Julio Madriz
It’s no wonder Julio Madriz Nuñez loves the land: he was raised on it. Born into a farming family in rural Costa Rica, Julio spent his childhood developing a natural understanding of Costa Rica’s ecosystems. However, his aspirations led him to the city, where he studied microbiology at Costa Rica University in the capital of San Jose. Before becoming a naturalist guide, he and his wife had five children, whom he calls his “greatest gift, my pride and joy.” While raising his family Julio returned to farming but eventually made his way back to his true passion, which is studying Costa Rica’s amazing nature and sharing its beauty with others. He has worked in various biology research programs and on production crews for a slate of international nature films, a pursuit that has taken him to Europe, North and South America, and throughout Central America. Such experience has enriched his abilities as a guide, enabling him to better understand the needs and interests of travelers from abroad who visit Costa Rica. Julio enjoys reading, running and trekking in the outdoors he knows so well and loves so much.Upcoming Adventures with Julio:
Costa Rica Wilderness Explorer
Costa Rica Private Custom Adventure
Praise from Nat Hab travelers:
T. Pribitkin
“I really enjoyed having Julio as our guide! He is a really kind and helpful person. He always answered any questions we had and filled our brains with great knowledge.”
S. Johnston
"Julio was so wise and knew everything! He was an encyclopedia of information about everything related to Costa Rica’s people, wildlife and plant life. He seemed to know everyone wherever we went, which gave me confidence in our safety."
S. Cavallo
"Julio has an amazing knowledge of Costa Rica's wildlife and had a lovely way of sharing it with us and the children. He is also a very calm and generous person. Working in the research field, he knows everyone there and was able to give us a lot of insight into many different aspects of Costa Rica. Thanks, Julio, from all of us for your constant attention!"
S. Sagar
“Julio was absolutely perfect. He was engaging to the younger audiences and had an excellent sense of humor. He couldn’t have been better.”
A. Johnston
"Julio made the trip. He was amazing, so knowledgeable, attentive, kind and pleasant. His skill at finding wildlife was uncanny, and he knew everyone. The fact that he was one of the pioneers of Tortuguero National Park was really special."
J. De Armond
"Julio was one of the best Expedition Leaders we have ever had. He always knew the answer to anything he was asked, whether it was birds, animals or history. He made the trip really special for everyone."
L. Ornell
"Julio went above and beyond to be engaging and helpful, and he kept us safe. He was amazingly knowledgeable about the culture, the country and the wildlife."
"Julio went above and beyond to be engaging and helpful, and he kept us safe. He was amazingly knowledgeable about the culture, the country and the wildlife."
D. White
"Julio's breadth of knowledge of Costa Rica was impressive. He shared his extensive knowledge of the country's history, socio-economic situation and environmental initiatives and efforts. He was always on the look out for new birds, reptiles and mammals."
J. Migdow
"Julio was both exceedingly knowledgeable and personable. He was able to teach us about conservation in Costa Rica, birds, animals, plant life, regional ecosystems, and the history and politics of Costa Rica. He was kind, patient and excellent in facilitating group dynamics and solving problems. I would be happy to spend more time with him."
"Julio was both exceedingly knowledgeable and personable. He was able to teach us about conservation in Costa Rica, birds, animals, plant life, regional ecosystems, and the history and politics of Costa Rica. He was kind, patient and excellent in facilitating group dynamics and solving problems. I would be happy to spend more time with him."
