/ COSTA RICA – TROPICAL WILDLIFE

In the heart of an enchanting tropical forest, each step echoes a fairy-tale atmosphere, accompanied by the melodious sounds of birds. A journey in Costa Rica becomes a unique experience where the sight of a crested owl among the leaves, a hummingbird at its nest, and the elegant flight of a toucan are just preludes to an extraordinary adventure.

This 9-day tour will unveil over 200 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals, offering a unique experience. From traversing the various habitats of Costa Rica, from lush forests to mountains rising over 3000 meters, we focus on unique species like the Resplendent Quetzal and hummingbirds, guided by experienced, specialized experts.

In addition to the Highlands, we’ll also explore the Lowlands, where forests sit just few meters above sea level. In these areas, we’ll focus on all other animal species present in Costa Rica, visiting various locations dedicated to toucans, woodpeckers, parrots, and many other species. We’ll use photographic hides to capture unique images of species like the King Volture and the Black Vulture.

During the tour, we’ll have the opportunity to explore the forest on excursions in search of specific species such as white bats from Honduras, owls, leafcutter ants, Tanagers, and spot mammals like sloths and primates.

Each photography session will be carefully planned concerning location, light, and background. Additionally, we’ll have special photography sessions, like using multiflash to capture unique moments of hummingbirds in flight and expert-guided macro sessions to photograph amphibians and reptiles like the eyelash viper, red-eyed tree frog, strawberry poison-dart frog, and glass frogs.

In short, capturing in a few words all the wonders and potential of this tour is an impossible task. Each excursion and activity promises surprises and special sightings. This will be an experience immersed in indescribably fascinating nature.

During these days, you’ll have the unique opportunity to immerse yourself completely in nature and capture spectacular images in Costa Rica’s magical landscapes. Guided by expert wildlife photographers, we will explore the different environments of these regions, from the highlands to the lowlands, to discover their wildlife without disturb their natural routines.

1. Photographic Excursions: We’ll explore Costa Rica from north to south, traversing various habitats: from the Highlands to the Lowlands. We’ll discover tropical forests, high-altitude areas, and much more.

2. Photographic Assistance: You’ll receive technical assistance during all photographic sessions, exploring perspectives, lighting, and secrets to capture extraordinary images that depict the unique beauty of nature.

3. Hide and Multiflash Session: You’ll have the opportunity to photograph unique species during hide sessions, including the King Volture and Black Vulture. Also, with multiflash, you can immortalize hummingbirds in unique moments.

Join us on an extraordinary adventure that will allow you to explore the grandeur of nature, capturing unique moments through your photographic lens. This journey will not only refine your skills but will create a deep bond with one of the world’s most biodiversity-rich countries. 

Don’t miss the chance to book your spot in this unforgettable experience and be enchanted by the pristine beauty of nature.

Note: Detailed program available upon request via email.

Day 1:

– Arrival at Juan Santamaria Airport in San José and private transfer to the hotel (approximately 30 minutes away), where we’ll spend the first night. The centrally located hotel allows you to explore the city streets while awaiting the morning transfer.

– Dinner on your own and overnight stay.

Day 2:

– Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to our first stop, about a 3-hour drive.

– Free Lunch: All lunches during this tour are independent, giving you the advantage to decide freely and autonomously on what and when to eat to suit your personal preferences.

– Start of the first photographic session of our tour: here you’ll witness many species like the Yellow-throated and keel-billed Toucans, Montezuma Oropendola, Brown-hooded Parrots, Red-legged, Green & Shining Honeycreepers, Black-cheeked Woodpeckers, and with luck, the very attractive Chestnut-colored

Woodpecker are all possible on this day.

– During this day could be possible to add an extra session dedicated to photographing bats with Multiflash, upon reservation by December 30th.

– Return to the lodge where we’ll spend 2 nights, dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 3:

– Early wake-up, breakfast, and departure for the second session at the previous afternoon location.

– By mid-morning, we’ll move to a new location for a hide photography session dedicated to the rare Kin Volture, Black Vulture, Crested Caracara, and other species.

– Free lunch and a brief transfer to a new location where we’ll focus on the Hummingbirds. Here, you can observe and photograph various species like the Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Lesser Violetear, Talamanca Hummingbird, Volcano Hummingbird & White-throated Mountain-gem.

– Using a set of multi-flash exclusively for our group, you’ll be able to freeze unique moments during the swift flight of these small birds.

– Return to the lodge, dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 4:

– Breakfast, check-out, and final session dedicated to the Toucans and other avifauna species.

– Free lunch, a 2-hour transfer to our third destination, and check-in at the new lodge where we’ll spend 2 nights.

– After check-in, we’ll have the chance for two different activities: macrophotography of iconic and fascinating amphibians living in these areas like the Green-and-Black and Strawberry Poison Dart Frogs (like the famous “Blue Jeans” Dart Frog) in their natural habitat.

– The second option includes photographing various avifauna species from a feeder near our lodge.

– Dinner with typical products, and an opportunity to search for amphibians during the night, such as the Red-eyed Tree Frog.

– Overnight stay.

Day 5:

– Early breakfast and a move to a new location on private property, where we’ll have exclusive access to photograph new species at a feeder. Here, you can photograph various avifauna species like the Chestnut-headed Oropendola, Orange-chinned Parakeet, Golden-hooded Tanager, Red-legged & Green Honeycreepers are all possible today. In this location, there’s an opportunity for macrophotography sessions dedicated to amphibians and reptiles.

– Short drive to immerse ourselves deep in the forest. We’ll walk within the tropical forest in search of nocturnal raptors (such as the Spectacled Owl and Crested Owl), Honduran White Bats, and any other species encountered. It will be a magical, completely wild experience where you’ll have the chance to photograph and observe unique species.

– Return to the lodge in the evening, dinner with typical products, and overnight stay.

Day 6:

– Early breakfast, check-out, and departure for the next location in the Talamanca Highlands (about a 5-hour drive).

– Free lunch.

– After lunch, we’ll spend the entire afternoon with one of Costa Rica’s most beautiful birds: the Resplendent Quetzal.

– After the photographic session, a transfer of about 1 hour to reach the new lodge, where we’ll spend 2 nights.

– Dinner with typical products and overnight stay.

Day 7:

– Early wake-up, breakfast, and departure for the second session dedicated to the Resplendent Quetzal, focusing on the best light hours to seek and photograph this beautiful bird.

– We’ll spend the remaining part of the morning photographing Hummingbirds; among the observable species, you’ll find the Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Lesser Violetear, Talamanca Hummingbird, Volcano Hummingbird & White-throated Mountain-gem.

– In the afternoon, we’ll immerse ourselves again in the incredible variety of Hummingbirds, or you can book an extra session for the Resplendent Quetzal to improve your shots from the previous days (prior reservation by December 30th).

– Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8:

– Breakfast and a more relaxed morning, dedicated to the species in the areas near our lodge.

– Check-out and departure to San José, where we’ll spend the last night of this journey.

– Before arriving in San José, there will be another stop at a location dedicated to Hummingbirds.

– Arrival in San José and accommodation at the hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.

Day 9: 

– Optional breakfast at the hotel (depending on your flight times) and departure to the airport, where, after concluding this incredible experience together, we’ll bid farewell before departing for individual flights.

For this itinerary, a telephoto lens of 300mm or greater is undoubtedly essential for photographing the variety of avifauna. In some cases, for smaller species, a telephoto lens around 600mm can be convenient if you’re looking for particularly close portraits.

Every element within the photography locations will be curated to achieve the maximum photographic potential with any lens or equipment you have available.

We highly recommend a tripod for all photography sessions and a macro lens for the photography sessions on amphibians and reptiles (if you don’t have this lens, the organizers will provide their kit to photographers without one).

More detailed information will be provided at the time of registration.

If you want to participate but don’t have the right equipment, don’t worry. We offer the possibility to rent high-quality cameras and lenses specifically chosen for the event.

There are no deposits or restrictions to consider.

Rental Benefits: 

• Simplicity: Avoid the investment in expensive equipment and rent what you need only for the workshop, giving you the chance to try professional equipment before any potential purchase.
• Optimal Performance: Our rental equipment is designed for wildlife photography and suitable for the occasion.
• No obligations: There will be no need for deposits or guarantees. The lens will be delivered directly to you at the event location on the first day.

Don’t let the lack of equipment stop you. Contact us to learn about available equipment, get detailed information, and reserve what you need for the experience.

• All nights in double rooms (8 nights)
• All private ground transfers
• Assistance from two professional photographers throughout the trip
• All breakfasts (excluding day 9)
• Specialized naturalist guides
• Dinners from day 2 to day 7

• Flight to/from Juan Santa Maria International Airport in San José
• Third extra session for the Quetzal (optional, see program)
• Dinners on day 1 and day 8
• Lunches (usually based on movements/activities)
• Tips and other personal expenses
• Anything not included in “Included in the price”