Juan Carlos (Juanca) Arrieta

Juanca, as he likes to be called, is a field biologist specializing in ecology and sustainable development. His guiding career began in 1999 and took him on all kinds of adventure and naturalist trips as an expedition leader. Mountain biking is one of his biggest passions, but he also enjoys rock climbing, trekking, and any water sports—snorkeling, white water tubing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, canyoneering, and swimming. His less active (but no less enjoyable) hobbies include botany, gardening, and reading.

Juanca takes his role as a guide seriously, so he’s a constant student of bike mechanics, new destinations, and wilderness medicine—but he’s also a patient teacher, talented chef, and natural equestrian. In addition to his extensive knowledge about Costa Rica’s wildlife and ecosystems, he’s a wealth of information about the country’s colorful culture and history.