From Monkeys to Macaws: Colorful Costa Rica With Your Family

In the late 1980s, Costa Rican native Roger Melendez received both practical and theoretical training on the flora and fauna of his country at the La Selva field station of the Organization for Tropical Studies. He is a talented and experienced birder with an all-encompassing knowledge of tropical wildlife. Road Scholar participants have found Roger to be a charismatic leader who gives everyone personalized attention. He is a father of three and loves spending time outdoors with his family.

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.

Andrey Acosta is a certified Costa Rican naturalist expedition leader and a birding and photography enthusiast. The ocean was his first love, and many childhood memories involve swimming and playing with friends at the beach in his hometown of Puntarenas. He discovered birdwatching and wildlife photography while studying ecotourism at the Universidad de Costa Rica. As cash-strapped students, Andrey and friends birded on a budget, assisting in bird counts and volunteering. He has led educational groups since 2015 and is also a licensed scuba diver.

Stiven Matute is a certified Costa Rican naturalist expedition leader who grew up in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui. His interest in the natural sciences was piqued during a class trip to La Selva Biological Station with his elementary school. He still remembers the thrill of using binoculars for the first time. After high school, he went on to earn his naturalist credentials. Stiven has participated in mammal and herpetology research and even got to use his ziplining and canyoning skills while setting up camera traps.

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.

David Mora was immersed in the culture of birding from an early age. David’s nickname is "Bird Whistler," earned by his unique ability to mimic bird calls with uncanny accuracy. As a child, he participated in Cornell University’s Bird Detectives program at the Sarapiquís Conservation Learning Center; his formal education was at the National Learning Institution, where he earned his naturalist certification. David’s informal education continues through the reciprocal exchange shared with program participants, and, of course, through birding.