24/03/2024
HELLO, EVERYONE OUT THERE. We have been away from Social media to start a new trend to our services. We apologize for the lack of shared information . This tour is aiming to a minimum of 4 person base on double accommodation room.
Costa Rica’s Photography Tour November 17th to 23rd
7 days 6 nights
Price per person: $3460
All meals, ground transportation, meals except dinner on first and last night, private guide/driver, park fees, garden fees.
3 Destinations: Cerro de la Muerte, Turrialba, Sarapiqui.
1 Day. November 17th. Arrival to Costa Rica and drive to Cerro de la Muerte. In search of hummingbirds and endemics. Overnight at Paraiso de Quetzal Hotel. 1 night.
2 Day. November 18th. Early morning capturing endemic species and hummingbirds. Drive after breakfast to San Gerardo de Dota. Full day at the lodge grounds. 2 nights. Overnight at Savegre Lodge.
3 Day. November 19th. Full day searching for Quetzal, Endemics, Trogons, and visit to a photography garden for colourful birds. Overnight at Savegre Lodge.
4 Day. November 20th. Early morning walk searching for Quetzals and other local endemics. Departure after breakfast to Turrialba mountains. In search for Sunbittern, Hummingbirds, parrots, and hundred other species. Overnight at Rancho Naturalista.
5 Day. November 21st. Early bird photography followed by breakfast and departure to La Selva Biological Station. Overnight at La Selva. Full day exploring rainforest possibilities.
6 Day. November 22th. Early breakfast and jungle exploration all day long until dark. Overnight at La Selva.
7 Day. November 23th. Early breakfast and more rainforest hikes to capture all wildlife possible. Departure to San Jose (3-4) pm and overnight at Hotel Bouganvillea no dinner included.
8 Day. November 24th. Transfer to the Airport (no included) pay at hotel front desk.
Package #1
Talamanca’s Highland there is not a destination in Costa Rica more fulfilling for endemic birds, although the number of species in the highlands in the country are far less than rainforest lowlands, the exceptional a number of endemics far exceeds those ones in areas such as Corcovado National Park or La Selva. Hummingbirds, flycatchers, vireos, trogons, wrens, are some of the families that had been isolated for millions of years; creating specialization of species therefore endemics. Among some of the most beautiful birds are the Resplendent Quetzal and perhaps the only place in which it can be found all year long. Giant oaks, misty mornings and crispy air are among many of the wonderful things that make this destination a favourite among us….
Sea level 2560 meters
Temperature 5-26
Humidity 80% +
2 nights
• Drive after breakfast into the mountains of Talamanca at San Gerardo de Dota.
• Exploring gardens, forests, river edges. Wild bird photography. Carry your super-telephoto lens and tripod. Today we will let mother nature show us the way. These recently opened trails show an incredible number of birdlife found nowhere at Bosque de Paz, although the distance between them is only a few miles the drop in altitude changes nearly 60% of the species. Many of them occur in small patches of jungle, some walking around the property could give us amazing results.
• Lunch (no included)
• Visit Batsu’s bird garden.
• Dinner at 18:30 (a la carte, options for vegetarians available)
• We will concentrate on capturing hummingbirds in the air. Many hotels had for a long time built very attractive gardens filled with hummers fighting for the best perches and nectars.
• There is at least a dozen of Endemic species that are a challenge to capture yet we seem to be quite successful during our tours Since it is Resplendent Quetzal heaven, we would also take half a day to photograph one of the most gorgeous living creatures.
Check Route Map
Turrialba: located in one of the most amazing locations for bird life in Central America and surrounded by an active Volcano, this little gem is hidden among gorges and valleys. A perfect space for nature lovers, photographers and birders.
Our hotel is world known for being a pioneer on catering bird lovers, fill with hummingbirds, parakeets, tanagers, orioles and many more. Rancho Naturalista has it all for those seeking the perfect blend between great photography and comfort.
Sea level 550 meters
Temperature 14-34
Humidity 80% +
1 nights
Sarapiqui is a real rainforest experience with vast areas to cover, primary rainforest, active and no active pasture fields, river edges, canopy bridges, thick understory, etc. Cotingas, macaws, oropendolas, guans, eagles, toucans are some of the many species to find. At La Selva Biological Station daily birds to spot are Green Ibis, Sunbittern, Jacamars, Tanagers, Orioles, Woodpeckers, Tityras, etc. Botanical gardens nearby offer great opportunities to spot a dozen or more species of hummingbirds and its adjacent forest always bring good surprises as Little Tinamou, Lattice tailed Trogon, Cinnamon Woodpecker, and much more.
Sea level 50 meters
Temperature 29-34
Humidity 85% +
2 nights
• Drive after breakfast into the heart of the most well-studied rainforest on earth.
• Exploring gardens, forests, river edges. Wild bird photography. Carry your super-telephoto lens and tripod. Today we will let mother nature show us the way. There are so many different locations to explore during this destination. Agricultural fields, forest patches, forests edges, primary, secondary rainforest
• Lunch (between 11:30 – 13:00)
• Afternoons at the lodge premises
Last day of the journey: International flight dates, times, pick up & drop off based on your flight schedule
EARLY RISING:
In some locations, we will be leaving before sunrise. In order to capture certain moments, situations or specific targets.
PHOTOGRAPHING HABITATS:
Many bird photography expeditions have always focused on just the wildlife therefore a good part of the experience is reduced and the story telling would not be as rich as I could be.
MASTERING BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY:
There are many tricks to ensure quality and momentum. We will explore them all as long as nature lets us.
PLAYING WITH BLACK AND WHITE:
Many times, we let colours run our bird photography nonetheless experimenting with shades, shadows, contrasts of the enchanting universe of black & white can give you new ways to see our beloved feathery friends.
TIMES:
Very crucial to make the most out of your holidays; we have selected all lodging, forests, or locations with a maximum distance/hours of driving. Generally speaking, travelling time would be during the off-hours or between 10 am – 1 pm.
DIFFICULTY LEVEL:
If you are able to manage 2-3 Km on a daily basis with intervals you should be fine. Just a friendly reminder we specialize in physically limited tours for those who would share our passion for nature and bird photography.
HOW MUCH PHOTOGRAPHY SKILL DO I NEED TO HAVE TO ENTER THE TRIP?
Bird as Art is created to all levels of photographers with a DSLR/Mirrorless but if you are at a more advanced level please let us know and we might be able to suggest either a private service or a small group of friends.
IMPORTANT NOTE: FIRST AND LAST DAY’S HOTEL IT WOULD BE BASED ON INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT SCHEDULES
• Binoculars
• Sunglasses
• Sunblock and Bug Spray
• Several pencils
• Daily journal
• A passport purse (to carry money, credit cards, etc... wear it close to your body)
• Any needed medications, anti-diarrhea, or any prescriptions
• Torch/Flashlight
• Swimming wear
• Neutral colour clothing for camouflage
• Several cool long sleeve shirts and short sleeve shirts
• Hat for sun protection (breathable)
• 2-3 pairs of lightweight long pants for rain forest hikes
• Lightweight rain jacket (neutral colour only)
• Casual beach clothing (t-shirts, shorts)
• Long pants and a fast-drying sweater for the city/mountains (temp. are cooler can reach 3.5 degrees celsius)
• Lightweight gloves for cooler areas
• Wellingtons/rubber boots can be bought in Costa Rica for $15 usd
During the downtimes or complicated light garden explorations of visits to other parts of the chosen destinations. Since we will be focused on no control environments or bird feeding stations (unless requested); exploring the surrounding habitats near our lodges can well be highly rewarding. In many cases sitting still on flowering bushes or tree cavities can give us positive results.
