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, beautiful Pacific beaches, 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 waves, 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: Spend After breakfast, head up to the mountains and spend some time with hummingbirds and other species at a couple different feeders and gardens. 

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Day 3: Head out early in the morning to go on a resplendent quetzal tour. Afternoon will be spent photographing hummingbirds and other birds or relaxing at the resort. 

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Day 4: Spend another morning looking for quetzals. Head to Manuel Antonio along the Pacific Coast for an afternoon of relaxation and a forest walk.

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Day 5: Visit a well-known birding spot for toucans and other species before an afternoon walk in Manuel Antonio National Park looking for sloths and monkeys.

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Day 6: Spend the morning at your leisure before heading to the Tarcoles River for a boat tour. Continue on to La Fortuna/Arenal. 

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Day 7: Spend the day photographing various wildlife from frogs, snakes, birds, and sloths at a private reserve. Spend the afternoon hiking to famous waterfalls under the volcano or visit a natural hot spring. 

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Day 8: Look for a variety of wildlife in the morning before continuing on to Boca Tapada. Afternoon will be spent photographing toucans and other mammals and birds. Photograph bats and owls at night after dinner.

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Day 9: Wake up to watch the morning bird feeders. 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 10: Wake up to watch the morning bird feeders. Visit a garden for frogs, snakes, and birds. Afternoon at your leisure with more photo ops or relax by the pool and lagoon. An extra bat tour can be scheduled in advance.

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Day 11: Have one last morning session with the bird feeders and all the animals that visit them. Head to San Jose Airport in the early afternoon for departing flights. 

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