21 Items to Pack on Every Trip
Discover GATA’s ultimate travel packing list! From essential raincoats to versatile floss, our 21 must-have items ensure safe, enjoyable, and hassle-free...
Wonder at the World, Travel with Purpose
Human Nature Expeditions takes you on tailor-made educational adventures that spark awe, deepen understanding, and cultivate meaningful connections with nature, culture, and people.
Travel intentionally with
Human Nature Expeditions
Human Nature Expeditions is a community-based, owner-operated travel company. The deep relationships we have cultivated with the communities we visit and work with are a core element of the in-country experience we provide. Immerse yourself in the natural and cultural ecology of the place you are visiting, guided by local experts in place-based education.
Our trip leaders live and work alongside our local community partners. We provide authentic and meaningful experiences for both our travelers and our staff.
Human Nature works with teachers, school administrators, students, groups, and life-long learners. Our team customizes itineraries to exceed your wants and needs, for anyone looking to travel intentionally.
Our Destinations
Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s biodiversity, proportional to its size as a country, rivals that found anywhere else in the world. Covering only about 0.03% of the Earth’s land surface, is home to approximately 5% of the world’s biodiversity.
Colombia
Colombia is a land of stunning contrasts and remarkable biodiversity. Home to over 1,900 species of birds, it boasts the highest avian diversity of any country in the world.
Ecuador
Straddling the equator, this country offers an extraordinary variety of habitats, from the iconic Galápagos Islands teeming with unique species to the Amazon rainforest.
Plan Your Adventure with Us!
Whether you’re dreaming of immersing yourself in the rich biodiversity of Ecuador, discovering the vibrant cultures of Colombia, or experiencing the unparalleled natural beauty of Costa Rica, we’re here to turn those dreams into reality. Our team of travel experts is eager to help you plan the perfect educational tour, tailored to your group’s unique interests and needs.
Rayna planned and led 2 different biking adventures for my husband and me. She was very thoughtful and detailed in her approach. Both trips were filled with beauty, education, cultural immersion, and so much fun! We appreciate her knowledge of Colombia and her resourcefulness when needed. We highly recommend Human Nature Expeditions. Consideration of your unique needs/desires will be at the forefront of their plans for you.
Linda Liman
We had an incredible 2 days of birding with Alexa. Went to Finca Ecologica San Luis, Monteverde Reserve, and Curi Cancha Reserve. She is very knowledgable and was excellent at hearing the birds and finding them for us. We also learned loads about other flora and fauna. She is an all around naturalist! Very patient and allowed us to take plenty of photos and videos through her scope. Her proficiency in both English and Spanish was very helpful. If you’re looking for an excellent guide we highly recommend!
Sparrel Wood
Human Nature and specifically Alexa and our driver Miguel were simply amazing! We saw an unbelievable amount of nature and Alexa was deeply knowledgeable about all of it or if she wasn't sure she'd find the answer. Her passion and excitement about nature was inspirational. If you want a deep nature experience this is the team you should work with. All of our group loved our Costa Rica adventure. Pura Vida!
Brian Crosley
I was part of a small group tour of the flora, fauna, and culture of Costa Rica led by Alexa. I have only superlatives to share about her and her enthusiasm, deep knowledge, patience, and flexibility, and the entire immersive experience as well, Unforgettable!
Liz LaBolt
During my recent trip to Costa Rica, we spent 2 days with Alexa as she guided us through birding hotspots in Monteverde. Alexa is simply amazing. She's super enthusiastic, extremely knowledgeable, and just a pleasure to be around. Not only did she land us a ton of new species, but she also went out of her way to set up some special events for us and recommended the best places to go during our stay. She has to be the best guide in the area. I don't think it would be possible for anyone to do better. Also, her translation skills ...
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Chad Brack
Fantastic, worry-free trip with a very fun, knowledgeable guide and a professional driver. We were introduced to the fauna and culture in an entertaining, respectful and meaningful manner. Strongly recommend the use of Human Nature Expeditions for small groups seeking to explore the wonders of Costa Rica!
George Robinson
Recently had the pleasure of having Alexa lead our group on 2 days in areas around the Monteverde region and cloud forest (thank you Ryan Dibala of @BirdingManAdventures for arranging her services). Her knowledge is not only impressive and top-notch, but it is her enthusiasm for the birds, wildlife and people of her adopted area that is infectious and inspiring. Alexa exceeds at describing what you are likely to see based on locale or sounds that she is hearing; this benefits everyone who is present and looking and increases the likelihood of observation by all, or most, rather then waiting on ...
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Jodi Chambers
Alexa is absolutely amazing, and I highly recommend her as a guide when in Costa Rica. She tailored our small group trip (all adults) with a variety of activities and wildlife/rainforest experiences for our January, 2025 visit. The bird-watching was a highlight, and her knowledge is expansive. The variety of birds is unbelievable! Her energy and happiness are contagious, and you find yourself getting super excited about every new discovery. She takes time to educate and allows time to just sit and absorb the sights. She knows the perfect balance! She works with you on setting goals and then finds ...
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Carla Robinson
Can't even begin to describe what a wonderful experience I had with our Human Nature Expeditions travel!! Wildlife, food, culture, relationships...all were top notch, amazing times and events!!! Alexa did us right with the planning and implementation of our adventure!!! Her knowledge of Costa Rica...AMAZING!! Thanks so much for sharing the "Pura Vida" feeling with our group!!!
Rick Towle
I can't recommend Human Nature Expeditions enough. If you're able to have Alexa Stickel as your naturalist guide, you'll be certain to have an amazing experience! Alexa is incredibly knowledgeable, welcoming, kind and determined to provide you with the best possible expedition. Every day of the multi-day excursion was scheduled with (catered to interest) events and transportation. Thank you so much for such an awe-inspiring and environmentally/culturally respectful expedition in Costa Rica! Pura Vida!
Sarah Crosley
I visited Costa Rica with a small group of birders this past February and hired Alexa to guide us through the Monteverde area. Many of our guests commented how Alexa’s charisma and natural history interpretation was one of the highlights of our visit to Costa Rica. On our tours, we saw 5 resplendent quetzals, an ornate hawk eagle, toucans, tanagers, hummingbirds, and much more. There was never a dull moment with Alexa. She is much more than just a bird guide. She knows tropical ecology extremely well. All...
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Ryan Dibala
Birding Man Adventures
We have worked with Alexa many times over the years, and she and others on the team have consistently provided an experience second to none. You can expect first rate guiding across different ecosystems, with particular expertise in birding. But you will also find her to be an extremely knowledgeable source of information and anecdotes covering all groups of tropical organisms (such as amphibians, insects, plants, fungi, etc.), regarding their natural history, biology and ecology. Among the advantages of working with this group is their strong connection to the local communities and cultures. In addition to their guiding expertise, they ...
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Scott Connelly
PhD, Faculty, University of Georgia
I have been leading trips in Costa Rica with Alexa since 2016 and every trip has been fabulous. She is a true naturalist! Her joy and excitement about all things biological is infectious and impressive. We traveled for 10 days across the country through tropical , cloud , dry and mangrove forests. Her commitment to supporting small, local businesses made for an excellent trip and her ability to find speakers tailored for our course content did not disappoint.
Memuna Khan
Ph.D, Ripon College
Human Nature Expeditions offers a unique experience that is one of a kind. The guides are knowledgeable, friendly and well-connected with locals in the places they travel. Everywhere we visited, my students and I felt like we were meeting family.
Year after year, I see students come away from HNE trips empowered and confident, and with memories and experiences that will last a lifetime.
Elizabeth Kennedy
Teacher, Lincoln Middle School
I had the pleasure of collaborating with Human Nature Expeditions on a highly customized student travel program, and I cannot speak highly enough of the team's exceptional professionalism, expertise, level of dedication, and attention to detail. Specifically, Alexa, one of the key persons in our collaboration, played a pivotal role in ensuring the program's success. Not only did she provide invaluable logistical support, but her expertise in designing experiential education and prioritizing student health and safety was commendable. With her guidance, we were able to create a program that offered a uniquely enriching and safe learning environment for our students. ...
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Luna Z
Global Journeys Manager, Avenues The World School
We had a wonderful experience with Alexa from Human Nature during our Tropical Ecology course trip to Costa Rica. She led us on a really fun and informative natural history hike at Finca Ecológica in San Luis de Monteverde. She helped with the logistics of visiting the reserve and setting up lunch. We were able to process the payment through Payment Works to transfer funds directly from the university which was greatly helpful- if you work in international education at a university you know how valuable that is! Alexa is a joy and full to the brim...
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Jessica Murray
Ph.D, Instructor at Utah State University
I've had Alexa Stickel from Human Nature Expeditions do my logistics for traveling with students in Costa Rica and I can say that it has been the best experience possible. She is responsive, knowledgeable, and highly tuned into the happenings within Costa Rica at all times. When I am on the ground in Costa Rica, working with students in Costa Rica, and understandably busy, she makes sure everything goes smoothly and all problems are solved with speed. The best part of working with with Alexa and Human Nature Expeditions is that she (and the company) ask what you are seeking, ...
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Matt Moran
Ph.D. Professor Emeritus, Hendrix College
I have had the pleasure of working with Alexa and Rayna at Human Nature Expeditions for several years, and have been so impressed with their ability to deliver a rich, completely customized itinerary in a variety of environments and areas of expertise. Their teams in Costa Rica and Ecuador are professional and responsive, with a priority on student and guest safety. They possess such an intimate knowledge of the areas in which they operate, and do an amazing job communicating their expertise with our students. I would highly recommend them for any student or family travel experiences.
Michael Lackey
Director of Outdoor and Global Programs, Steamboat Mountain School
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We’re Carbon Neutral!
HNE has partnered with the Costa Rican Conservation Foundation (https://fccmonteverde.org) to offset the carbon emissions of plane travel for our participants. This organization, based in Costa Rica, promotes the well-being of human and environmental habitats for present and future generations.
Their mission is to restore tropical forests that have functional ecosystems and social integrity on the Pacific slope of Costa Rica.
Their project works with local landowners and communities to restore forest while their scientific team researches the methods to efficiently attain diverse and functioning tropical forests.
