Alexa Stickel

I’m Alexa Stickel—an avid birder, naturalist, environmental educator, and lover of people. Born in Switzerland and raised in Miami, Florida, I’ve called the cloud forests of Monteverde, Costa Rica, home for the past 15 years. I’ve spent my career living and working in rural communities, running field courses, and guiding students through immersive experiences that open hearts, stretch minds, and awaken a deep reverence for both nature and humanity.

My love for the tropics began in 2008 when I spent three weeks in Costa Rica on an ecology field course. That experience changed my life, igniting a passion that has shaped both my work and my play ever since.

I started Human Nature Expeditions because I believe in the power of travel to reconnect us—to ourselves, to each other, and to the places we visit. I want to help people step away from the daily grind, slow down, and experience the world in a way that takes their breath away, sparks their curiosity, and reminds them to care. That’s what changed my life, and it is what I hope to offer others through the journeys we create.

As a professional Naturalist guide and designer of customized tropical field courses, I specialize in communicating natural history in a way that is both academically accurate and deeply engaging—making science come alive for people of all ages and backgrounds.

I’m a relentless student of life, always curious, always learning, and always up for an adventure. My experiences in course design and field-based education have given me a unique perspective on effective science communication, which I bring to my role as Costa Rica Programs Director for Human Nature Expeditions. I’m also an experienced and passionate birder, an enthusiastic traveler who loves to dance, and someone who thrives on connecting with people whose perspectives help expand my own.