Who we Are
A symbiotic relationship, or relación simbiótica, is when two different organisms coexist by mutually benefiting each other. At Simbiótica Adventures, we believe that humanity as a whole has the potential to have a similar relationship with the natural world. This idea is what we strive for through the experiences we offer. At the heart of Simbiótica Adventures is a focus on exploration, education, and conservation. Exploration is driven by a sense of wonder and adventure. It is what drives us to discover and learn about the rich world in which we live. This leads to education of the natural world, which empowers us to make informed decisions in our own lives, as well as collectively on issues that face us as a global community. With this knowledge, we can take actions that promote conservation, which is fundamental to maintaining the health and beauty of the planet, leaving it in good shape for future generations to nourish their own desire to explore, thus repeating the cycle.
We strive to offer experiences that infuse adventure with education of the tropical rainforests. Instead of just pointing out and identifying wildlife, we also talk about the natural history of the area, the special adaptations of the animals we see, how they serve a role in the larger ecosystem, and any other interesting information about them. By focusing on the whole ecosystem and how it is interconnected from the level of individual species to global climatic systems, clients will have a greater understanding of our unique individual roles in the larger global ecosystem and how we have the power to affect the trajectory of the health of the planet.
Tropical rainforests are the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth and, in addition to providing home for native wildlife, they also serve as a source of rejuvenation energy for humans - places of spiritual fulfillment and enlightenment. Discover with us the wonders and mysteries of the tropical rainforest!
Ryan Meczkowski
Founder & Naturalist Guide
Ryan is a naturalist guide with a deep love and connection to the tropical rainforest. He studied natural history in the United States, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Natural Resources from Virginia Tech, and loves to share his knowledge and passion for wildlife with others. Among his many interests are travel, exploring new places, and getting to know the natural history of some of the most unique and biodiverse areas in the world.
In addition to being the founder of Simbiótica Adventures, Ryan is also a freelance writer, focusing on issues that face the world today involving nature, conservation, community. His articles have been published in various publications in Costa Rica, including Quepolandia, and The Tico Times, the largest English-language newpaper in Costa Rica.
Although not originally from Costa Rica, Ryan has fallen in love with the country and has called it home since 2016. He lives in Uvita de Osa with his wife Carol, and their son Kai.
Carol Caballero
Co-founder, Certified Yoga Instructor, & Wellness Coach
Carol Caballero got certified to teach yoga in 2016 soon after moving to Costa Rica and realizing that life is “a one way trip.” Originally from Lima, Peru, she began practicing yoga in 2011, at a time when practicing dentistry in her adopted town of Washington, D.C. showed her that stress and work alone could damage the beautiful purpose of being alive.
Her passion for healing has allowed her to blend her yoga teachings with her medical knowledge, thus creating a fusion of yoga movement and alignment for people with different levels of experience in yoga. Her mission is to empower individuals to awaken their potential for self-healing through movement.
While not on the mat, Carol enjoys dancing, sunset watching, being a playful mom, hiking, and traveling the world with her love, soulmate, and partner in adventure Ryan and their beloved son Kai.
Mission Statement
To nurture a respect for nature by simultaneously exposing our clientele to the beauty and wonders of the the tropical rainforest, while utilizing the therapeutic properties that the rainforest provides for physical and spiritual healing to the individual.
Personal Vision
We believe that the lack of fulfillment people feel in today’s world stems from an increased disconnection with their own personal being, as well as with nature. In order to have a happy and healthy life, we must stop looking at ourselves as individuals, and recognize that we are part of a larger ecosystem that surrounds us. When we do this, we allow ourselves to be amazed by what our natural world has to show us. We aim to nurture this reconnection with nature by offering guided rainforest hikes, yoga, and other activities that allow people to immerse with nature on an intimate level. By promoting a respect for nature, and one’s own being, we hope to affect life-changing behaviors that will help people better their own lives, while also adopting lifestyles that will ultimately lead to a more symbiotic relationship with the natural world. If enough people discover the value of this mutually-beneficial coexistence, we just might save the planet.