A Taste of Costa Rica

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.

Deynor Alfaro is a licensed Costa Rican naturalist group leader. His love of nature and the outdoors took root while growing up on a cattle farm in Puntarenas province. When time came to consider college and career choices, he set his sights on becoming a naturalist. Deynor went on to earn a degree in ecotourism from the Universidad Técnica Nacional in Puntarenas city. Some of his favorite pastimes include hiking, birding, horseback riding, and playing soccer with friends.

Glenda Araya grew up in Puntarenas, a Pacific province of Costa Rica. She holds a bachelor's degree in tourism with a focus on wildlife management, environmental biology, and forestry. In the early 2010s, Glenda became a certified naturalist expedition leader and she began leading student and teacher groups as well as retired professionals and hiking groups. Glenda is the recipient of a 2023 World Guide Award from Wanderlust magazine. She enjoys hiking in the mountains to stay mentally and physically fit.