The Best of Costa Rica: Exploring Natural Wonders

Pedro Bosques is a veteran Road Scholar instructor and group leader, with approximately 20 years of experience in hosting lifelong learners in Costa Rica. Although born in Puntarenas, on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, Pedro grew up in San José. His interest in conservation blossomed when he began working at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve as a field assistant. During this time he colaborated with researchers and biologists in projects including the study of the behavior and migration of the Three-wattled Bellbird and reforestation of the biological corridor in the Monteverde region. Pedro is a certified naturalist leader who enjoys sharing his knowledge with travelers from around the world. He looks forward to hosting you in this program and enhancing your journey in his beautiful country.

While working for the logging industry in Honduras and seeing its negative impact on the environment, William Suarez became interested in conservation. He returned to his native Costa Rica and received training to serve as a leader for groups interested in learning about the country’s flora and fauna. Today, he specializes in the natural history and birds of Costa Rica. William is also a writer who has had three books published, as well as an outdoorsman who enjoys mountain biking, hiking and fishing.

Reimer Palma is a self-proclaimed “nature guy.” He fondly recalls, at an early age, accompanying his father on walks through the rainforest to go fishing or for work. Those quiet outdoor explorations further fueled his appreciation for and an awareness of his natural surroundings. When Reimer attended a course in ecotourism at his high school, he became intrigued with the idea of becoming a naturalist guide. In 2009, he began attending natural history courses at La Selva Biological Field Station in preparation for his certification. As a naturalist leader, Reimer enjoys introducing visitors to many of Costa Rica’s beautiful protected areas; although the lush Caribbean lowlands, where he grew up, still hold the number one spot in his heart. When Reimer isn’t leading groups or enjoying time with his family, you will most likely find him hitting his college books in pursuit of his bachelor’s degree in biology.

Erick Miranda hails from Costa Rica’s historic Heredia, a region dotted with coffee plantations and forests. As a young boy, he dreamed of becoming a naturalist guide. He attended a prestigious research center where he studied natural history and honed his interpretive skills. Erick has been a licensed naturalist guide and group leader for more than a decade, as well as a personal cross-training fitness coach. He has traveled extensively within Costa Rica and wishes to start adding some international destinations to his travel list.

Willy Aguilar is a certified Costa Rican naturalist expedition leader with a background in tourism administration. After giving the office environment a try, he was disappointed to discover it was too sedentary to his liking. This valuable learning experience led him to pursue his studies and training to become an expedition leader. Willy enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, rafting, and kayaking, but his true passion is wildlife observation—especially birding. Willy speaks English and French in addition to his native Spanish.

Daniel Bolaños is a certified Costa Rican naturalist, passionate birder, and expedition leader with decades of experience in the field. Some of his favorite natural areas to explore with program participants or on his own are Tortuguero, Braulio Carrillo, Palo Verde, and Corcovado National Parks. Daniel enjoys spending time with his family at the beach, and like other true birders, he is always on the lookout for new bird species to add to his list.

Greivin Araya Vega, “Dalua”, has been passionate about the outdoors since his childhood in Guacimo, an agricultural town in eastern Costa Rica. With a family legacy in education, he planned to teach science. He eventually found himself teaching English, while spending his free time as a naturalist. After six years of teaching, he was unable to ignore the call of the outdoors and became a certified Costa Rica Naturalist. Dalua particularly enjoys entomology, travel, and learning what he can from the experiences of others.

Vinicio “Vinny” Víquez grew up in Heredia province in Costa Rica’s Central Valley. He studied biology at university, and began working as a naturalist in the 1990s. He considers himself an ambassador of Costa Rica. Each visitor presents an opportunity – not just to share favorite birds and amphibians – but also to plant a seed to spread appreciation of his diverse homeland. Vinny and his family live on a small coffee plantation in Costa Rica’s southern Pacific highlands.

Sergio Calvo is a certified Costa Rican naturalist and adventure expedition leader. He grew up in Turrialba, an area famed for its world-class white water rafting, national parks, and the Guayabo pre-Columbian ruins. Sergio is one of seven siblings; they all live in and around Turrialba along with their growing families. Like most Ticos, he is a soccer fan, and he enjoys playing whenever the chance arises. His other favorite pastimes include listening to music, dancing, and hanging out with his family.

Paul Najera grew up on a coffee farm in Costa Rica’s scenic Central Valley. From an early age, he loved being outdoors and felt a deep connection to the land. Paul has a bachelor’s degree in ecotourism from the Universidad de Costa Rica and is an ICT-certified expedition leader. He developed a passion for wildlife photography after taking some courses in college and he now enjoys helping others capture that perfect shot. Paul also enjoys traveling, spending time with his family, and birding.