Discover Costa Rica
Why Choose Costa Rica?
Discover Costa Rica: A World of Biodiversity, Culture, and Sustainability
At just under 20,000 square miles, Costa Rica is one of the world’s most biodiverse destinations, home to a stunning array of ecosystems, wildlife, and natural wonders. With nearly 800 miles of coastline, pristine beaches, and lush rainforests, Costa Rica offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore diverse environments all within a few hours’ drive of one another.
Renowned for its iconic wildlife—from playful monkeys to colorful toucans—Costa Rica also stands out for its extraordinary commitment to environmental sustainability. The country is a global leader in conservation, with over a quarter of its land designated as protected areas and numerous national parks and reserves.
Costa Rica’s innovative approach to ecotourism not only preserves its rich natural heritage but also promotes sustainable development and community-based tourism, making it an ideal place for researchers and eco-conscious travelers alike.
Costa Rica’s welcoming “Pura Vida” lifestyle is a reflection of its friendly people and vibrant culture. The warmth and hospitality of Costa Ricans, or “Ticos,” provide a unique and enriching cultural experience, where conservation and community development go hand in hand.
For academics and ecotourists alike, Costa Rica offers abundant opportunities to explore the intersection of conservation, education, and sustainable tourism. Whether you’re conducting research in one of its world-class biodiversity hotspots or simply seeking to connect with nature in a meaningful way, Costa Rica promises an experience that’s both transformative and inspiring.
Come see why Costa Rica is not only one of the world’s most popular destinations, but also a model for sustainable living—and discover the essence of “Pura Vida.”
What we offer?
Tailor-made travel
At HNE, we offer educational, immersive travel experiences through four unique services: Expeditions for middle and high school students, Field Courses for university and advanced high school students, Ecotourism trips for nature enthusiasts, and day tours in the Monteverde region of Costa Rica.
Explore, connect, and grow with us!
Expeditions
Read More...Expeditions
HNE Expeditions are designed specifically for middle and high school students, offering immersive, meaningful experiences that go far beyond sightseeing. Perfect for schools looking to inspire students through hands-on learning, cultural connection, and personal growth.
Field Courses
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Perfect for university professors looking to enrich their courses with real-world experiences, these trips combine academic rigor with meaningful connection to place.
Ecotourism Trips
Read More...Ecotourism Trips
Our Ecotourism Trips are perfect for anyone seeking a deeper, more meaningful connection with nature and culture.
Monteverde Day Tours
Read More...Monteverde Day Tours
Monteverde Day Tours are for travelers with limited time, or who already find themselves in the Monteverde Region. We offer an unforgettable taste of the region’s wildlife, landscapes, and local culture, customized to your interest.
How we does travel in Costa Rica
A note from the Costa Rica Programs Director
Hi, my name is Alexa!
I’m an avid birder, naturalist, and environmental educator who has spent the past 15 years living and working in Costa Rica. For 13 of those years, I’ve been organizing and leading field courses—ranging from 6 days to 6 weeks—for both college credit and lifelong learners. These programs have taken me deep into the landscapes and communities of this country, where I’ve had the privilege of guiding students through transformational experiences in nature.
Over the years, I’ve also worked as a trip leader for Global Explorers/No Barriers Youth, Adventures in Good Company, coordinated programs for CIEE, and collaborated extensively with the Monteverde Institute. In 2022, I officially founded Human Nature Expeditions, a boutique travel company dedicated to educational, immersive, and socially and environmentally conscious student travel.
To date, I’ve guided hundreds of students, collecting countless letters, lessons, tears, and moments of awe along the way. This work is deeply personal to me—I see it as a profound honor and responsibility to facilitate experiences that crack people’s hearts and minds open. It’s something I feel particularly connected to, not just because I’ve seen its impact on my students, but because it’s how my own life was changed. I know firsthand the power of immersion, of cultural and ecological connection, because I’ve lived it.
I spent 8 years in rural Costa Rica, fully integrated into a Spanish-speaking community called San Luis, before moving to Monteverde—the “big city” of 13,000. This perspective, along with my bilingual fluency and deep community ties, allows me to serve as a bridge between cultures and ensure that every experience is socially and culturally conscientious.
Our Model for Student Travel
At Human Nature Expeditions, our programs are intentionally designed for depth and connection.
Each trip includes:
A bilingual local guide/coordinator
An expert in natural history and a cultural liaison with knowledge of Costa Rican current events, history, politics, flora, fauna, and traditions.
Hands-on, immersive experiences
We go beyond observation, engaging with local communities, conservationists, farmers, artists, and other inspiring individuals who offer unique perspectives and insight.
A strong foundation in place-based learning
Whether exploring a tropical forest, meeting with a local family, or discussing conservation challenges with field researchers, our trips prioritize real connections with real people in real places.
Custom Curriculum
The HNE Curriculum, developed intentionally over years, gets students thinking, feeling, and growing in ways they never expected.
This is more than travel…
It’s a way to see, feel, and experience the world differently. And if we do it right, students leave not just with knowledge, but with a sense of wonder, responsibility, and connection that stays with them long after they return home.