TEAM COSTA RICA Ricardo Romero
Wainer Ocampo
Ricardo joined Rustic twelve years ago, after working in the rafting industry for over a decade. Ricardo is an avid outdoorsman and has traveled through South America, the United States, and Southeast Asia. With extensive experience as a river guide, his commitment to safety in the tourism sector and degree in business from the University of Costa Rica make him the ideal director.
Wainer’s patience and constant smile have won him a special place in the Rustic family. A Costa Rica native, Wainer spent time in the U.S., where he completed a cultural exchange at Hiram College in Ohio. From program leader, to program manager, and now as country manager, Wainer’s hard work and dedication make him a trusted leader on the Costa Rica team.
Ignacio Mora-Barboza
Mauricio Carazo
Nacho, as he is better known around the office, is an environmental lawyer who is passionate about the social responsibility that every individual has towards our global community. He has gained unique skills though his participation in exchange programs in Spain and program leading in the U.S. His zeal for service makes him a perfect fit as community service manager.
A former river guide and photographer, Mauricio is a great asset to our Costa Rica team. With a degree in business management and tourism and a passion for mountain biking and kayaking, he provides invaluable insight into the logistics and safety of our programs. With over seven years on our team, Mau manages all of our adventure and gap year programs in Costa Rica.
Stan Berrin
Rolando Carazo
This year, Stan’s passion for travel and education led him to the Costa Rica team. After graduating from Pitzer College, Stan took a year-long trek around the world where he enjoyed cultural exchanges, seeing natural wonders, and, eating as much as he could. He will play any sport that involves a ball, is not afraid to sweat on the dance floor, and greets everyone with a big smile!
Rolando’s passions for running, rafting, and surfing come in handy as he leads students through Costa Rica’s great outdoors. This Turrialba native’s kind personality makes every student feel welcome, and his deep knowledge of Costa Rica’s history and culture turn every adventure into a learning experience. Rolando manages our Service and Surf and Sarapiqui programs.
Andrés Zúñiga
Carolina Bolaños
A Turrialba native, Andres puts his master’s degree in environmental management and eco-tourism to use managing our turtle programs. He also runs our Traveling Soccer and Service program, where he combines his passion for soccer and helping others. Andres enjoyed a successful soccer career at the University of Costa Rica and is always looking for a friendly match!
Carolina jokes that she was born with a backpack on her back. She perfected her English during an internship in Minnesota. With a background in business administration from the Universidad Interamericana, her understanding of complex logistics is essential to the Intro to Community Service program. You will know her by constant smile and her trustworthy character.
Marinela Garcia
Maricruz Acosta
A native of the small coastal town of Pérez Zeledón, Nela, as she’s better known, brings her calming presence and kindness to our administrative team. After receiving her MBA from the University of Costa Rica, Nela’s bilingual skills and sense of organization keep our Costa Rica office running smoothly. Nela has spent the last six years ensuring successful operations within our team.
A native of San José, Maricruz has a degree in tourism and international trade from the Universidad Internacional de Las Americas. When not working on groups and logistical tasks in our Costa Rica office, she can be found lying on the beach, reading a book, or hanging out with her family. Maricruz manages our Group Travel department in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Country Director
Costa Rica Country Manager
Costa Rica Community Impact Manager
Costa Rica Program Manager
Costa Rica Program Manager
Costa Rica Program Manager
Costa Rica Program Manager
Costa Rica Office Administrator
Costa Rica Program Manager
Costa Rica Group Travel Coordinator
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