Costa Rica Photography Tour

Itinerary

OPTIONAL PRE-EXTENSION: March 23 – 24

This pre-extension is being offered to anyone interested in a “down day” in San Jose.
Monday, March 23
Depart US/Canada and arrive in San Jose the same day. Greeting at airport and transfer to hotel upon arrival. “Meet and Greet” with welcome drinks  in lounge. Overnight in deluxe room at the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose for two nights.

Tuesday, March 24 (B, L)
We’ll enjoy breakfast at this beautiful hotel and then meet up late morning for an excursion to SIBU CHOCOLATE to learn all about chocolate! Chocolate tour, organic lunch and wine pairing with artisan chocolate is included. In the evening, we’ll meet up with arriving guests for “Meet and Greet”.

Tuesday, March 24

If you are NOT doing the pre-extension – Depart US/Canada and arrive in San Jose the same day. Greeting at airport and transfer to hotel upon arrival. “Meet and Greet” with welcome drinks in the lounge. Overnight stay in deluxe room at the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel San Jose

Wednesday, March 25 – Saturday, March 28 (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we’ll take a scenic drive through coffee plantations, strawberry fields and lush dairy farms to Poas Volcano National Park,. At Poás Volcano, we can get right to the edge of the crater to see and photograph the hot acid stream vents and the green crater lake Laguna Caliente. Walk along a 1/2 mile trail through a gnarled dwarf forest to an overlook above the extinct crater Lake Botos surrounded by a cloud forest. We’ll have a lunch stop before we travel on to the Osa Peninsula Jungle Rainforest by private charter plane. Enjoy coastal luxury lodging – a unique experience in itself. Photographic opportunities include Scarlet Macaw, parrots, parakeets, toucans, sloth, coati, agouti, frogs, Halloween crabs, Squirrel Monkeys… the list goes on. Often you can photograph the Scarlet Macaws flying right by your cabana deck. This has by far been a favorite place to stay by previous guests who have traveled with us to Costa Rica! This area is probably one of the best to encounter one of the species of jungle cats, including pumas, ocelots, margays, and jaguarundis. Pumas are spotted 2-3 times a month on average. We cannot guarantee there will be one, but the opportunity may arise. Wild tapir are returning to the area and may be seen. Three-toed sloths are frequently photographed. A prepaid $100 credit will be given to each guest to select tours of interest or use for credit towards the spa, gift shop and beverages. Most photography can be done right from your balcony or near your cabana in the early mornings and mid-afternoons. Dan will be available throughout the trip to help you personally with your camera or photography needs. Take a pool break and cool off or enjoy a beverage at the pool lounge. Gourmet meals and excellent breakfasts! Ocean view cabanas for all guests. Overnight Bosque del Cabo for four nights.

Sunday, March 29 (B, L)

A late morning departure to ensure one last photo shoot in this beautiful area. We’ll take a visit to the nearby coastal village of Puerto Jiminez to photograph the local life in Costa Rica. After lunch, we’ll drive the coastal highway to Quepos near Manuel Antonio National Park. Evening frog and reptile photography tour planned at a nearby refuge. Dinner on your own tonight. Choose from a variety of restaurants within walking distance. Overnight at Si Como No for three nights.

Monday, March 30 (B, L)

Manual Antonio National Park Tour. We’ll walk through the park, trails are gravel and mostly flat. We hope to find some sloths along the way. There is a great area we know of where the Capuchin monkeys like to hang out with the visitors.  Bring your swim suit! We will have an opportunity to swim and cool down at the park’s beautiful white sandy beach.  As we depart the park we’ll have a little time to shop locally before heading for lunch. We’ll also visit the exhilarating MidWorld Costa Rica. Zip-lining here is optional, however, on our last visit those that thought they would not do it decided to go last minute and had the time of their lives. Walking the rainforest area photographing with our guide is also an option. Dinner on your own tonight. Overnight Si Como No

Tuesday, March 31 (B, L)

Especially requested by past guests, we’ve added some time for a morning visit to the ocean for snorkeling. After lunch, we’ll visit a nearby refuge to photograph the butterfly aviary, birds and reptiles. Evening frog and reptile photography shoot at refuge. Dinner on your own tonight. Overnight Si Como No

Wednesday, April 1 (B,L,D)

Early departure to San Jose by coach with a stop by the crocodile bridge and also time for a little souvenir shopping. Lunch at our hotel, the Finca Blanca Rosa. This boutique coffee plantation hotel is a treat! Each room is unique with white wash walls, hand painted murals and mosaic bathrooms. This afternoon we’ll visit  the Finca Rosa Blanca coffee plantation and learn everything there is to know about coffee. Their coffee has a nice, mild, non-acidic flavor – a great gift to bring home for friends and family. Farewell gourmet dinner and wine this evening. Overnight at Finca Rosa Blanca

Thursday, April 2 (B)

Depart home at your leisure, but remember you’ll have to leave the hotel 2.5 to 3 hours prior to your flight departure. We always recommend to leave later in the day if possible to enjoy the hotel in the morning. This hotel is beautiful and a wonderful way to end your trip. If you would like to stay an extra night we can make arrangements – just let us know 🙂 If your flight leaves early the hotel will pack you a to-go breakfast box. Transfers to the airport are provided.