Our Story
Paul Najera
Paul was born in the rural village of Pacayitas, Costa Rica, surrounded by coffee farms, sugar cane fields and forested mountains. From a young age, he helped his family during harvest season and spent much of his free time outdoors with friends. Those early experiences sparked a deep interest in the natural world.
To pursue that interest professionally, Paul moved to the city to study ecotourism at the University of Costa Rica. While earning his degree, he also learned English and developed a passion for photography. After graduating, he became a certified tour guide through the Costa Rican Tourism Institute. Since then, he has worked across the country, guiding travelers and sharing his knowledge of Costa Rican biodiversity, culture and the importance of protecting natural ecosystems.
Paul takes pride in helping guests better understand the challenges facing Costa Rica’s wildlife and habitats, and he believes education is key to conservation. When he is not guiding, Paul enjoys traveling, photographing wildlife, dancing and spending time with friends and family.
What Our Guests Say
Paul is a great Expedition Leader! His knowledge and experience showed in every aspect of our trip. He could spot wildlife in the forest that the rest of us would never have seen, then share fascinating details about each species and make sure everyone got a good look. His knowledge and appreciation of rainforest ecology made me more aware than ever of the interconnectedness of life and the need to protect our precious Earth. And what a great guy! Paul was helpful, enthusiastic and so much fun to travel with. His personality and expertise made our experience truly memorable.
I've been on many trips, but this was my first with Nat Hab, and I was so happy with Paul! He was the best guide I have ever had. Our group felt like family, and Paul played a big part in creating that dynamic.
Paul was the best guide we have ever encountered! Our group unanimously agreed he deserved an 11 out of 10. His knowledge of Costa Rica’s birds, animals and plants was incredible, and he brought everything to life with interesting facts, humorous stories and a delightful sense of humor. His attention to detail was unmatched, from anticipating what we’d need on excursions to checking in on everyone and offering a guiding hand. Always positive and ready with a genuine smile, Paul kept us organized, informed and laughing. We felt extremely well taken care of and will never forget this trip!
















