If you want to know what the Pura Vida lifestyle looks like, look no further than Federico Alban. Though he lived in Spain, Israel, and the United States from age seven to nineteen, Federico is a Costa Rican local at heart and welcomes Wilderness Travel guests to experience all the country has to offer. He has led trips for us since 2003, and says, "Costa Rica is all about the Pura Vida lifestyle. When guests leave, they are not guests anymore, they are now friends." Frederico recently completed a BA in natural resource management from Universidad Estatal a Distancia. When not guiding, Frederico can usually be found riding his mountain bike or photographing wildlife, two of his favorite pastimes.
Federico is a gem of a guide as he seems to be a gem of a human: smart, fun, sensitive to the needs/interests of the travelers, encyclopedic knowledge, great sense of humor, very open to feedback, and willing to adapt. It was a treat to be with him for a week.
Federico is an extraordinary guide. In addition to his extensive knowledge of everything Costa Rican and beyond, he is skilled in working with people and has relationships across the spectrum with people we met on the trip.
Federico went above and beyond to make this an awesome trip. His knowledge, friendliness, enthusiasm, and sense of humor made the trip twice as enjoyable as it would have been otherwise.
‘Excellent’ is not a high enough rating for Federico! Words fail me in praise of his ability to care for us, coax us to do what we could do, and contribute to our thorough enjoyment of the ‘pura vida’ experience.
Federico was delightful, eager to make us comfortable and informed, and well versed in the flora, fauna, and history of the country.
Federico is one of the best guides I have ever met! He was exceptionally knowledgable, very friendly, and made sure that everyone was having a great time. He adjusted our schedule to provide experiences that everyone would enjoy (thanks for a trip to the chocolate shops!). He had such a positive attitude, great sense of humor, and he really seemed to enjoy being with our group. He made our trip so very memorable and I would give him my highest recommendation!
Federico's knowledge of the rainforest, flora, fauna, and culture is impressive. I was fascinated by his explanations of the plants, birds, trees, frogs, and everything. He balanced his instruction with personal stories and a sense of humor that we all enjoyed. I especially appreciated that he took us to local places of interest like lunch at the farm and the coffee grower and did not drop us off at cheap tourist stores. Federico is an exceptional guide and protector of balance of Nature.
Federico was an outstanding guide who was extremely knowledgable about almost everything at the sites we visited. He generously shared with us the history and customs of Costa Rica. He was always helpful, warm, and engaging with a great since of humor.
Federico is the reason to go to Costa Rica with Wilderness Travel. One of the top trip leaders we've encountered—passionate, knowledgeable, funny, professional, and patient. He was always available and engaging. I would happily travel with him again.
Federico was a naturalist's guide's dream! He imparted so much knowledge in a helpful, fun, and interesting way.
We all loved him. Wonderful person and leader. Such enthusiasm and knowledge.
Federico was EXCEPTIONAL! He kept us safe, informed, and maximized our wonderful adventure in Costa Rica.
Federico was a terrific leader/host in his country. His deep knowledge and interest in the wildlife and the culture and society of Costa Rica was just wonderful.
Great leader! He made the trip. Attention to detail, incredible naturalist knowledge, familiarity with the logistics of the itinerary, wonderful sense of humor, and boundless energy are just some of the traits that make Federico so good at this job.
Excellent leader! Always energetic, passionate, and knowledgeable about everything.
Federico was the trip leader from heaven—extremely knowledgable and very personable. He could talk for 3 hours and make it all interesting.
Federico is first rate in every way—smart, very knowledgable about the wildlife, endlessly patient and client sensitive, entertaining and friendly, and manages logistics with minimal hustle but great efficiency.
Federico is one of the best of the many guides I've had over the years on many trips all over the world.
Federico is one of the best guides I've ever had. Very professional, great sense of humor, and he did everything he could to make sure each person on the trip enjoyed themselves.
Federico is the best of the best, just fantastic. His knowledge of flora and fauna, Costa Rican history, and ecology seemed limitless. And he had a great sense of humor.
Federico is a gem, the best trip leader I have ever had. Incredible enthusiasm, warmth, concern for the participants, knowledge of wildlife. So upbeat and delightful to be around.
Federico is the perfect guide—organized, knowledgeable, caring, patient, charming, and incredibly energetic. He added so much to the trip.
I've been on many trips and had many guides, and Federico is the best I've encountered. So knowledgeable and uniformly friendly, warm, and enthusiastic, and genuine in his concern for us and the environment.
Federico was amazing. His knowledge of Costa Rica ecology, flora, and fauna was extraordinary and his genial nature made our adventures even better.
Federico was superb, personable, tactful, thoughtful. The best guide I have ever had.
We appreciated Federico's organization, knowledge, sense of humor, and passion for nature and his country.
Federico was outstanding throughout. Extremely knowledgeable, used his time with everyone appropriately, sensitive to everyone's needs/interests, and always accommodating.
I can't say enough about how terrific Federico was as our trip leader. His knowledge, understanding, caring, and leadership made it a great trip for us.
Federico is both extremely knowledgable and passionate about his country and the environment. A great trip leader.
Federico responded thoughtfully to each person's needs and expectations. My experience of Costa Rica was deeper and broader and more critical because of his expertise.
Federico was extraordinary and, although the trip would have been very enjoyable in any event, he raised it to a higher level of excellence. He was extremely knowledgeable about Costa Rican history and politics as well as about all things flora and fauna. He has a delightful, upbeat personality, and his enthusiasm is contagious. He is a very special person. Bravo, Federico!!
Could not have asked for a more knowledgeable and personable guide!
I can't imagine a better guide than Frederico. In many ways, he MADE the trip. He was extremely knowledgeable, took excellent care of us, and was FUN! He was exceptional...off the charts...in every way.
Frederico was FABULOUS. He worked constantly to explain all we were seeing and making sure we had everything we needed. We all loved him.
Federico's knowledge of culture, environment, history, etc. is exceptional, and his ability to spot animals and direct viewers is remarkable. He has a lovely temperament and is charming and forthcoming with comments on all aspects of Costa Rican life.
Federico was the best—warm, related, extremely helpful, was always available, and made sure all our needs were met.
Frederico was outstanding. His level of knowledge of birds, animals, plants, and ecosystems was extensive, and he has a very engaging manner in sharing it. We learned so much at every location, and his enthusiasm made each day a pleasure.
What a smart and personable guy. He did a great job moving us through a wonderful experience, allowing just the right amount of time for everything and listening to each traveler's special interests.
Federico was awesome...very kind, patient, and knowledgeable. He made the trip so enjoyable!
Federico was a star in every respect, with excellent knowledge of the fauna and flora and a terrific personality to match.
Federico is an impressive ambassador for Wilderness Travel. Part logistics officer and tour guide, he is an organizational treasure.
Federico made the trip the best. His knowledge and language skills were only matched by his outgoing peronality, patience, and caring for each of us as individuals.
Federico Alban is a wonderful guide with outstanding people and interpersonal skills. Excellent understanding of the wildlife and culture of Costa Rica. He's one of the best!
Federico is by far the best guide we have ever had. He is passionate about what he does and very sensitive to the needs and expectations of every trip participant.
Federico was an excellent guide with deep knowledge, good communication skills, and great interpersonal skills.
Federico Alban is a wonderful guide with outstanding people and interpersonal skills, and an excellent understanding of the wildlife and culture of Costa Rica. He's one of the best!
Our guide, Federico, made the trip the best. His knowledge and language skills were only matched by his outgoing peronality, patience, and caring for each of us as individuals.
Federico is one of the most amazing individuals we have ever met. He has a genuine concern for everyone and displayed an incredible extent of knowledge, compassion, and leadership.
Federico Alban is a particularly special and gifted guide whose presence enhanced our enjoyment of the trip.
Federico Alban was outstanding. He was engaging, warm, attentive, always on time, and broad based in his knowledge. He contributed to my affection for Costa Rica.
WT is lucky to have someone as expert as a naturalist and Trip Leader as Federico. His enthusiasm shines through.
Federico was energetic, enthusiastic, and excited about the treasures of his country, which he shared with all of us. It was a real pleasure to be in his company.
Federico had excellent knowledge and lots of enthusiasm. He was very in tune with the needs of all the participants. He was lots of fun to be with.
Federico was outstanding. Very knowledgeable, friendly, funny, etc. He took care of issues before they became problems, and was a blast to hang out with for a week.
