From Cloud Forests to Volcanoes: Costa Rica With Your Grandchild

Costa Rica’s tropical rainforest with its glorious biodiversity was the childhood playground of Erick Guzman, who grew up in the country’s Caribbean lowlands. He enjoyed accompanying travelers on boat excursions during his post-high school years, assisting his father, and went on to work in the field of adventure travel, leading rafting, kayaking, horseback riding and hiking trips. Erick then worked at the La Selva field station of the Organization for Tropical Studies, interacting with scientists and deepening his knowledge of Costa Rica’s natural habitats.

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.

Lenin Duarte is a certified Costa Rican naturalist guide. He worked for many years as a resident naturalist at the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) La Selva Biological Field Station. One of the most exciting parts of that job included the opportunity to interact with biologists and participating in important research being conducted on site. Even after many years of leading groups, Lenin never tires of watching the excitement and wonder on visitors’s faces as they fall in love with the rainforest and its inhabitants.

Pamela Rojas is a certified Costa Rican expedition leader who feels happiest when she is outdoors. Her affinity with nature stems from a childhood spent among the rainforests and farmlands of Sarapiquí. Pamela holds a bachelor’s degree in EFL, with an emphasis on tourism, from the Universidad Técnica Nacional and is working towards a postgraduate teaching degree. Her lifelong goal is to enrich lives through education and exposure to the wonders of nature.

Guillermo Arrieta is a Costa Rican naturalist expedition leader and birder. His intimate knowledge of Costa Rica's prime natural areas was developed over more than two decades working for local DMCs and as an expedition leader for international educational organizations. Guillermo enjoys helping Road Scholars fulfill and exceed their personal travel goals, from adding a new species to a life list to practicing their Spanish.

Randy Alvarado hails from Costa Rica's Caribbean lowlands. Early on, he was inspired by his grandfather's work as a park ranger at La Selva Biological Research Station. He studied eco-tourism and earned his national certification under the encouragement of some uncles who are naturalists and birding expedition leaders. Randy has worked for nature reserves around the Sarapiqui region and as a freelance expedition leader. His favorite hobbies are wildlife photography and birding.