2013 Costa Rica Highlights Photo Tour

TOUR OVERVIEW

Costa Rica is an excellent destination for bird photographers because opportunities for photographing tropical birds are superb while excellent accommodations are located near all the prime sites. Our Costa Rica Highlights Photo Tour covers many of the best places to see and photograph birds in the country. We visit Carara National Park near the central Pacific coast, La Selva Biological Station and nearby areas on the Caribbean slope, and the Talamanca Mountains south of San Jose where Resplendent Quetzals are most readily seen and photographed. The tour is led by professional bird photographer Laura Fellows, who captured most of the images on our website, and an expert birding guide who will find and identify subjects for our photography.

PHOTOS OF SOME POSSIBLE SPECIES ON TOUR

TOUR ITINERARY

DATE	ACTIVITY	MEALS	ACCOMMODATIONS
1-Sat 01/19	Arrival	D	Hotel Aeropuerto
2-Sun 01/20	Photograph Birds of Tarcoles Area. Boat Trip on River.	BLD	Villa Lapas
3-Mon 01/21	Photograph Birds of Carara NP	BLD	Villa Lapas
4-Tue 01/22	TransferLunch En Route	BLD	Selva Verde Lodge
5-Wed 01/23	Photograph Birds of La Selva	BLD	Selva Verde Lodge
6-Thu 01/24	Transfer-Stops En Route	BLD	Savegre Mountain Hotel
7-Fri 01/25	Photograph Birds of Talamanca Highlands	BLD	Savegre Mountain Hotel
8-Sat 01/26	Photograph Birds of Talamanca Highlands. Transfer to San Jose.	BLD	Hotel Aeropuerto
9-Sun 01/27	End of tour. Flights home.	B

TOUR MAP

TOUR DESCRIPTION

DAY 1 - ALAJUELA

International flights arrive in the afternoon or evening. Everyone gathers at the Hotel Aeropuerto, a 5-minute taxi ride from the international airport, where they are met by the tour leader. Night in Alejuela.

DAY 2 - TARCOLES

Depart early and drive down the Pacific slope to the lowlands, arriving at the lodge mid-morning. Afternoon boat trip on the Rio Tarcoles, with many opportunties to photograph birds along the river. Night at Hotel Villa Lapas.   Show Likely Species

 

DAY 3 - CARARA NATIONAL PARK

All day photograph birds in Carara National Park, which protects dry lowland forest near the Pacific coast. The park is in a zone of overlap between northerly and southerly species so has high species diversity. Morning walk the Laguna Meandrica Trail through secondary forest, best place in the park. This trail ends at a lagoon where aquatic birds such as Boat-billed Heron are found. Afternoon walk the Headquarters Trail through primary forest where more secretive birds can be found. Both trails are wide, level, and easy walking. Night at Hotel Villa Lapas.   Show Likely Species

DAY 4 - CARARA TO SELVA VERDE

Morning photograph birds around the lodge or nearby areas. After breakfast depart for Caribbean slope, stopping at a restaurant en route for lunch. Arrive mid-afternoon. Photograph birds around the lodge in late afternoon. Night at Selva Verde Lodge.   Show Possible Species

DAY 5 - LA SELVA BIOLOGICAL STATION

All day photographing birds at La Selva Biological Station, which welcomes visitors. Morning photograph birds along the entrance road, where bird activity is highest. Afternoon walk trails through primary forest to photograph deeper forest species. We'll also photograph hummingbirds and other birds around the entrance area. Night at Selva Verde Lodge.   Show Likely Species

DAY 6 - EL TAPIR NATURE RESERVE & SAN GERARDO DE DOTA

Depart after breakfast for the central highlands, stopping en route at El Tapir Nature Reserve, an excellent place to photograph hummingbirds. A prime attraction is the prized Snowcap. Arrive in San Gerardo de Dota in the Talamanca Mountains by late afternoon. Photograph hummingbirds around lodge feeders after arrival as time permits. Night at Savegre Mountain Hotel.   Show Likely Species

DAY 7 - SAN GERARDO DE DOTA

Early morning excursion to photograph Resplendent Quetzals. The quetzals are found in different places every year, so we'll rely on the resident guide to give us directions on where they are. In recent years they've been mostly up on the ridgeline because a squatter has been cutting down almond trees lower down, which is the main food source for quetzals. Reaching them on the ridgeline entails a moderate uphill hike with switchbacks. After breakfast drive uphill above the lodge and walk down, photographing birds we encounter. Mid day photograph birds in areas near the lodge and hummingbirds at the feeders. Late afternoon optional walk along the River Trail, a fairly easy somewhat downhill trail following the river on lodge property.   Show Possible Species

DAY 8 - THE TALAMANCA HIGHLANDS

Morning photograph birds we may have missed the previous day. It's a second chance for Resplendent Quetzal if needed. Depart mid-morning for San Jose, stopping near Cartago for early lunch. After lunch visit Lankester Botanical Gardens, best known for its orchid collection. After a couple hours visit, continue back to San Jose, arriving late afternoon. Night at Hotel Aeropuerto in Alajuela.

DAY 9 - END OF TOUR

Tour ends with breakfast at the hotel. International flights home.

TOUR INFORMATION

The below information is provided to inform people of what to expect if they participate in this tour and to advise participants on how to prepare for the tour. We try to provide accurate information but conditions and travel requirements can change over time.

Entering Costa Rica

Persons entering Costa Rica require a valid passport with an expiration date more than 6 months after their planned departure from the country. Immigration officials may deny a person entry if their passport is not in good condition. US citizens do not require a visa to enter Costa Rica. They must fill out a tourist card provided by the airline en route to the the country. Non-US citizens should check with the Costa Rica embassy to find out about entry requirements.

Leaving Costa Rica

A departure tax of $26 is assessed when leaving Costa Rica. This tax is not included in the tour price.

Time Zone

Costa Rica is on Central Standard Time.

Immunizations & Health

Please contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding health issues and immunization requirements when traveling in Costa Rica. Malaria does not pose a significant risk in Costa Rica. There are venomous insects and snakes, though the latter are rarely encountered in areas we visit. The best prevention is to use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers instead of shorts, avoid touching vegetation with bare skin, and staying on established trails. See your travel doctor for specific recommendations at least 4-6 weeks prior to departure.

Medical Facilities

Good medical care is available in major cities but not necessarily in smaller towns. Pharmacies are available in most towns as well as cities.

Insurance

We recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance, which will reimburse you for any non-refundable payments you would otherwise lose if you must cancel your participation in the tour for some unforeseen reason. Trip cancellation insurance must normally be purchased within a short time after you register for the tour. Travel medical insurance is advisable, especially for those with chronic or known medical conditions.

Altitude

Our Costa Rica tours cover several altitudinal zones from sea level to approximately 8000 ft. The lodge we stay at in the Talamanca Mountains is at an elevation of about 7000 ft.

Climate

The dry season in Costa Rica begins in December and normally lasts to the end of April. Rainy season is May-June and September-November with a mini-dry season during July-August. Rain is possible during dry season, and when it occurs it tends to be for short periods in the afternoon. During rainy season it can rain all day on the Caribbean slope. On the Pacific slope rain tends to occur in afternoons. Temperature varies more with time of day and altitude than with seasons. It's somewhat warmer during dry season than during rainy season, with mid-day temperatures in the lowlands typically reaching mid to high 80's. In the Talamanca Mountains nights can be quite cold, with temperatures down to the low-40's. Many bird species begin breeding in January or February. July-December is non-breeding season for many species.

Pace

Birding tours are conducted at an easy to moderate pace. Photo tours are conducted at a slower pace than birding tours to allow ample time for photography. Birding and photography are best in early morning and late afternoon, so days begin shortly after first light around 6:00 am. Breakfasts may be earlier around 5:00-5:30 am or after morning birding ends around 9:30 am depending on locale. We often take a break during mid-day to rest, except on travel days when we are using that time to drive to the next destination instead. Because we awake early, participants typically retire to their rooms immediately after we complete dinner and checklists for the day.

The trails we walk during the tour are for the most part level, wide, and easy walking. The exception is in the Talamanca Mountains, where we may walk up a somewhat steep trail or road, depending on where the Replendent Quetzals are found that season. The longest trail is about 2½ miles round-trip, which we cover at a birding pace over the course of a morning.

Accommodations

We stay in eco-lodges except the first and last night of the tour. We stay in a moderately priced hotel near the airport on those 2 nights. Electricity for re-charging batteries is always available. Further details can be found on the Accommodations link on the sidebar.

Food

Food is good with fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood.

The quality and variety of food in the lodges is generally good, with fruits and vegetables readily available. We sometimes eat dinner in area restaurants where the seafood can be excellent.

Transportation

We travel by comfortable, air-conditioned mini-bus with ample room for participants and gear on our Costa Rica tours. The bus is driven by a professional Costa Rican driver who knows all the birding locales we visit and how to reach them. Bottled water will always be available. Bathroom stops will be made as soon as possible upon request during transfers.

Registration & Payment

Registration can be done by mailing us a completed registration form, which can be printed from the TOUR INFO menu above. Please note that our Costa Rica tours require a deposit of $400 upon registration. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Please refer to our Registration procedure accessible from the TOUR INFO menu above for payment procedures and refund policies. Trip cancellation insurance is highly recommended as refunds are only possible to the extent we are refunded deposits required by lodges in Costa Rica.

Additional Information

General information about the tour, including where to meet the group and contact information, will be sent by email or US mail prior to departure. Checklists will be provided at the beginning of the tour. Additional information about our policies can be found on the Tour Info menu above. Please feel free to call us at 877-247-3371 or email us with any questions you may have.

Information last updated April, 2012.

ACCOMMODATIONS DURING TOUR

HOTEL AEROPUERTO

Hotel Aeropuerto is a comfortable hotel located 5 km from the international airport outside San Jose in Alajuela. The acclaimed hotel restaurant offers a wonderful breakfast buffet and a la carte lunches and dinners. Its 24 single and double rooms feature queen-size beds, air conditioning, private bath with hot water tub and shower, cable TV, telephone, and coffee maker.

HOTEL VILLA LAPAS

Villa Lapas is an upscale eco-lodge focused on the conservation of nature. It's located just 5 minutes from Carara National Park, making it an ideal location for visiting birders. Meals are served buffet style or a la carte. Breakfasts are especially superb.Rooms feature 2 queen-size beds or a king-size bed. All rooms are air-conditioned and include private baths with hot water and showers. Full bar service is available next to the dining room.

SELVA VERDE LODGE

Selva Verde is an exceptional eco-lodge situated on the Sarapiqui River not far from La Selva Field Station. The entrance area, dining area, and accommodations are dispersed around lush tropical gardens and inter-connected through a network of covered walkways. Birding on the lodge grounds can be fruitful. Meals are served buffet-style in a large open dining area overlooking the Sarapiqui River. Alcoholic drinks are available. Rooms are well-maintained and comfortable. They feature single or queen beds and private baths with hot water. Rooms are well shaded by the forest and kept cool with the aid of ceiling fans.

SAVEGRE MOUNTAIN HOTEL

Savegre Mountain Hotel is located in San Gerardo de Dota, a small community at the bottom of a steep-walled mountain valley in the Talamanca Mountains. The private reserve is best place to see Resplendent Quetzal as well as other specialty birds of the highlands. Meals are served a la carte or buffet style. The house specialty is freshly caught rainbow trout. A bar and lounge with large windows provides close-up views of hummingbirds at the feeders and is a great place to relax. All rooms include comfortable double beds, private bath with hot water, and heater.

LAURA FELLOWS

Laura L Fellows is co-founder of Exotic Birding LLC with Jim Wittenberger and conducts most of our tours as leader and tour coordinator. She has worked as a professional photographer since 1983. Laura's vision as a bird photographer is to portray birds and other animals as they live and behave in their natural environments. She published her vision of such "Environmental Portraits" in the December 2007 issue of Nature Photography magazine. Her photos have been used in biology textbooks and on professional websites. Before embarking on her current venture with Exotic Birding, Laura had 16 years professional experience as a commercial photographer and advertising studio manager for an internationally recognized studio in Atlanta. In that capacity she organized, coordinated and executed major photography assignments for numerous national advertising campaigns on location in the Caribbean, South America, Europe, and many states in the US. She founded and directed a photography workshop program in the Tuscany region of Italy, where she lived for 3 years. Through her efforts the workshop attracted many internationally renowned photographers as guest instructors. She speaks fluent Italian and is now gaining familiarity with Spanish. She has lectured as an invited speaker in the art department at the University of Georgia and many photo clubs, has exhibited her photographs in galleries, and has curated 5 photography exhibitions in the USA and Italy. Laura has enjoyed a life-long love and fascination for birds and nature. Some of her many photographs can be seen throughout our website.

BIRDING GUIDE

Mario Cordoba has been guiding tours in Costa Rica since 1992. He is a university graduate with training in eco-tourism guiding. He worked for a year as resident naturalist/birding guide at Arenal Volcano National Park, then 3 years for a Costa Rican tour company. Since 1996 he has worked as a free-lance birding and naturalist guide for various Costa Rican tour companies including Costa Rica Expeditions. He has led tours for National Wildlife Federation, Cornell Adult University, International Expeditions, California State University, Holbrook Travel, Elderhostel, various North American birding tour companies, several Audubon groups, and other organizations and private parties. Mario is an excellent birder and is also very knowledgeable about botany, wildlife, politics, and history of Costa Rica. His former clients describe him as very patient even under the most trying circumstances. He comes highly recommended to us by the owners and staff at Savegre Mountain Hotel in San Gerardo de Dota. We welcome him as guide for our birding tours to Costa Rica.