Guides and Staff
 |
Jane (New Zealand) and Fraser (Scotland) Tyrrell - owners of Costa Rica Rios, have a background of travel and adventure. Coming from different sides of the globe they both set out backpacking at a young age, travelling through the different continents until they eventually met by chance, while working in the Caribbean, several years ago. Always looking for a life less ordinary, they found Costa Rica Rios and decided to head over to Costa Rica to check it out. After falling in love with the country and being totally inspired by the business they have decided to make Costa Rica home. They are committed to continue providing fantastic trips and service, and to expand the company so many more people can experience the magic of CR.
jane@costaricarios.com or fraser@costaricarios.com |
 |
Brett Shelton
Spending four months kayaking in Costa Rica while furloughed from his airline pilot position in 2001, Brett was approached by Ray McLain about purchasing Costa Rica Rios. After discussing the idea for several months, Brett purchased the business and put together a very talented staff to carry Costa Rica Rios into the future. He is back flying an MD-11 all over the world, and spends much of his free time kayaking in Costa Rica. Brett loves paddling and biking with our guests and is pretty easy to beat at pool. Brett has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from California State University, Chico. Having celebrated five years cancer-free, Brett always lives life to it's fullest.
Email: brett@costaricarios.com |
 |
Brian Cuttlers
Always an avid traveler, Brian's adventures take him around the world several times per year. Although he calls Boise Idaho home, Brian now spends most of his time in Costa Rica developing our organization, as well as around the world developing business partnerships, and getting the word out about Costa Rica Rios. Brian received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Albertson College of Idaho. He completed his Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership in June 2003 from George Fox University. Email Brian regarding marketing at: brian@costaricarios.com. |
 |
Vicki Greeley
The mother of 18 year old, Gwen Greeley (pictured on the left), and recent K1W kayak champion, Vicki operates our reservations office in the United States. Vicki has helped paddlers all over the world arrange their trips with Costa Rica Rios since the inception of the company in 1995. Vicki's years with Costa Rica Rios and her experience in Costa Rica allows her to answer your inquiries quickly and accurately. Email or call Vicki with your trip request at: info@costaricarios.com or Toll Free (888) 434-0776. |
 |
Marco Mendez
Marco grew up in the mountains surrounding Turrialba and has dedicated his life to becoming one of the best athletes in Costa Rica. Marco leads our Week of Adventures and Week of Rivers tours with confidence that can only be achieved from so many years of having fun outdoors. Equally skilled as a kayaker, raft guide and mountain biker, he has competed in International Adventure races and has traveled to Canada to participate in the World Freestyle Kayak Championship. |
 |
Pablo Leiva
Born and raised in Turrialba, Pablo brings many years of experience raft guiding and kayaking to Costa Rica Rios. His raft guiding skills and knowledge of the local rivers are among the top in Costa Rica. When not guiding a Week of Rivers or Week of Adventures, Pablo is found exploring, camping, adventure racing, and paddling all over Costa Rica. |
 |
Bettina George
Bettina brings her developed skills from the NOC staff to Costa Rica Rios every winter. After her first trip with Costa Rica Rios as a guest, she realized our high standards were such that she would be willing to work for us seasonally, to our great delight. She and her husband, Don, both extremely skilled in Open Canoe, return annually, so all you Open Canoe enthusiasts should plan to schedule for a trip with the best!
Don George
Don has to be introduced as well - the husband of Bettina! Don also shares a ready smile with all who know him. Don and Bettina are the "perfect team" for trips, and women and family groups are extremely comfortable with his extreme skill and safety awareness. Until he came to CR, he preferred to stay home while Bettina did her international travel. Now, Costa Rica is on his annual schedule. Don leads in both canoe and kayak. |
 |
Flor Araya
We are very proud to have Flor as the head chef for Costa Rica Rios. Raised in Alajuela in a big family where cooking had an emphasis, she and her many sisters are very accomplished cooks. Flor has always shown an aptitude for learning new methods and combinations in order to create super dishes. She has a daughter and three grandchildren, so as a grandmother you know her food is great! We are looking forward to continue helping Flor learn English as she shares her Spanish. If you have any exotic spices bring them down as she loves to experiment with new flavors. |
 |
Marielos Fallas
Marielos is in charge of our our B&B's facilities and guest rooms. Born in Turrialba, she is a mother of three children and two grand children. She worked six years for Ray Mclain, and now has two years working for Costa Rica Rios. Marielos enjoys the teamwork at the B&B and is always willing to help out when and where necessary. She especially enjoys the rewards of seeing clients happy and with a smile on their face all week with CRR. |
 |
Danny Peled
From Montreal, Canada, Danny brings over a decade of whitewater experience to Costa Rica Rios. At 12 years old he participated in his first Canoe expedition in Canada and by the age of 16 he was guiding them. He is certified by Canadian Recreation Canoe Association (CRCA) as a moving water canoe instructor. While not in Costa Rica Danny instructs Swiftwater Rescue courses in North America for Rescue 3 and is the guide manager for Esprit Rafting on the Ottawa River in Canada. His sense of humor, high energy and experience make every trip he's part of a great time for everyone. |
|
|
|
