Paddling Adventures
Raft, Canoe or Kayak your way down a variety of beautiful Mexican and Costa Rican rivers! more»
Multi-Sport Adventures
Paddling, trekking, ziplining, rappelling, adventure racing, biking and more! more»
Mexico/Costa Rica Trip Leaders
Esprit's Trip Leaders are a small core chosen to lead our week long adventure trips in Mexico and Costa Rica! This group is highly versatile and possesses a strong knowledge of the rivers and area in which we operate. Our Trip Leaders spend every day operating the trips, guiding rivers, running logistics and entertaining our guests! As such they tend to be the friendliest, funniest and hardest working group of people around. But don't take our word for it; ask any guest who has ever been on an Esprit trip to Mexico or Costa Rica!
Jim Coffey - “JC”
Founder & Director of Team Esprit
Jim heads up Team Esprit Mexico and Costa Rica. He has worked in over 30 countries and has made a full time career canoeing, kayaking and rafting around the world. Jim is a world-renowned specialist in Swiftwater Rescue Instruction and is a certified Wilderness Emergency Medical Technician (WEMT). Jim is fluent in Spanish and English. He passionately expresses his social and environmental advocacy and has woven his principals into the fabric of Esprit. In 2008 National Geographic named Esprit as the world's #1 Whitewater Outfitter based on the company's sustainability practices and its Spirit of Adventure. Jim leads our canoeing, kayaking, rafting and Week of Adventure trips.
Barbara Hinojosa
Barbara adorns Esprit with the spirit and culture of Mexico/Costa Rica. Born in Veracruz Mexico, she has made Jalcomulco her home since 1998. Barbara is fluent in Spanish and English. She was one of Mexico's first female adventure guides and has worked in Canada, Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatamala, Panama, Israel and Scotland. Schooled in Tourism, Hospitality, and Gastronomy, she adds a special touch and flavour to our operation. Barbara leads rafting, inflatable kayaking and Week of Adventure trips at Esprit.
Lalo Ruiz
Lalo is our head kayak guide for our Week of Rivers programs. He is an expert kayaker and excellent guide. Lalo is fluent in Spanish and English. His experience and his charm make him a guest favorite at Esprit.
Martin Breu
Martin Breu aka The Great Gonzo is a new addition to Team Esprit. A well known expert OC1 paddler, GONZO adds additional expertise to our canoe programs. Martin is fluent in English, German and French...he is working on his Spanish!
