About Us

Massi, originally from Costa Rica, has been dedicated to the Costa Rica Spanish Camps since 2001 and became Camp Director in 2018. As the founder of Explornatura in 1999, Massi brings extensive expertise in adventure tourism, eco-tourism, and sustainable travel experiences. Based in the lush mountains of Turrialba, where Explornatura’s headquarters is located, he moves to Tamarindo each summer to work closely with campers, sharing his passion for language, nature, and cultural exchange.

Alongside his wife, Laura, who manages registration and concierge services, Massi ensures that families feel fully supported throughout their camp journey. Their daughter, Maia, regularly attends camp, bringing her own enthusiasm for outdoor activities and exploration. Together, they create a welcoming environment where young learners can experience the best of Costa Rica’s natural beauty, culture, and language, fostering growth and curiosity.

With over two decades in the field, Massi is also known for his commitment to regenerative tourism and community development in Costa Rica, making him not only a leader in outdoor education but also a respected figure in the local tourism industry.

Lilly, our Academic Director since 2022, is a graduate teacher with extensive experience in rural and educational tourism, community development, and animal rescue. With over 15 years in Rural Community Development projects across Costa Rica, Lilly brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to our camp’s educational mission. Her background includes roles as a summer camp counselor for the Girl Scouts in Texas, YMCA, and ICCP, giving her a strong foundation in youth education and engagement.

During camp season, Lilly moves from her home in Alajuela to live with the team in Tamarindo, where she oversees educational programs and frequently teaches our youngest campers, ages 5 to 6. Her commitment to education, paired with her warm approach, brings a unique excellence to our team.

Ariana, our dedicated Teen Camp Counselor, has been with us during the summers of 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. A native of Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Ariana brings boundless energy and enthusiasm to the camp. With a degree in Ecotourism, she is deeply committed to respecting both local culture and the natural environment. Her passion shines through in every activity she leads, creating a positive and engaging atmosphere where teens can explore, learn, and enjoy Costa Rica in a meaningful and responsible way.

Ariana’s vibrant spirit and expertise make her an invaluable part of our team, guiding campers through experiences that blend adventure, education, and environmental respect.

Ana Rugama, originally from Nicaragua, has lived in Costa Rica for many years with her family. She and her husband, Wilmer—who manages camp maintenance—live on-site year-round, along with their two teenage children. As the Camp Support Supervisor, Ana oversees the cleanliness of the camp, assists with meal service, and provides attentive care to our youngest campers, supervising them in the restrooms when needed.

Known for her kindness and warm, caring nature, Ana is beloved by campers and staff alike. Her dedication and nurturing presence make her an invaluable part of our team, ensuring that every camper feels comfortable and cared for throughout their stay.

Clensy  has been teaching our youngest campers, ages 5 to 8, since joining the team in 2022. A native of Guanacaste, Clensy and her husband run a small business transporting local children to school. During camp season, she brings her warmth and enthusiasm to camp, creating a welcoming environment for exploration and growth. A soccer enthusiast, Clensy’s love for sports and teamwork adds a lively energy to her classes, making her a favorite among the children.

Diego Campos Rodrigues, from Liberia, Guanacaste, is an experienced language instructor with over 12 years of teaching Spanish and English. Known for his calm and serious demeanor, Diego excels at connecting with students of all ages, especially those at advanced levels. In addition to teaching camp participants, he also provides Spanish lessons to local students who join our program. His expertise, combined with his genuine kindness, makes him a favorite among campers, creating an environment where young learners feel both challenged and supported.

Karla Alvarez Sequeira, a local house mom, has been with us for two years before the pandemic and rejoined in 2022. Trained by our team to teach Spanish to our youngest campers, Karla now leads the PreK group (ages 2 to 4) with warmth and dedication. Outside of camp, she and her husband run a community initiative, providing clothing, shoes, and school supplies to families in need near the Costa Rica-Nicaragua border. Karla’s nurturing spirit and commitment to making a difference are evident in her work with our campers, and her dedication to supporting her community makes her a valued part of our team.

Mariela Perez Ruiz has been a key member of our teaching team for around eight years, specializing in Spanish lessons for advanced groups and middle schoolers. Based in Santa Cruz, an hour from Tamarindo, Mariela brings both expertise and warmth to the camp, following in the footsteps of her mother, Alba, who worked with us for over a decade before retiring. Mariela’s dedication to language education and her strong connection to our camp’s history make her an invaluable part of our program.

Giovani Sanchez Rodriguez has been a trusted driver for Explornatura since 2017, known for his perfect safety record and commitment to keeping our campers secure. Friendly and attentive, Giovani ensures that every journey is smooth and comfortable. Though he lives in Turrialba, he stays on-site during camp season to be fully available for transportation needs. His dedication and professionalism make him an essential part of our team, always prioritizing the well-being of everyone on board.

Erika Parrales Ruiz, originally from Nicaragua, has lived in Guanacaste for 20 years and brings her culinary talents to our camp kitchen. Beloved by the campers, Erika’s meals are a highlight of the camp experience. She also teaches cooking classes to both children and teens, sharing her passion for food and Costa Rican flavors. A mother of three, Erika’s two youngest children join us at camp in July, making her a cherished part of our camp family.

Silvia Bolaños Zamora, one of our most experienced teachers, is deeply passionate about both education and animal welfare. Living in Villa Real, Guanacaste, Silvia runs a personal shelter at home for elderly dogs and cats who are unlikely to be adopted. With a degree in Bilingual Early Childhood Education and certifications as a DELE examiner, Silvia brings over 20 years of experience teaching Spanish, including advanced and specialized programs. Her dedication to young learners and her commitment to community values make her an invaluable part of our team.

America Cisneros Valerin, a certified teacher, has been part of our camp team since 2022. She teaches children ages 7 to 10, bringing her gentle, patient approach to every lesson. Alongside her teaching, America manages a small family business in a nearby town and cares for her elderly mother. With a talent for music, she also plays guitar and leads music classes for the children, sharing her love for music and creating a warm, encouraging environment for young campers.

Tania Montenegro Pravia is our certified lifeguard, ensuring camper safety in the water and at the pool three days a week. Based in Playa Grande, Guanacaste, Tania balances her role as a mother of two and as the manager of a local laundry business. Her passion for water safety shines through in her work, where she brings both dedication and expertise to keeping everyone safe during water activities.

Walter Monge Gamboa is the backbone of our camp logistics, overseeing transportation, supplies, and coordinating airport pickups for our teen campers. Working year-round with Explornatura in Turrialba, Walter relocates to the camp each season to ensure smooth operations. A certified naturalist guide, avid birder, and expert rafting guide, Walter has traveled the world training and guiding others in outdoor adventure. His deep knowledge of Costa Rica’s natural environment and his dedication to the camp make him an invaluable right-hand support for our team.

Tania Montenegro Pravia is our certified lifeguard, ensuring camper safety in the water and at the pool three days a week. Based in Playa Grande, Guanacaste, Tania balances her role as a mother of two and as the manager of a local laundry business. Her passion for water safety shines through in her work, where she brings both dedication and expertise to keeping everyone safe during water activities.