My name is Barbara Franz. In 1998 my family and I moved for good from Switzerland to Costa Rica. This beautiful Central American country with its friendly, open and generous people is where my heart belongs to. Having always been a nature lover, I found my real professional fullfillment being a naturalist guide.

I have taken and keep taking many different training courses on natural history, geography, Costa Rican history, wildlife, fauna, conservation, ethnics in tourism, rescue, first aid and CPR and am therefore an ICT-licensed guide.
Due to my European background I speak Swiss, German, English, Spanish and French.
Also I have been working for many years for different companies, being a naturalist guide on hikes, kayak and boat trips and round trips all over this amazing country, constantly discovering new secrets and outstanding places.

A few chosen, professional free lance guides sometimes join, enrich and complete the BackRoadsCosta Rica team.
Being very dedicated to nature and seeing its vulnerability, we try to go most ecofriendly ways, not feeding any animals, not picking plants, not leaving trash.
If we want to be respected we have to respect.
We would love to take you on an unforgettable adventure! Professional, individual, safe – a unique experience in a unique place!