agencies & Hotel Reservations Liaison
mariadelmar@expeditions.co.cr

Maria, 24, has worked in the hospitality industry for some time, specializing in reservations and event planning. She was promoted in 2007 to the position of liaison to travel agencies and hotels, responsible for coordinating all of our clients’ hotel reservations in country. Maria earned a diploma en Business Administration and Tourism Services from Cartago College in 2004. She is one of five siblings and her birthday is June 9, 1983.

IVAN ESCAMILLA
Operations Manager
iescamilla@expeditions.co.cr

In 1990, while studying toward a university degree, Ivan started working at Costa Rica Expeditions as a bilingual driver. From there he moved into operations and eventually rose to become the company's principal transportation coordinator. Although he left us for some years, working as a product manager in charge of Central America, he recently returned more committed than ever to provide “Legendary Service” to our clientes.

“Several people have influenced my professional growth, but over the years I have been guided by Costa Rica Expeditions’ mission to provide ‘Legendary Service’ and ‘Unforgettable Memories,’” says Ivan. “These phrases are more than slogans," he adds, "in tourism we not only make people’s dreams come true, but also change lives and the way people see the world. That’s my motivation and the reason I love this profession.”

In his spare time, Ivan enjoys reading fiction and travels whenever he can. He was born on March 18, 1969, and has three children with his wife Rocio: Pamela, 17; Cristina, 13, and Daniel, 12.

DOUGLAS ESPINOSA
despinosa@expeditions.co.cr

After working for Costa Rica Expeditions for three years, Douglas left the company in 2000, due in part to the long commute to his hometown, Atenas. It was understandable that he sought a job closer to home - according to National Geographic, Atenas has "the best climate in the world." Still, a new work schedule and faster transportation lured Douglas back in Nov. 2004. Famous for his equanimity and sense of humour, Douglas enjoys spending time with his sons Jason and Steve playing soccer, surfing the Web or, his newest hobby, raising Brown quails for eggs. Douglas' birthday is Sep. 28, 1968. Read testimonials.

FERNANDO ESTRADA

Born May 30, 1954, in Bluefields, Nicaragua, one of 12 siblings. Ferndando, better known as "Don," has worked for Costa Rica Expeditions since 1989. His grandparents were from Jamaica and they taught him to speak Jamaican English. When he moved to Tortuguero at 18, he learned American English from the scientists and tourists he met there.

Don worked 14 years for the Caribbean Conservation Corporation before coming to work as a guide at Tortuga Lodge. He’s an excellent boatman and has also guided and been assistant manager at Corcovado Lodge. Don and his wife of 25 years, Pastora, have four children: Jimmy, 21; twins, Maribel and Maricela, 16; and Katherine, 14.

What Don likes best about guiding is getting to talk to all kinds of people, being outside and spotting birds. He is known for his impressive laugh, which can be heard for some distance. Read testimonials.

NATALIE EWING
Chief Operating Officer
newing@expeditions.co.cr

Natalie is Costa Rica Expeditions’ second-in-command. As Chief Operating Officer she is in charge of making the company’s vision to create unique travel experiences that transcend conventional travel a reality for our guests. Since she began working at CRE in 1986, Natalie has managed most of the company’s departments before becoming COO some years ago.

Born in the United States on Dec. 12, 1966, Natalie moved to Costa Rica when she was four. After elementary and junior high school in Costa Rica, and high school in the United States, Natalie began her advanced degree at Costa Rica Expeditions U in March 1986. Outside of her demanding work schedule, Natalie spends free time with her very athletic children, Shamielle and Shawn.

JULIAN FALLAS
Tortuga Lodge Manager

Julian came to CRE in Sept. 2006, after working at the Ministry of Education. Although he had no previous experience in tourism or hotel management, he quickly adapted to the job and the challenges of running a hotel in a remote area. “I was always interested in tourism and jumped at the opportunity to change careers when I saw an ad in the local newspaper for a job opening at Costa Rica Expeditions that didn’t require experience,” he recounts.

"After more than two years at Tortuga Lodge I still enjoy seeing the look of surprise and happiness our guests have when they arrive at the dock,” he says. “It’s satisfying knowing that many of our clients’ expectations have been exceeded after staying with us and experiencing Tortuguero’s rainforests.” Julian, one of 11 siblings, was born on May 22, 1970, in San Jose. He has three boys, Julian, 11, Emiliano, 7, and Angel, 2.

ALVARO FARIAS

Alvaro, called “Natu” by colleagues and guests, discovered rafting after watching the Camel Whitewater Challenge in 1998 in Costa Rica. Before that he worked on Coco Island as an assistant researcher and as a park ranger. In 2003 he joined the Costa Rica Expeditions’ rafting team and in 2004 completed the INBIO training course to qualify as a naturalist guide.

Natu is from San Jose, and is working toward a biology degree at Latina University. “One of the things I like most about my job,” he says, “is the chance to learn from the other guides and the opportunity to observe wildlife.” In his free time, Alvaro enjoys mountain biking, running and bird watching. He was born on Dec. 29, 1977, and is single. We call him "Natu” or “Natural" because he is. Read testimonials.

ANDREA FERNANDEZ
Travel Planner Assistant

Andrea is fascinated by history and has worked different jobs while studying this subject at the University of Costa Rica. A family member who once worked as a guide suggested she consider a career in tourism, and that conversation lead her to apply for a job at Costa Rica Expeditions. “I love working with such a great team to create dream vacations for our guests,” she says.

One of five siblings, Andrea was born on June 23, 1984. She speaks Spanish, English and German, which she learned while living in Erlangen for six months. In her spare time, she can be found reading, enjoying the outdoors or listening to music.

ISABEL GARBANZO
Director of Human Resources
igb@expeditions.co.cr

Isabel joined Costa Rica Expeditions in 1988. After nearly 20 years at Costa Rica Expeditions, she is the staff’s problem solver and everyone’s confidant. Isa is finishing a university degree in Psychology and has already begun applying her new knowledge of theory with her innate people skills, much to the company’s benefit.

In her spare time, Isa enjoys being at home, in the hills above San Jose. She is married to Costa Rica Expeditions’ River Guide, Ricardo Jiménez. They have two children, Renan, 15, and Marcela, 13.

CARLOS GOMEZ
Guides Manager

Carlos, or as he is better known, Charlie, started his birding career working with Gary Stiles, the author of Birds of Costa Rica. He has guided birding and other natural history groups for Costa Rica Expeditions for two decades. Before that, he was Station Manager at the Organization for Tropical Studies' La Selva Biological Station. Called "legendary" in the Washington Post, groups he has led include Henderson Birding, Audubon Naturalist Society and Noble Proctor.

"Birding is my number one love – after my family of course. Guiding lets me share my ideas about conservation with other people. Sometimes I think I am a frustrated professor, but my job as a guide is much better than sitting behind a desk, and it’s a great way to meet people and share my knowledge with them."

An excellent naturalist and avid birder with a B.S. in biology from the University of Costa Rica, Charlie's tireless enthusiasm on the job has made him our most requested naturalist guide. He is often asked by our clients to guide their trips in other countries. Charlie was born on Dec. 29, 1955. When he's not guiding, Charlie works in his garden, making it a haven for birds, and relaxes with his family. He and his wife, Vicky, have three adult children: Laura, Sergio, and Silvia. Read testimonials.

FABIO GOMEZ
Operations Assistant

Fabio, 33, has been at Costa Rica Expeditions for a year and has become a key part of the operations team. He has experience in customer service and now handles most purchasing orders as the Operations Department Assistant. Fabio grew up in Colon City, outside San Jose – one of nine siblings - and likes to run, bike, practice Pilates or read in his spare time. His birthday is Nov. 2, 1974.

WILLIAM GRANADOS

Born in San Ramon de Alajuela, surrounded by nature, William’s first jobs were in local coffee farms and mills with his brothers. He also worked as a forest guide and trail designer. Later he moved to San Jose and, in 1992, began working with Costa Rica Expeditions as an emergency substitute managing the Transportation and Procurement Department.

Over the years he has studied Agricultural Engineering, Natural History and Vulcanology, Hospitality, and Tourism Management. His love of the outdoors makes him perfectly suited for guiding, which he now does full time. “I really enjoy introducing visitors to my native land and revel in showing off the real Costa Rica. Along the way, I always look for fun and unique learning opportunities.” Weekends, he says, are spent with his family: “We may take a country drive or go bird-watching. I also like to cook or spend time reading.”

GORDON HEIN
CFO
gordon@expeditions.co.cr

Michael Kaye first met Gordon when he was toiling away for long-time Costa Rica Expeditions’ client, International Expeditions in Helena, Ala. When International Expeditions became part of Grandexpeditions.com, Michael quickly snatched Gordon for a temporary assignment in Costa Rica. The “temporary” assignment that began in early 2002 continues to this day.

Gordon, who has degrees in both economics and political science, uses his talents to observe the economic rhythms of Costa Rica Expeditions, converting those rhythms into understandable information for managing the business and predicting the future. When not observing rhythms in the office, he enjoys a state of bliss with his partner, Javier, 6 cats, 5 chickens, a happy rooster, and a dog named Bryce, on their farm halfway up the side of a dormant volcano overlooking the Central Valley and San Jose. Gordon has lived all over the US, but most recently is from Boca Raton, Florida. His birthday is Aug. 15, 1948.

MARCO HERNANDEZ
mhernandez@expeditions.co.cr

Marco or "Luk," as his friends call him, studied business administration and tourism at Cartago Universtity and has worked in the tourism business for ten years. He is familiar with nearly every valley and beach in the country and uses that knowledge as a Travel Planner. “I especially like planning family vacations, which often involve lots of activities and places where families can best enjoy time together,” he says. “I’m from a big family myself and have a good idea about what parents and kids of all ages want when they are traveling.”

After hours, Marco has an alter ego. He is the signer and songwriter for one of Costa Rica’s best-known rock bands, “Xpunkha”. They have been playing together for nearly a decade, headlining in the country’s best concerts and music festivals, and have opened shows for some renowned international bands. When he’s not practicing with his band, you can find Marco watching a Yankees game or catching up with his parents and five siblings. His birthday is March 24, 1979.

JOSE HUERTAS
jhuertas@expeditions.co.cr

Jose worked in hospitality for five years doing everything from operations to marketing and customer service before coming to Costa Rica Expeditions in June 2007. This experience has made him an astute travel planner, someone who not only knows the country well, but also understands his clients’ expectations and how to manage the logistics involved in making their dream trip come true. “I enjoy designing custom trips, combining different destinations and activities that make unforgettable vacations for each of my clients,” he says.

Jose has studied business administration at Veritas University as well as interior design and landscaping at the Univ. Creativa in San Jose. He is from a large family and on the weekends enjoys hiking with his dogs and spending time with his son, Diego, 10. His birthday is Dec. 18, 1973. Read testimonials.

JORGE JARA AYUB

After various school and family visits to some of Costa Rica's protected areas, Jorge became interested in the environment in high school. He decided that he would pursue environmental studies on his own while learning English at Columbus State University in Georgia. Today Jorge is well versed in many areas of nature; he has done courses on ornithology, medicinal plants, sea turtles, general natural history and others. He is currently finishing his degree in Management and Protection of Natural Resources at Cost Rica's National State University.

Jorge feels that guiding, which has been his profession since 1997, is his calling. It allows him to educate a large number of people about the importance of protecting the planet. A lot of his clients are "already converted" he says, but he's especially proud when he has successfully taught his guests about the urgency and importance of sustainable development.

When he's not guiding or working on his university degree, Jorge is either playing basketball or reading. He was born on May 31, 1977, and grew up in San Jose. Read testimonials.

ARTURO JARQUIN
siamtico@hotmail.com

Arturo's passion and career is landscape architecture. He is a graduate of the Longwood Gardens Horticultural School's work-study program in Pennsylvania (1983-4) and also spent a year working at the Missouri Botanical Gardens in St. Louis (1987-8). Arturo, who worked for Costa Rica National Parks for three years (1979-82), not only has a strong background in horticulture and conservation, but also has a strong knowledge of the country's native bird species.

In 1996 Arturo completed Monteverde Lodge's gardens using mainly native species. His goal was to bring the forest and its wildlife right up to the Lodge's doorstep. Today's visitors enjoy the results of this work. During his twelve years as a guide for Costa Rica Expeditions, Arturo has led trips for the Nature Conservancy, Massachusetts Audubon Society and several horticultural organizations.

Through guiding he has realized a life-long dream of designing and managing a cloud forest reserve. His charisma, talent and love of nature caught the attention of a visitor from San Francisco in 1996 and she ended up financing a private reserve now managed by Arturo.

PRISCILLA JIMENEZ
pjimenez@expeditions.co.cr

Priscilla started working for us in Nov. 1997, when she first came to CRE as an intern from a local university. We were so impressed with her ability to learn quickly, her dedication to “Legendary Service and Unforgettable Memories” as well as her ability to get things done, that we offered her a position as sales assistant. In 1998 she became a Travel Planner. Today Priscilla is a Senior Travel Planner handling the most upscale of our clientele. High-end travel is her specialty.

Tortuguero is her favorite place to visit—for the wildlife, the people and the town—and she loves to share the wonders of that wilderness with her sons Randy and Santiago. Born on Oct. 31, 1976, Priscilla loves dancing and music. She has recently ventured into the world of theater and claims there is no better way to forget the hustle and bustle of the office than to show up for rehearsal. Read testimonials.

RICARDO JIMENEZ
ricardojimenezch@hotmail.com

Ricardo, called Robalo by his fellow guides, has led a very interesting and diverse career at Costa Rica Expeditions. In 1989, he started as a bus driver for group trips. Then he decided that he wanted to become a river guide. Not speaking a word of English, he signed up for classes at the University and was conversing before the year was up. Working his way through the ranks, Ricardo became one of our head river guides in 1993.

Seven years later, in January 1999, he decided to come ashore to work in the San Jose offices as Operations Manager. Recently, however, he decided to return to the river and has started guiding rafting trips once again. Ricardo, whose birthday is July 2, 1963, is married to Isabel Garbanzo, the company’s Director of Human Resources. They have been married for 17 years and have two children, Renan, 15, and Marcela, 13.

MICHAEL KAYE
President & CEO
mskaye@expeditions.co.cr

Born December 11, 1941, Michael is not only the CEO and President of Costa Rica Expeditions but also a pioneer in ecotourism and adventure travel with credentials of honor in both the travel/tourism and wilderness conservation worlds. He runs his company with the iconoclasm of an ecotourism pioneer and the sensibilities of a world traveler.

A river guide for many years, Kaye was the first to run Costa Rica's white water rivers, and in 1978 he started Costa Rica’s first rafting company. Since that time his vision and focus have created a company that is known for its high quality of service and it's dedication to sustainable development.

A self-professed workaholic, he puts everything he has into whatever he does. As well as continuing to guide the destiny of Costa Rica Expeditions, Kaye founded The Tortuguero Foundation, whose mission is to generate funds to help Tortuguero, Costa Rica, in three key areas: health, education and protection of the wilderness area that is the village's basic economic resource.

When he is not at work (rarely) or pounding out emails (always) you will find him and his wife of 29 years, Yolanda, cruising the roads and trails of Costa Rica on their tandem mountain bike. They have two adult children, Brenda and Hilton, and three grandchildren. Read testimonials.

YOLANDA KAYE
President Board of Directors

Yolanda Kaye, born in 1951, in rural El Salvador, is the woman wise enough to be Michael's wife and survive. Really she has done more than survive; she is thriving. Dońa Yoly as we all affectionately call her, is truly the great woman who is not only behind a great man but also behind a great organization. Her wise words, observations and willingness to listen to gardeners, cooks, account executives and executive team staff alike has provided many of us with a sound "put your feet on the ground and count your blessings" perspective. She is a world-class cook.

One of Michael's and Yolanda's adventures was "Bike New York." They peddled a tandem bicycle 42 miles through the five boros of New York City. "I haven't seen a bicycle built for two in years," an old gentleman remarked. "Is it an antique? "

"The bicycle is new," Dońa Yoly replied in her accented English. "We’re antiques." Read testimonials.

JUDITH KIRKLAND
Assistant to the CEO
mskast@expeditions.co.cr

Jude, as we call her, started at CRE in 1990 and has the monumental task of distributing our email, which can easily be more than 500 pieces of correspondence in the high season. She is Michael's right hand, organizing his impossible schedule and keeping him generally in the right place at the right time - while somehow remaining serene and centered. If that were not enough to do, Jude has three children: two teenagers, Kenneth and Hillary, and her "baby," Ashley, 10.

JIM LEWIS

Born May 19, 1940, Jim is Costa Rica Expeditions' Master Naturalist Guide Emeritus, with nearly three decades of guiding with us. Although Jim is now retired, he continues to advise the company and our guides.

Jim has extensive field experience with animal surveys for the Smithsonian Institution, Scripps Institute and the Farallon Islands off California. Before joining Costa Rica Expeditions as head naturalist in 1980, he did six years of biological consulting work and independent research throughout Costa Rica.

An avid birder, Jim has guided trips for numerous Audubon Society groups, the Americans Society (which is chaired by David Rockefeller), The Nature Conservancy, the NY Zoological Society, the American Museum of Natural History, and the Oceanic Society, among others.

Jim and his wife, Barbara, have two adult children, Jonathan and Jennifer. In his free time, Jim volunteers at INBIO and tends his orchid collection (he especially loves miniatures). Read testimonials.

MORIN LIZANO
Travel Planner Assistant

Morin is from San Jose and joined Costa Rica Expeditions’ sales team in June. She has worked in the insurance business for many years, but recently became interested in tourism as a new direction and career. In the Sales Department, Morin will be at the epicenter of what we do, and responsible for handling some of the hundreds of details associated with each and every customized trip we create. Morin has two grown children, one of whom is a CRE river guide. During her time off she enjoys reading, dancing and trips to the beach. Her birthday is Feb. 10, 1964.

ALEX LOPEZ

Born on a farm in the town of San Rafael de Heredia, Alex has always loved the outdoors and enjoyed showing the rainforest to as many people as possible. On the farm Alex grew up with animals, an interest that also drew him to guiding and learning about wildlife.

Alex has studied English as well as subjects as varied as Butterfly and Frog Breeding, and Bats and Volcanoes of Costa Rica. He has also taken specialized guiding courses. Alex has been with Costa Rica Expeditions for three years. When not guiding, he enjoys riding his bike and listening to music. Read testimonials.

MIGUEL MARIN

Miguel was born Nov. 15, 1966, and has guided for nearly two decades, 14 of them with Costa Rica Expeditions. He discovered guiding after a false career start in business administration, which he studied for two and a half years with UNED, the national correspondence university.

Over the years, Miguel has taken many short courses in guiding techniques. Mammals are Miguel’s special area of interest, but he also is knowledgeable about birds, flower identification, and the natural history of many areas in Costa Rica. Miguel has also taught guiding techniques to students specializing in tourism at the Universidad Latina.

Miguel is runner and also enjoys doing volunteer work for the National Parks Service and the Monteverde Reserve. Read testimonials.

LARRY MARIN

Since 1994 Larry has guided and managed tours all over Europe, Northern Africa, Asia Minor, North and South America, the Caribbean Islands, and of course his native country, Costa Rica. He has a B.A. in Tourism from Central American Autonomous University in Costa Rica and is certified by the International Tour Management Institute in San Francisco.

Larry grew up in an isolated, rural district in the rainforest near the Nicaraguan border. “At that time, and even today,” he says, “there were no roads, electricity or even running water on our farm – nowhere better for a kid to develop a passion for nature.”

Apart from Spanish, Larry speaks English fluently, French and Portuguese, and has a good knowledge of Italian. His multi-cultural experiences allow him to better share his passion for nature with people of all backgrounds. Those who have traveled with him say his love and enthusiasm for nature is contagious. When Larry is not guiding a tour, you might run into him birding in Guatemala, scuba diving in Malaysia, hiking volcanoes in Tanzania, or visiting art museums and galleries in Argentina (another of his passions).

ALBERTO MARTINEZ

Alberto and his identical twin brother, born on Sept. 15, 1976, began working with Costa Rica Expeditions five years ago as transport providers. Two years ago Alberto began guiding. Long before that, however, he dreamed of working as a Naturalist Guide. It began in Finland, where he lived for a year after high school. Friends he met there showed him some of that country’s wild and beautiful places and he developed a passion for nature and the outdoors.

Upon return to Costa Rica, Alberto worked for an educational agency that hosts foreign visitors to Costa Rica. Soon he envisioned himself working in tourism and, eventually, as a guide. Many years later, he earned the title of Naturalist Guide and continues to impress our guests today with his enthusiasm, knowledge and personality. Read testimonials.

ADRIAN MARTINEZ

Since 2000 Adrian has been guiding individuals and groups in Costa Rica. He started guiding when a friend asked him to help lead tour. “He needed an assistant with good knowledge about the country and above all good human relations. I did a few more trips and really liked the work, so I decided to make a career out of it.”

After high school, Adrian decided to work abroad for a year and went to Iceland. There he did community work with handicapped people and found it to be a life-changing experience. “It helped me develop a life vision and better understanding of people – something immensely important in life and in my career as a guide.”

Adrian was born in Costa Rica but as a child lived for several years in the Dominican Republic. He has a twin brother, both born on Sept. 15, 1976. He is married and he and his wife live part of the year in Germany.

JOSE MARTINEZ

Jose, also known as "Macho," was born and raised in the small rural town of La Suiza, 30 mins. from Turrialba, the heart of river rafting county in Costa Rica. He went to a high school that focus on conservation of natural resources, which marked him for life with a deep respect for nature and wildlife, and a love of the outdoors. Jose began guiding river trips in Costa Rica several years ago and more recently in California for Mariah Wilderness Expeditions.

Currently Jose is in training to become a Naturalist Guide. “River guiding will always be very special to me,” he says, “but I’m ready to move up and widen my range of skills and capabilities. Now, in preparation to be a Naturalist Guide, I’m also studying geography, history, biology, flora, fauna and even current affairs.”

Jose, 32, is an amateur photographer, who owns several SLR digital cameras and spends some of his free time shooting outdoors. He also likes to play soccer and basketball, or just relax at home watching TV or surfing the web. “As a bachelor I also do my fair share of cooking,” he adds, “although I prefer doing it for guests and not just myself.” Jose’s birthday is on Sep. 20, 1975.

ALEJANDRO MENDEZ

Alejandro, affectionately called “Pulpo,” spent some years in the US but returned in early 2006. Before leaving the country, Alejandro worked as a CRE Naturalist Guide for seven years. Now in Operations, he knows exactly what kind of logistics go into making even the most complicated trip run smoothly.

“I enjoy sharing my country with visitors,” he says, “and making exceptional trips happen is what we do best. I am proud to work in a great company surrounded by friends who are not only hard-working professionals, but great people too.”

Alejandro graduated from the Univ. of Cartago in Costa Rica in 1992, with business and tourism degrees. He has a daughter, Maria Fernanda, 8, and enjoys spending free time listening to music, reading or traveling. His birthday is March 19, 1974.

KENYA MENDEZ
Corcovado Lodge Manager
col@expeditions.co.cr

Kenya, 27, perfected her English in Burlington, Vermont, where she spent a year and a half in a student exchange program. After returning to Costa Rica she began studying biology and has nearly completed her degree at Costa Rica’s Latin University. She has been with Costa Rica Expeditions since Nov. 1998, when she started as a Transfer Guide and later moved up to Naturalist Guide. Recently Kenya took up the challenge of managing Corcovado Lodge & Tent Camp on the Osa Peninsula. Kenya has studied miniature orchids - particularly their insect pollination – as well as the ecology of the Tropical Dry Forest and worked extensively at Santa Rosa National Park with Dr. Daniel Janzen. She was a volunteer at the National Institute for Biodiversity at Maritza Station where she collected plants and insects that pollinate orchids in the Dry Tropical Forest environment. When she's not working, Kenya, born on Sept. 23, 1978, spends her time with her younger brother and sister, and is dedicated to poetry and painting. She also likes to hike and surf. Read testimonials.

DIEGO MONTERO

Diego, 29, has been on Costa Rica Expeditions’ white water team since 2005, and has been guiding rafting trips for 9 years. He enjoys his career for the thrills and for the opportunity to meet new people from around the world. “I have also been able to travel a lot - to Italy, Norway, Nepal, Chile and Argentina - thanks to rafting,” he says. Diego speaks Spanish, English and Italian and is an excellent surfer. He is married to Betsy Chaves and his birthday is March 6, 1979.

JORGE MORA

First guided for IE and CRE from 1989 to 1992. He then went to the Denver, Colorado to get his Masters Degree in International Politics, returned to Costa Rica, and started guiding again several years later.

Born in San José, Jorge has been working as a guide for a decade. He is an avid reader and autodidact and, to enjoy and improve his career as a naturalist, Jorge moved to the mountains of Heredia to be closer to nature. On his farm he grows different kinds of ornamental and medicinal plants as well as cut flowers.

Jorge has a BS in marine biology and Masters Degrees in tropical biology and international politics. With a diverse education and interests, it's not surprising that he has guided groups such as the National Geographic Board of Directors, Sierra Club Board of Directors, and many more. In fact, he remembers all of his groups fondly and always learns something new from each guiding experience.

When he guided Michael Collins, the astronaut, Jorge could not resist asking him what it was like to be on a spaceship looking down at the Earth. He never forgot Collins' reply: "It feels lonely, Jorge. Mostly you feel loneliness."

YESENIA MORA
Corporate Relations Manager
ymora@expeditions.co.cr

From San Jose, Yesenia has been working in tourism her entire career. She came to Costa Rica Expeditions from a local operator, where she was the Tour & Travel Sales Manager. As the Corporate Relations Manager, Yesenia focuses principally on sales of the company’s three hotels as well as on new product contracting. She has a Business Degree from Costa Rica’s Latina University, where she concentrated on Sales and Marketing (2005).

Yesenia is the second of five siblings and is married to Pablo Richard. They have a five-year-old daughter, Pamela. In her spare time, she loves to take weekend trips with her family and also plays for the Belen town volleyball team. Her birthday is Nov. 28, 1977.

GERARDO MURILLO

Born in San Jose on October 15, 1964, Gerardo, also known as "Siau," has been guiding whitewater rafting expeditions since 1986. He grew up on his father’s farm in Turrialba where he spent most of his time outdoors riding horses and playing in the rivers and fields.

His river career started by coincidence, when 17 years ago, he decided to go for a morning run and a pickup truck drove by with a raft on the roof. They stopped and asked him if he would go to the river with them, as they needed another paddler that day. He agreed to go, and he’s been on the river ever since. Siau has participated and organized a number of rafting expeditions and competitions starting in 1991, when he was a member of the Costa Rican team for the world championship, Project Raft. Since then, he has been team captain for the Camel White Water Challenge team and the Foto Linda Rafting National Championship.

When not on the river, which isn’t very often, Siau spends his time working on his photography, horseback riding, camping in the mountains and reading. He is an accomplished cook. Read testimonials.

OMAR MURILLO
Ground Transport Coordinator
omurillo@expeditions.co.cr

Omar has worked as a Naturalist Guide for Costa Rica Expeditions for many years, but recently decided to give up the vagabond lifestyle of a guide for the very detailed-oriented transport programmer job in the company's Operations Department. “I’m looking forward to learning about the bigger picture of the company,” he says. “Coordinating a trip-of-a-lifetime requires careful orchestration of not only transport and lodging, but a whole chain of services.”

Born to Costa Rican parents on July 14, 1964, in Los Angeles, Omar graduated from high school in Costa Rica in the 80s, earning a degree in precision mechanics. Since then he has earned two degrees from National Learning Institute in general mechanics and guiding. Omar is a dedicated father to his five children and enjoys spending his free time with them. He likes all kinds of sports and, whenever possible, surfing the Web. Read testimonials.

RUFILIO NUńEZ

Rufilio, or "Fillo" as everyone knows him, came to Costa Rica Expeditions in late 2003 with more than a decade of guiding experience. He is particularly interested in the plant life of the rainforest. Rufilio, 46, once worked in fishing and, for many years, in hotels. He is from Puerto Jimenez, Puntarenas, and has two children, William and Yessica. His birthday is April 23, 1962. Read testimonials.

MIGUEL PRENDAS TAYLOR

Miguel, 56, is from Limon, Costa Rica. He began working as a Costa Rica Expeditions boat captain and guide seven years ago. His life changed radically when he left farming and agriculture many years ago to become a sport-fishing boat captain. Later, he became interested in the area’s diverse flora and fauna and took up guiding. It’s not hard to guess that Miguel likes to spend his off hours fishing. He was born on Jan. 9, 1951 and is one of seven siblings. He and his wife, Heivi, have five adult children. Read testimonials.

MARCO QUESADA

When he was a child Marco saw a television program on Jacques Cousteau and from then on wanted to be a marine biologist. After graduating from the Univ. of Costa Rica in 1996, he entered a joint Master’s Degree program in the Univ. of Costa Rica and the Univ. of Oregon Portland earning his Master’s in biology in 2001. In 2003 he began a doctoral program on coastal management at the Univ. of Rhode Island, which he continues to work on today.

For Costa Rica Expeditions, he guides specialized trips. “Guiding brings me back to the basics,” he says. “I get to show and teach interested visitors about our diverse and complex ecology - a subject I love to talk about. Every trip is different; I’m always learning and observing new things in the field.” On his trips and in his spare time, Marco enjoys photography. He is an avid reader and traveler throughout Latin America.

URBANO QUESADA

Urbano, 61, has guided for Corcovado Lodge since it opened and has many years of experience with horses and rural living on the Osa Peninsula. His sharp eyes find crocodiles, macaw feathers and more as he leads horseback trips along the beautiful coastline of the southern Pacific coast to the Río Oro Lagoon.

Miraculously cured of a serious illness by an herbalist at the age of three, Urbano has been interested in herbs and their medicinal uses ever since. He is a storyteller and a giver of good luck; he enjoys planting medicinal plants and caring for Corcovado Lodge’s horses.

Even if you don’t speak Spanish, with a little patience and perseverance, you can learn a lot about this remote and wondrous area from this quiet man. Born March 25, 1946, Urbano has three adult daughters: Zinia, Guiselle and Elena.

JONATHAN QUIROS

Jonathan has been a transport provider for Costa Rica Expeditions since 2006 but has had his eye on a permanent position for some time. When a spot opened in Operations, he sent in his resume and was hired for his can-do personality and for his knowledge of the roads, distances and best routes to take to the country’s most popular destinations. Jonathan is a mountain biker and runner and enjoys both playing and listening to music. His birthday is June 26, 1982. He and his wife, Jenifer, have a 3-year-old daughter.

CARLOS RODRIGUEZ

Carlos, also called “Gazzo,” completed courses in business and tourism at Cartago Community College in 2006 before coming to Costa Rica Expeditions at the beginning of 2007. He has worked in hospitality and in a travel agency. “It can be pretty intense handling logistics for a dozen clients at the same time,” he says about working in Ops, “but it’s great that every day is different.” Carlos, 28, doesn’t like to slow down: he is a runner, mountain biker and enjoys practicing extreme sports on the weekend. His birthday is May 10, 1980.

ALEJANDRA RODRIGUEZ
Senior Tour Plan Analyst
arodriguez@expeditions.co.cr

Alejandra, “Flaca,” has been with Costa Rica Expeditions for seven years and is in charge of compiling and analyzing company data and providing technical support for the reservations software program. She creates financial and other reports for Costa Rica Expeditions’ executive team. “I like working with numbers and the challenge of new projects,” she says.

Alejandra has a high school accounting degree. At the university level, her academic interests range from accounting to English and from web design to fashion design. She worked in tourism, accounting and magazine publishing before coming to Costa Rica Expeditions.

She is from Cartago, Costa Rica, and was born Feb. 20, 1977, five minutes before her twin brother, Renan. In her free time Alejandra enjoys singing, dancing and drawing to relax. She also designs clothing as a hobby and is a “dog lover 100%,” who trains and is devoted to her Labrador, Kiara.

MIGUEL ANGEL RODRIGUEZ
Accounting Manager
mrodriguez@expeditions.co.cr

Miguel Angel is from Heredia, near San Jose, and has been with Costa Rica Expeditions since 2002. He has worked as an accountant with tourism companies since graduating from high school with an accounting degree in 1986. With years of experience, Miguel Angel has become an expert in financial analysis, one aspect of his job that he particularly enjoys.

Born June 11, 1965, Miguel Angel is a classical music lover and also likes to read in his free time. He is married to Teresita Rojas and is an especially devoted father to his two boys, Felipe, 11, and Gabriel, 6.

NELSON ROJAS
Monteverde Lodge Assistant Manager

Nelson is from La Palma, Costa Rica, and has worked in hospitality for several years moving from Costa Rica to Maine and Florida. He has bused and waited tables, worked in the kitchen and, most recently, was assistant manager of a local hotel. “Working in hospitality is all about people – both the guests and the staff – and this is what I like best about my job,” he says. “The atmosphere, the service, the food; it all matters in a hotel. And making these elements work right takes a team that cares and that wants to serve.” Before starting his career in hospitality, Nelson learned furniture design and construction and opened his own business in 1999. In his free time, Nelson enjoys photography. His birthday is Sept. 21, 1978.

EVA ROS
eros@expeditions.co.cr

Eva is from Spain and has worked in the tourism business for nearly a decade. Since she loves to travel, studying tourism was a natural career choice. “I enjoy helping our guests design a great vacation, full of activities that I know they’ll enjoy as much as I do when I travel.” Eva also studied translation in London. In addition to English and Spanish, she speaks Italian and French. Eva enjoys playing tennis and spending time with friends, going to the movies or out for drinks. Read testimonials.

POETT RYAN
Sales Manager
pryan@expeditions.co.cr

Poett was born in Hollywood, CA, but grew up on a ranch in Dominical, Costa Rica. She started working for Costa Rica Expeditions in 1989 during a summer break, but ended up staying until 1997 when she left to raise her son. By that time, she had worked in different sales positions - from arranging trips for walk-in clients, to Group Sales Manager.

"I always enjoyed working with clients and feeling a sense of gratification knowing my work created positive experiences for people," she says. "I also liked working for a company where the best of the best is always expected and delivered. Now that I'm back at CRE, I find that I am still motivated by these two aspects of the work."

During the last few years Poett has been involved in product development for a Costa Rican pharmaceutical company, where she managed a line of natural health products derived from Costa Rican plants. Poett spends her free time with her teenaged son, Sebastian, and enjoys cooking for friends and traveling to new places. She has a fine voice and loves to sing in the shower or on the stage. Her birthday is Nov. 26, 1969.

JUAN JOSE SANCHEZ

Juan Jose, 24, was born in the mountainous province of Turrialba, near the same rivers on which he now leads rafting trips. Before coming to Costa Rica Expeditions he worked as the safety kayak for different rafting companies. His first job was on the river with his cousins, who were guides themselves.

“After school I would head to the Reventazon River to help my cousins,” he recalls. “We would pull the boats out of the water and store the equipment. But before putting everything away, my cousin would teach me how to use the kayak. I learned to roll and also began to run rapids.” Not long after, Juan Jose entered a kayak school and took up the sport seriously. He was selected for the national team and competed in slalom at the Panamerican Games in Chile in 2001. Juan Jose's birthday is June 5, 1983.

JORGE SEGURA

An adventurer at heart, Jorge has been guiding on the country’s rivers for 14 years. “I love the adrenaline of rafting, the big runs and being outside – whether it’s raining, cold or sunny, I love seeing the changing seasons on the river.”

Jorge, born on May 19, 1969, started tubing as a kid and then took up kayaking, which he learned in a pool and practiced on the Reventazon River. He has worked in business and is currently finishing a physical therapy degree at Santa Paula University. Jorge enjoys mountain biking and has two sons, Luis Diego and Julian. Read testimonials.

JONATHAN SEQUEIRA
jsequeira@expeditions.co.cr

Jonathan first studied nature and social sciences at the Cartago Community College and the National University of Costa Rica. Later, he received his doctorate for work related to the analysis of medicinal plants of the rainforest from the International University for Complementary Medicine in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

Jonathan has guided for Costa Rica Expeditions since 1991 and in September 2004, was awarded the status of Master Naturalist Guide. He has also volunteered for the National Park Service - at the Guayabo Archaeological Monument and Chirripo and Carara National Parks - and worked at Garrison Refuge in New York for the Audubon Society.

Jonathan has guided groups for the Missouri Botanical Garden, The Nature Conservancy, Smithsonian Institution, the Audubon Society, Baltimore Aquarium and the Association for Amphibians from Austria.

When not guiding, Jonathan, his wife Vielka, and their son, Eytan Yared, can be found on their small farm in Sarapiqui, where Jonathan has a native tree nursery and is breeding Poison Dart Frogs in their natural habitat. Read testimonials.

NADYA SHAW
nshaw@expeditions.co.cr

Born Aug. 21, 1963, Nadya first started working for Costa Rica Expeditions as a bilingual secretary in 1991. In 1994 we reluctantly let her go due to a restructuring. Nadya was quickly hired by one of our competitors. Hoping to get her back, we have been keeping an eye on her ever since. When a position opened up in the Trip Planning Department in Aug. 2003, we jumped at the opportunity. We haven't been sorry. Her five children, Kevin, Jason, Ruji, Alexsha and Jared, more than take up her free time. Read testimonials.

NORTON SINCLAIR TUCKER

Norton, 43, is from Rio Maiz, Nicaragua. He has worked in fishing, but when he moved to Limon in 1973 to be with family, he took up guiding. “I get a kick out showing clients animals or plants they’ve never seen before,” he says. “I also enjoy helping clients spot a particular bird or animal they are keen to see.” In his spare time Norton, born on Mar. 10, 1964, likes to fish, listen to music, play dominoes or watch TV. Read testimonials.

IVAN SOTO
Scheduling & Logistics Coordinator

Ivan, 27, is from Moravia, outside San Jose. He has worked in tourism for three years, the first two-and-a-half at a local outfitter, concentrating in reservations, sales and operations. "I like being at the controls, making sure our customers tours, transfers and flights are executed perfectly," he says. "Also being part of a supportive and professional team is great." Ivan enjoys playing sports and listening to music when he is off. His birthday is Aug. 27, 1980.

CLARENCE TAYLOR

Although he was born and raised in San Jose, Clarence has spent a lot of time traveling inside and out of Costa Rica. He did all his studies in Costa Rica, mostly focusing on the tourism industry, but also completed a year of medicine.

He grew up enjoying the outdoors with his family and considers himself a true nature lover. “While I was still a kid, my parents would take us camping and we would explore places all over the country. I have always loved taking friends and clients to the country’s remote and beautiful places. When I discovered guiding as a career, it was a dream come true.”

Clarence has been guiding travelers from all over the world since 1989 and relishes sharing his knowledge, built on years of experience, of the native flora, animals and insects. Clarence is married and has a 17-year-old daughter, Nicole. He comes from a very large family of Sephardic Jews, originally from Spain.

MARTHA THOMAS
Receptionist

Martha, who worked at Costa Rica Expeditions for 15 years from 1982 to 1998, recently returned to take up the position of receptionist. She will be handling the dozens of calls, solicitations and deliveries we receive daily in our downtown San Jose office. In the last several years Martha has worked in a restaurant and two local hotels.

“I am a ‘nice’ and ‘service-with-a-smile specialist,’” she says (with a smile). “With so many years in the restaurant and hospitality industries, this skill has served me well.” Martha, 54, has 11 siblings, so there is no shortage of family events to keep her busy during her off hours. She and her husband, Luis, have two grown up children and three grandchildren. Her birthday is on Nov. 23, 1953.

LUIS TORRES

Born in Limón on April 3, 1960, of Nicaraguan parentage, Luis moved to Tortuguero with his mother at the age of two. His first experiences with nature were related to subsistence hunting and logging, but this has provided him with his great respect for the natural environment, and excellent wildlife spotting abilities as well.

Luis started out as gardener for Tortuga Lodge in 1986 and soon was promoted to fishing and nature boatman guide. He paid close attention to the naturalists he was driving his boats for and practiced his natural history every chance he got. His drive for self-improvement led him to improve his English and take several courses about the natural history of Costa Rica. Luis’ special efforts have qualified him as a full-fledged naturalist guide. Luis has guided for the National Orchid Society, University of California at Berkley and Microsoft among others.

Luis has five children: Erick, 22; Karina, 19; Jeremy, 17; and 4 year-old twins, Tongny and Wongny with his wife Angela. When not guiding or running after the twins, Luis enjoys playing soccer and playing the guitar. Read testimonials.

ANDRES VALVERDE

Andres, 26, is a second generation River Guide; his father, once a Costa Rica Expeditions Guide, introduced him to the river. Starting as a Transfer Guide seven years ago, Andres worked his way up to River Guide after completing a rigorous training program. “Guiding white water trips is not only physically demanding, but mentally as well,” he says. “We have to be alert at all times and vigilant of river currents, which change daily. This is what makes the job so stimulating, not to mention the pleasure of working in a natural paradise.”

When Andres is not on the river, he and his wife, Edda, own and run a handicraft store in San Jose. Andres is also studying to become a veterinary surgeon at San Jose's Veritas University. He was born on Jan. 8, 1982, and has a two-year-old son, Javier.

MARISOL VALVERDE

Marisol, 22, has been working as a preschool teacher for the last four years. When she began thinking of changing careers, some of her family members, who happened to have worked at Costa Rica Expeditions, encouraged her to apply for a support guide position. They knew her kind and patient personality and enthusiasm for the outdoors made her a natural for managing groups and supporting guided tours with several activities and destinations. In her spare time, Marisol enjoys hiking, doing exercise or going to the beach. Her birthday is Nov. 29, 1985.

GABRIEL VARGAS