This is an adventure unlike any other. From misty and cool mountains to warm and tropical rainforests, you will experience the best that Costa Rica has to offer. After extensive research and planning, we believe we have come up with the ultimate tour of this small country. With over 900 species of birds and countless amphibians, reptiles, mammals, and insects, you will see more species of life and learn what true biodiversity really looks like. 

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As we head to Costa Rica in late autumn, the rainy season is transitioning to its dry season. This transitional month gives us an amazing opportunity to see the country while its green and lush, without enduring the heavy rains that come a couple months prior. You will get to experience every ecosystem that Costa Rica offers from its mountains, iconic volcanoes, and dense rainforests extending from the Caribbean lowlands. Along the way, we expect to encounter a multitude of species from the instantly recognizable toucan to the iridescent quetzal. Beyond the birds everyone knows, you will discover new species you might not have ever heard of as well as charismatic monkeys and delicate frogs. This country truly offers something for everyone!

We will spend our days meandering through the rainforests with our local guides who know how to find wildlife better than anyone in the industry. With their in-depth knowledge, they will share stories and information to help us gain a deeper appreciation for how special this country is. While photography will be a major focal point of the trip, we want to remind any guest that comes along that it's a vacation and time for relaxation is a must! Whether you choose to spend some time soaking up some sun near the pool, breathing deep in a hot spring, or sipping on a drink while watching gorgeous bird feeders at the lodge, you'll find plenty of time to sit back and enjoy what the Costa Ricans call the Pura Vida. 

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Don't wait any longer to take the ultimate naturalist's and wildlife lover's trip! All these animals and memories are here waiting for you. Come experience this tropical jewel of the Americas: Costa Rica!

SUGGESTED CAMERA GEAR:

• DSLR or Mirrorless camera body (highly recommended to bring at least 2 camera bodies)

• Wide angle lens (e.g. 16-35,mm 24-70mm, etc. Mostly used for up-close shots of wildlife and landscape/environmental)

• Mid range lens (70-200mm)

• Telephoto lens (300mm-600mm+)

• 512GB - 2 TB worth of memory cards

• Tablet or Laptop for backing up images and Photoshop lessons

• Flash and flash extenders

• Shutter release cable / remote shutter

• Tripod and gimbal head

• Polarizing filter

• UV filter (if you worry about sea spray on your lens)

• Camera bag capable of carrying gear and daily necessities

POSSIBLE WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS:
Please note most species not listed as there are hundreds!

Day 1: Arrive in San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica. Overnight in a newly built hotel near the airport. 

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Day 2:  Breakfast in the morning before continuing on to the northern lowland rainforests. Afternoon will be spent photographing toucans and other mammals and birds. Photograph bats and owls at night after dinner.

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Day 3: Wake up to watch the morning bird feeders, providing great photo ops. Boat tour midday before a king vulture tour in the afternoon. Another session with bats and owls in the evening.

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Day 4: Spend another day in Boca Tapada photographing the plethora of wildlife. If present, we will look for scarlet and green macaws. Evening can be spent at your leisure.

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Day 5: One last morning with the bird feeders before continuing on to the Arenal area. We will check out some waterfalls, volcanoes, and look for sloths, monkeys, and other animals before settling into the lodge. Go on an evening walk for frogs and nocturnal life. 

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Day 6: Check out the local feeders and gardens at our lodge before heading to a private reserve for a half day photography session with a variety of wildlife. In the afternoon, we will head to the mountains and if time allows, photograph some hummingbirds. 

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Day 7: Wake up early for a quetzal tour. We will then visit a high altitude rainforest bird feeder and a hummingbird feeder for some more excellent photography chances. 

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Day 8: Look Head out for another quetzal tour before returning to the lodge. We will visit the hummingbird feeders one more time before continuing on to San Jose for your departing flights.

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Physical Requirement: Virtually none. Small amounts of walking around the lodges and jungle tours.