COSTA RICA PHOTO TOUR

Adventure Photography

November 9 - 18, 2021

Oropendola
November 9: Home - San Jose

Your Costa Rican adventure begins today as
you board your flight to San José, the
country's capital city. Everyone will be
transferred from the airport to the hotel up on
arrival. This will be your first opportunity to
see tropical flowers and birds on the hotel
grounds. Enjoy a welcome dinner and
orientation meeting. Overnight San Jose (D)
Green Honeycreeper
November 10-11: Savegre

Make your way through the Cerro de la Muerte area, stopping along stunning mountain roads to photograph birds and local sights. Your destination today is at a charming, a Costa Rican owned property hidden away in the picturesque San Gerardo de Dota Valley of Costa Rica’s southern Talamanca Mountain range. The misty and beautiful surroundings provide a unique opportunity to enjoy the views and sounds of the cloud forest, as well as discover the wonders of Costa Rica's unspoiled ecology. In this virtually undiscovered location, we will get comfortable in our new mountain environs, and then photograph the lovely tropical gardens, clear mountain stream, and forest landscape. We will have another relaxing day, taking opportunities to discover this unique lodge, looking for great shots of the Resplendent Quetzals, hummingbirds, and many others. Overnight Savegre (B, L, D) both days.
Toucan
November 12-13: Turrialba Region

The destination for the next two evenings is the Turriabla region. Rancho Naturalista, is located in the Tuis Valley, at the northern limit of Costa Rica’s Talamanca Mountains. At 900 meters elevation on the Atlantic slope of the country, Rancho’s forests, farmlands, and surrounding area offer an impressive 300 species of birds – many of which are difficult or impossible to see in other parts of the country.

The ranch lies on 125 acres in pre-mountain rain forest. You will be impressed with the famous hummingbird pools where Snowcap and Purple-crowned Fairy are regular bathers. The numerous hummingbird feeders offer a wonderful opportunity to photograph White-necked Jacobin, Green Violet-ear, and Green-crowned Brilliant species. The beautiful old tree off the veranda that is covered with bananas, attracts Fiery-billed Aracari, Passerini Tanager, and other topical birds. The Rancho itself is somewhat eclectic, an attractive combination of main house - in bed and breakfast style - plus additional hotel-style rooms in separate but nearby buildings. Balanced, nutritious meals are prepared in the newly remodeled kitchen and served family-style in the cozy dining room. Overnight Turrialba (B, L, D) both days.
Arenal Volcano
November 14: Sarapiqui

On the way to the Sarapiqui region, there will be a photography stop at a lovely hummingbird garden, with feeders attracting several different species of birds.

Sarapiqui region is one of the most exuberant and luscious places in Costa Rica, especially with respect to the rainforest. It is named after a river and rests at the base of the Central Volcanic Mountain Range.
Stay at an eco-lodge this evening, photographing and appreciating the beautiful gardens on the property. Visit the La Selva Biological Station, a rainforest reserve and research station. It forms part of a much larger protected area, which includes Braulio Carrillo National Park. The trails are very easy to negotiate, ranging from paved to hard-packed earth.  Overnight Sarapiqui (B, L, D).
Resplendent Quetzal
November 15-16: Arenal Volcano

Depart early this morning to visit a lovely nature park. Sarapiqui Eco-Observatory consists of three covered open-air observation decks for world-class photography and bird watching. Enjoy a spectacular display of beautifully colored Costa Rica birds as they perch just feet away. Over 215 bird species exist here including the Keel-billed Toucan, Crimson-collard Tanager, and the White-necked Jacobin.

Continue on to the Arenal Volcano Area. Arenal, a spectacular, cone-shaped volcano rises out of the flat San Carlos Plains. It is the most active volcano in the country.

The next day enjoy a visit to the Arenal Hanging Bridges. Located in primary forest there are 15 bridges to enjoy with a rain forest circuit of trails connecting them. The imposing vistas of the Volcano from the hanging bridges over the forest make a perfect combination for an unforgettable experience. In the afternoon visit the Hidalgo Family Hot Springs, an exclusive retreat for those looking for a relaxing respite in natural springs heated by Arenal Volcano. Overnight Arenal (B, L, D) both days.
Humingbird
November 17: San Jose

After breakfast photograph at the Danaus private ecological reserve where programs for conservation, training, environmental education and sustainable production are developed. As you walk the trails you can observe and photograph animals in their natural habitat, there is also a wide variety of plants and a butterly farm. They also support the conservation and rescue of the indigenous culture Malek, who exhibit their crafts and provide information to visitors.

Return to San Jose and overnight about fifteen minutes away from San José airport. The hotel is located amid coffee plantations, orchards, and is surrounded by colorful gardens. The rooms feature native woods, tiled bathrooms, and balconies offering marvelous views of the mountains or the city skyline. Enjoy a farewell dinner at the hotel. Overnight San Jose (B,L,D).
November 18: San Jose - Home

After breakfast transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport to take your flights back home (departure time to be announced as San Jose is one hour from the Lodge) (B).

$4,995

Deposit: $750

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