Karla’s Travel Experience
Karla Taylor Martinez, Guide

My name is Karla Taylor Martinez I’m a descendent of the first settler of Tortuguero, which use to be known as “ Turtle Bogue”.  I was born and raised in Tortuguero by my mother, Miss Junie and my grandmother Sibella.  In Tortuguero, we have the longest ongoing research of sea turtles in the world and my family has been involved with the Caribbean Conservation Corporation since its founder Dr. Archie Carr first arrived here back in 1954.  

When my great grandfather arrived in Tortuguero with his 7 children, life was pretty hard; a big part of their survival depended on using the natural resources of the area.  Hunting, fishing and small agriculture were very important.  Even though the turtles came only seasonally, turtles became a very important source of meat and fat for people along the Caribbean.  Life was simple, but beautiful.

Since the National Park was created in 1975, we had to change our way of living and mentality.  We are learning to use our resources in a sustainable way.  After being hunters we have “evolved” and are now conservationists.  This is the legacy of Dr. Archie Carr. 

After completing my studies, I got a scholarship from the University of Pennsylvania to study taxonomy, and I became a parataxonomist.  Just in case you are wandering parataxonomists are the people that classify the species.  I was involved with the National Institute of Biodiversity (INBio) for 7 years, and traveled all over our beautiful country. 

I’ve been a naturalist guide for almost 12 years now.  I enjoy discovering all of the treasures and sharing them with people from the entire world, so they can see Costa Rica through my eyes. And I enjoy passing all of the knowledge that I have obtained with people who impact my life. 

When I first started guiding I wanted to show all the flora, fauna and the culture of Tortuguero. Today my goal is different, I want to change peoples lives through a “travel experience”. I have a lot to share with you but the only way to do that, is for you to come and visit me. Tortuguero is unique and magical.  See you soon!!!!!! 

Tours: Canoe Turtles Nesting, Hatchlings Coconut tour Nature wellness Story telling

Private guide service for tours around the country also available.

I speak fluent English and Spanish.