Join us as we journey to beautiful Costa Rica to photograph wildlife ranging from sloth and white faced monkeys to bats, frogs, lizards, birds and more. This is one trip you will not want to miss.

Itinerary

Departing from Orlando March 24, 2010

Returning to Orlando April 5, 2010

Day 1-We begin our journey at Orlando International Airport where we gather to travel to San Jose, Costa Rica. There we will get pick up our vehicles, load our gear and be on our way. Hotel El Bambu is about 82 kilometers from our airport and the drive is scenic and inspiring. Once we arrive we get acquainted with our surroundings and if time permits photograph a sloth known to be residing in the trees on the property. In the evening the bats will dine on insects and we will have the opportunity to take images again. (D)

Day 2-Today we have a full day and will forage for frogs, lizards and birds. Our guide, biologist and co-leader, Reinier Munguia is familiar with the region and has many places to take us to photograph the creatures and scenery.(B,L,D)

Day 3, 4, 5- After our breakfast we travel to Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge where birds,
frogs, snakes and other flora and fauna await us. This is a very special location
with much photography to be had. For those who want to try a zip line this is
the place to make a reservation and enjoy the trip over the jungle (this is an extra
cost). The bird population is great and they have vipers and other snakes on
live display. With the proper permission we might have a chance to photograph
these creatures in the wild. We spend three nights here to take advantage of
the scenery and wildlife.(B,L,D)

Day 6 and 7-We travel to Hotel Carara where we find the scarlet macaw as well
as many other birds. On our way we stop to visit the crocodiles and for those
brave enough we head for the rivers edge to get up close and personal.(B,L,D)

Day 8-We head to Hotel Espadilla so that we may enjoy a hike in the national
park and visit the sloth and white faced monkeys. Here we enjoy the ocean only
a few blocks from our location.(B,L,D)

Day 9, 10, 11-This is our last travel time before heading to San Jose and
returning to Orlando. An awesome drive into the mountains where we descend
from 9600 feet to find the Hotel Savegre. This is special place and attached is
bird list of species found. We are here at the best time of year as it is also baby
bird time for quetzals. It is the sanctuary for many animals and bird species and
the hummingbirds love to pose by the feeders throughout the day. We head for
the airport the morning of our last day after our breakfast and final shoot time.
(B,L,D except on last day it is only B)

Included are:

Hotel El Bambu (www.elbambu.com)-located at the heart of Puerto Viejo in Sarapiquí, and neighbors of the exuberant tropical rain forest, Hotel El Bambú offers its clients the most comfortable and pleasant stay.

Arenal Oasis Eco Lodge & Wildlife Refuge-This wonderful place is the results of several years of conservation, allowing to a different species of animal a new home; at the beginning of the 80’s was a big cattle field and now it is a paradise for Sloths, Mexican Anteater, Gray Fox, Ocelots, howler Monkeys, Toucans, Manakines, Hummingbirds, Turkeys, Tree Frogs, Glass Frogs and Poison Dart Frogs, Snakes, Lizards and much more...

Hotel Carara (www.hotelcarara.com)-Enjoy a “Pura Vida” vacation with a pleasant weather and relax admiring the imposing Pacific Ocean. Have a breakfast observing the beauty of the Scarrlet Macaw “Ara Macao”.

Venture in a safari and discover the habitat of the crocodiles and hundreds of exotic birds... or simply experience Tárcoles, an authentic little fishing town that has a strategic location to travel rapidly to the beaches and other beautiful zones of the Costa Rican Pacific Zone.

Hotel Espadilla (www.espadilla.com)-Hotel Playa Espadilla is located just 150 mts from Manuel Antonio Beach front, and 200 mts away from the main entrance of Manuel Antonio National Park.Hotel Playa Espadilla offers 16 comfortable rooms fully equipped with air conditioner, cable TV, hot water, safety deposit box and hair dryer. We offer two kinds of rooms the standard room and the efficiency room that give you the choice to have kitchenette and refrigerator facilities. Services of swimming pool, bar, restaurant, tennis court, parking lot and biological private trails.

Savegre Mountain Hotel (www.savegre.co.cr)-The Savegre Mountain Hotel, also known as Cabinas Chacón, is located in San Gerardo de Dota, a small community in the Talamanca mountains in the midst of a precious ecosystem... Here you will find a deep cloud forest filled with massive oaks and other native species. The woods serve as a sanctuary for a large number of mammals and innumerable species of insects, amphibians, amazing plants and colorful birds, a paradise for birdwatchers.

Cost

As space is limited we encourage you to read and sign our terms and conditions, fill out the information form and send in a $500.00 deposit. We will notify you of the arrangements for air travel and send you a bill for the final sums as they come due.

 

Total price is $2650 based on double occupancy. Single supplements are available on request for and additional fee.

Included below are links for the brochures on travel insurance which is mandatory. You may choose this or any other carrier but we need proof of coverage before your paperwork is complete and we head off on this trip.

If you have any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to email either one of us through the above website address or call us directly.

Ric Kessler 386-677-3197 or rickessler@hotmail.com
Reinier Munguia 863-644-5022 or rmung@wildstockphotos.com

Bird List