Costa Rica
7-Day Costa Rica
Bird, Wildlife & Nature Photography Expedition
Join us as we walk through lush tropical forest in search of Tapirs, Sloths, colorful exotic birds, and the elusive Jaguar.
We concentrate our visit in the Volcán Arenal area photographing cloud forest birds, then explore the dry forests and coastal habitat at the Ocotal Beach Resort.
Birders in the group can expect incredible bird species diversity, paralleled only by the forests of equatorial America. There's good reason for such biodiversity of birds, mammals, reptiles, and plants - a broad variety of altitudinal zones, ranging from near sea-level to over 9500' within the parks.
The keen observer may see the most famous Costa Rican bird, the Resplendant Quetzal, as well as a myriad of Toucans, Parrots, and Trogons, to name a few.
Knowledgeable guides assist with species identification, wildlife photography instruction, your personalized photography curriculum and natural history interpretation.
Accomodations are at established eco-lodges where comfort and safety are assured. Join us for the tropical adventure of a lifetime in the jungles and on the beaches of Costa Rica!
Itinerary
7-Day Costa Rica
Bird, Wildlife & Nature Photography Expedition
Day 1
Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) airport. Meet expedition guide at the Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) and transfer to your hotel near the capital city of San Jose. Your guide will discuss with you the tour arrangements over dinner. Hotel Stay at Hotel Condesa.
Day 2
After breakfast, we have an orientation to our trip and photographic goals and then travel to the Arenal Volcano area. Arenal is the country's most active volcano, with continuous emissions of lava and incandescent pyroclastic flows since the beginning of the present active cycle in 1968. On clear nights, the views of incandescent avalanches are breathtaking! Hotel Buena Vista or Casa Conde, lunch en route. After a quick lunch in the town of La Fortuna, we arrive to the Arenal Observatory Lodge in late afternoon and, after check-in, photograph the sunset over Lake Arenal and the Arenal Volcano with stars and pyroclastic flows. The Arenal Observatory Lodge affords some of the area's best photographic views of the famous Arenal volcano and offers fantastic sunset views over Lake Arenal and the surrounding hills. If the volcano is clear, we will continue working with long exposures of the active volcano and star trails. Lodge Stay at Arenal Observatory Lodge.
Day 3
We dedicate the early morning to photographing Montezuma Oropendolas, Passerinis Tanager, Green Honeycreepers, Red-legged Honeycreepers, and Emerald Tanagers at the lodge feeders, Mid-morning, we depart for the Snake Zoo in nearby El Castillo. The staff will help us to photograph numerous color forms of Eyelash Vipers, Parrot Snakes, Vine Snakes, and even Red-eyed Tree Frogs, and poison frogs in the collection. We will photograph all of these animals on natural stages that we will set up on site. This is a great opportunity to photograph a number of species that are very difficult to find in the wild and also to work on using flash for pleasing macro lighting. We will enjoy a home-cooked lunch as well as refreshments and coffee throughout the day. We return to the Arenal Observatory Lodge in late afternoon to photograph the sunset and the Arenal Volcano. Lodge Stay at Arenal Observatory Lodge.
Day 4
After a leisurely breakfast this morning, we depart for our next desintation, the tropical dry forests and beaches around Playa Ocotal in Guanacaste Province. We will take our time on the drive, stopping for photos and a bite to eat. Upon arrival at Ocotal Beach Resort, we check-in and then set up for late afternoon and sunset photos at the beach. Resort Stay at Ocotal Beach Resort.
Day 5 & 6
After breakfast, we enjoy a wildlife boat ride on the Tempisque River to photograph Roseate Spoonbills, Anhingas and a variety of Kingfishers and Herons. After the boat ride, we have lunch and an opportunity to photograph the traditional pottery making in the town of Guatil. We return to the hotel in late afternoon for free time on the beach and sunset photo opportunities. Resort Stay at Ocotal Beach Resort.
Day 7
Breakfast at hotel. Return to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) Airport. Depart afternoon flights to Houston, Miami, or other home destination. Final Travel Arrangements. End Expedition.