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Our Mission:
Eco-Treks organizes unforgettable immersive travel experiences to Central and South America, designed primarily for middle school students. Our programs combine outdoor adventure with hands-on learning, giving students the chance to explore remarkable landscapes while engaging with local naturalists and scientists who deepen their understanding of the world around them. While we specialize in middle school groups, we have also designed customized trips for adult travelers.
Founded by Karen Snelson of Orinda, California, Eco-Treks grew from her more than 20 years of experience as a middle school teacher and her passion for experiential learning. Over the course of 27 years, Karen built a program rooted in curiosity, exploration, and environmental stewardship. Today, leadership has transitioned to Beth Real of Moraga, California, who is dedicated to continuing and expanding that legacy. Together, their shared commitment to sustainability and responsible travel shapes every Eco-Treks journey.
Our trips bring students face-to-face with environmental experts, creating meaningful opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. Each group typically includes 20–35 students, along with parent chaperones, and travels for 9–13 days during the Spring and Summer. Every Eco-Treks experience is thoughtfully designed to balance adventure, education, and fun—leaving students with lasting memories and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Our Team:
Karen Snelson
Founder, Eco-Treks
B.S. Biology; California Teaching Credential Biological Science
Karen is a passionate naturalist with a deep love of travel. Affectionately known as the “Earth Lady,” she is actively involved in numerous cultural and conservation efforts. More often than not, you’ll find her with binoculars in hand, dressed in her earth-toned hippy attire, exploring wetlands, tidal zones, and bird sanctuaries.
Beth Real
Director, Eco-Treks
Beginning with the 2026 trips, Beth is excited to carry forward the tradition Karen began in 1998.
Her passion for the environment began early, shaped by hands-on projects with her parents and a childhood dream of becoming a marine biologist. While her path took a different direction, that passion remains strong, and she is dedicated to continuing Eco-Treks’ mission — helping inspire the next generation to value and protect our natural world.
Marshall Sachs
Lead Science Instructor
B.A. Biology; Masters Teaching Biology
Marshall is a life science teacher at Orinda Intermediate School in Orinda, California, who brings curiosity and enthusiasm to every experience. Having joined many Eco-Treks journeys, he is an invaluable member of the team—sharing his knowledge, connecting with students, and helping bring each destination to life.
Michel Aranda
Founder/Director, Neo Travel Costa Rica
Biologist; Translator; Professional Tour Guide
Michel has been part of Eco-Treks since the very beginning, joining Karen on her first tour and continuing to collaborate with her over the years. He brings a deep, enduring commitment to working alongside Indigenous communities, supporting efforts that nurture both environmental stewardship and improved quality of life.
Jose Gabriel Rivas-Ducca
Naturalist Guide
B.S. Biology; M.S. Molecular Biology; Official Tour Guide Degree Costa Rica Institute of Tourism; Member of Friends of the Earth International
Gabriel dreams of a world shaped by mindful consumption, sustainable production, and a more equitable sharing of resources. He shares this passion at home with his wife, a professor of cultural tourism, who is deeply involved in sustainable development, and their son.
For more than 20 years, Gabriel was a trusted guide for Karen, bringing his knowledge, warmth, and perspective to every journey. Though he has retired from guiding our tours, he still joins us on some of our activities.
Rosa Fernandez
Naturalist Guide
Official Tour Guide Degree Costa Rica Institute of Tourism; Tours in Spanish and English
Rosa has been sharing the beauty of Costa Rica with visitors since 2000. She guides students, families, and other organized groups on hands-on educational experiences focused on nature, archaeology, sustainable agriculture, and rural traditions.
Passionate about sustainable tourism, Rosa enjoys connecting visitors with local communities while supporting initiatives that promote conservation and create opportunities for rural families. She loves introducing guests to Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity, rich culture, and the warmth of its people.
When she's not guiding, Rosa enjoys dancing, exercising, and spending time outdoors.
Inti Highes
Naturalist Guide
Tropical Biologist; Official Tour Guide Degree Costa Rica Institute of Tourism; Tours in Spanish, English, and French
Inti began leading tours in 1996, working with many middle/high school and college groups as well as teacher groups from United States, Canada, France, Belguium, Scotland and England. He runs educational programs oriented towards nature and tropical biology.
He was a competitive road bicyclist for many years, racing in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama, El Salvador, and France
His passions are botany, nature, biking, and health.
Richard English
Technical Support
B.S. Biology/Physics; California Teaching Credential Biology/Physics; Microsoft Certified Network IT
Richard was part of Eco-Treks for more than a decade, with many behind the scenes contributions including the development of this website and creating the video featured here.
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