Irazu Volcano & Lankaster Botanical Garden

I was born and raised in the province of Alajuela and I am the oldest of three sisters. Once I finished high school, I soon knew that my calling was waiting for me outside in the woods. I became interested in studying biology as well as environmental education from a very young age just by watching my dad work as a tour guide. I felt attracted by the beauty of nature and the secrecy of the forest elements every time he took me with him on a hike. During that time of my life, I was involved in a lot of volunteer work with sea turtle conservation and different Non-Governmental projects which gave me valuable tools for the future and a true sense of what it is to be a biologist. Later on, I started working as a naturalist guide for different companies focused on the values of conservation and sustainable development, where I started to engage more with fellow travelers and share my passion for Costa Rica with them. For the past thirteen years, I have worked as a local guide in small projects, as well as a tour director or tour manager for multi-day trips along Costa Rica and Panama. Since I like to teach as well, I started working with inexperienced guides that are looking to get certified as professional guides, and I teach them natural history classes as well as botany classes. I can truly say that my career means a lot to me and just being outside doing what I love makes any effort worthwhile. Now that I'm also a mommy to a four-year-old boy, my hope is to follow in my dad's steps and cultivate a caring for nature and respect for living things in my son. I hope we can meet soon and you can take part in one of my trips so I can also have the honor of sharing a great experience in Costa Rica with you. Pura vida!!! ·Universidad Latina de Costa Rica - Biologist (Bachelor's Degree with an emphasis in Ecology and Sustainable Development). ·Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (INA) - Certified Tour Guide. ·Ecology Project International - Environmental Ecology Field Instructor. I am not a driver. I can accompany you in your vehicle or arrange a separate car and driver.