About Your Guides

Tracie Stice

Biologist Tracie Stice, also known as "The Bug Lady,"  has been  exploring the rainforest of the Osa Peninsula for fifteen years.  After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Biology, with an emphasis in Entomology, Tracie moved to Drake Bay to pursue her passion for tropical insects and spiders. 

In 1997 she created The Night Tour, which quickly became one of the most popular tours in Drake Bay.  The Night Tour has been hailed by Lonely Planet, Frommers, and Foders as one of the most fascinating excursions in Drake Bay.  Tracie has been featured in numerous books, magazine and newspaper articles, as well as television.    Currently, Tracie is working with her husband Gianfranco Gómez on a book .

Gianfranco Gómez

Costa Rican naturalist  and  nature photographer Gianfranco Gómez  has traveled the globe, living and working in many countries.   Prior to relocating to Drake Bay in late 2002, Gian guided adventure tours in the rainforest canopy of Rincon de La Vieja.  Gian is an avid birder, with a keen interest in tropical herpetology, as well.  

In 2003, he began working  on a photographic compilation of the  nocturnal wildlife of Drake Bay.  His photography has been included in Costa Rica Travel Guide books and other nature publications. Gian's recently released book: Encounters: An Introduction to the Insects and Arachnids of Drake Bay, Costa Rica  is now available in printed and ibook version. Encounters Volume II: Nocturnal Mammals, Amphibians and Reptiles of the Osa Peninsula will be available soon.

Gian and Tracie were married in 2005.   Together, they continue to work on documenting  the nocturnal wildlife of Costa Rica, as well as guiding The Night Tour.