Costa Rica New Itinerary

Your Costa Rican adventure begins today as you board your flight to Liberia (LIR), Costa Rica. Upon arrival you will be transported to the hotel. Due to the distance everyone will need to arrive at the same time as Kathy (TBA). Unwind and enjoy a photo shoot and welcome dinner. Overnight Tenorio (D)

Your lodge is nestled amidst the volcanoes, opening the doors to the astonishing Rio Celeste and the trail of the National Park Volcano Tenorio. Set in what seems a movie scene, Rio Celeste is the encounter of two rivers that magically change color into vibrant tones of blue, captivating visitors who are already impressed by the raw beauty of the surrounding nature. Hot springs and waterfalls, abundant flora and fauna add to the magnificence of the landscape.

This is a birdwatcher’s paradise, being located in the heart of the Tenorio-Miravalles Biological Corridor, an area that links the Lake Nicaragua in the north to the delta of the Tempisque River (Costa Rica) in the south. Your guides will take your group through the grounds looking for kiskadee, keel-billed toucan, and maybe a swallow-tailed kite or olive-backed euphonia. Enjoy an evening photo shoot with a naturalist from the lodge.

Your last day visit the Cano Negro National Wildlife Refuge nearby. It’s a full day adventure but puts us in a different place. Overnight Tenorio (B, L, D both days)

Drive further east today to a 150-acre nature reserve located just north of Boca Tapada. San Carlos is the site of your eco-lodge, set within the Northern lowlands region of Costa Rica where there are several National Parks. The new Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge preserves nearly 150,000 acres of vital rainforest habitat.

The lodge caters to travelers who want simple, comfortable accommodations set within the heart of nature. The group will photograph at the lodge’s feeders as golden-hooded tanager, blue-gray tanager, and blue dacnis pose on natural perches and feed on fruit. Agami heron and sunbittern are also possible to photograph on self-guided trails that wind through forests, around ponds, and near rivers. Currently, more than 410 species of birds, including the great green macaw and scarlet macaw have been identified. The lodge has a botanical garden, a frog and reptile garden plus a swimming pool. Additionally, the property is part of a famous bird migration route, which allows guests to easily search for an array of splendid birds passing through the area.

Your last day at the lodge take a journey downstream. Photograph crocodiles, turtles, bats, herons, kingfisher, king vulture and many more species. You will arrive at the border with Nicaragua (Río San Juan). Back at the lodge we have arranged guided bird watching and night photography walk for your group. Overnight Maquenque (B, L, D all days)

Photography begins the next morning with sunrise in the gardens, at the feeders, or along the walkway. After breakfast, load your luggage and return to your motor coach.

In the afternoon we will be in the Sarapiqui area, this region is one of the most exuberant and luscious places in Costa Rica, especially with respect to the rainforest. It is named after a river and rests at the base of the Central Volcanic Mountain Range. We will visit Dave & Dave’s Eco-Observatory, consisting of three-covered open-air observation decks for world-class photography. Enjoy a spectacular display of beautifully colored Costa Rica birds as they perch just feet away. Over 215 bird species exist here including the Collared Aracari, Crimson-collard Tanager, and the White-necked Jacobin. After a three-hour photo session here, explore the property trails for additional photo opportunities. Overnight Sarapiqui (B, L, D)

After breakfast this morning check out and return to Dave & Dave’s for another photo shoot. The program returns here this morning to capture the bird and wildlife in different light and activity levels. The mission of the park is to promote environmental awareness through exciting up-close and personal encounters with nature. Bringing insights and appreciation for the vital role reforestation plays on the environment.

Return to western Costa Rica with photo opportunities along the way. Stay at a lovely mountain resort & spa, secluded in the picturesque mountains of the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano. It is a perfect place to stay in Guanacaste. All rooms have independent terraces or balconies with great mountain views and breathtaking sunsets. The climate couldn’t be better thanks to its proximity to the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, one of the most remarkable National Parks in Costa Rica, that combines the Guanacaste dry and sunny weather with the fresh air of the mountains.

Explore the grounds of your hotel with your camera looking for white-throated magpie-jay, turquoise-browed motmot, orange-chinned parakeets and more.  This quiet location gives you a chance to learn the sounds of the rufous-naped wren as well as capture photos of this perky bird. Natural hot springs, thermal pools, and jungle waterfalls, are just some of the many natural attractions you will be able to photograph during your stay. The afternoon will be free to explore the grounds, swim, or chase birds with your camera. Overnight Guanacaste Region (B, L, D both days)

Enjoy your last morning at the lodge, travel to the Liberia Airport in time for flights home. (B)