Tropical Rainforest Bird and Wildlife Photography
with Jennifer Leigh Warner
DATES: November 14-22, 2024
TRIP LEADERS: JENNIFER LEIGH WARNER
COST: $3,995PP
GROUP SIZE: 6
About this trip
The lush and varied ecosystems of Costa Rica are abundant with tropical plants, diverse wildlife, and colorful birds. Join award-winning conservation wildlife photographer Jennifer Leigh Warner on this 9-day adventure for the perfect opportunity to photograph the best of the country’s biodiversity. Become immersed in the vibrant flora of cloud forests, rainforests, and rivers. Walk beneath towering 700-year-old trees and learn about innovative conservation projects. From visits to world-renowned tropical research institutions, guided trail hikes and boating excursions, this photographic journey will allow you to create images that you will be proud to place on your wall.
Highlights
Examine some of the country’s 1,300-plus orchid species at SACRO, a non-profit orchid conservation organization.
Take guided hikes in the private, 500-acre rainforest reserve at Selva Verde Lodge, which provides habitat to countless species of plants and animals, including the endangered Great Green Macaw.
Visit the Organization for Tropical Studies La Selva Biological Station, one of the most important sites in the world for research on tropical rainforests.
Seek out the coveted Resplendent Quetzal and marvel at 700-year-old trees in the cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota, a town on the foothills of the Talamanca Mountains.
Spend time at the botanical gardens of Hotel Bougainvillea,, Mi Refugio Hortensias & Eucaliptos, Batsú Gardens, and more stunning properties focused on the preservation of diverse flora in Costa Rica.
Santo Domingo
Nov 14
Upon arrival at the San José International Airport, after clearing customs and collecting your luggage, you will be met and transported to Hotel Bougainvillea, located in a suburb of the capital. After settling into your room, enjoy the beautiful gardens. The hotel's owner, an advocate for the flora of Costa Rica, designed the garden's 10 acres of tropical plants, crops, frog ponds, and walkways. This evening, gather at the hotel restaurant for a welcome dinner with your naturalist guide. Check-in starts at 3 pm. For those who are arriving early and need early check-in, this cost is included in your program.
Dinner included
Overnight at Hotel Bougainvillea
Sarapiqui Valley
Nov 15
Following breakfast and check-out, begin the journey to Sarapiquí Valley. En route, visit the beautiful Nectandra Cloud Forest Garden. Enjoy a walk on their network of trails with your guide, followed by a light lunch at one of their two cafés. After spending time in the gardens and forests, continue on to Selva Verde Lodge & Rainforest Reserve. The property protects more than 500 acres of primary and secondary tropical rainforest. The Valley is also home to the Organization for Tropical Studies La Selva Research Station, which will be visited during your program. After check-in at the lodge, meet together for an orientation to the property and meet the director of the Sarapiquí Conservation Learning Center (SCLC), a non-profit organization that provides services for nearby communities. Learn about their current projects and how they assist local residents, as well as the surrounding forest. Your guide will show you where you will find the self-guided trails near the on-site botanical collection. Have some time to freshen up before dinner, which can be taken at your leisure between 6 and 8 pm. After dinner, join your guide for an optional walk through the property to look for nocturnal wildlife.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge
Sarapiqui Valley
Nov 16
Start the day early with an optional guided bird walk. After breakfast, cross the suspension bridge above Río Sarapiquí and enter Selva Verde's private reserve for a guided hike through the virgin rainforest. This afternoon, visit Dave & Dave's Costa Rica Nature Park, which offers a unique and personal nature experience 100% in the wild guided by the owners Dave Sr. and Dave Jr.. After spending time at the nature park, enjoy a river safari on Río Sarapiquí. Return to the lodge for some free time before dinner to explore the self-guided trails on the property.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge
Sarapiqui Valley
Nov 17
Get a very early start with a 5;30 am transfer to the aforementioned La Selva Research Station where you'll have breakfast followed by an orientation to the property and the Organization for Tropical Studies. Set out on the trails with both your naturalist guide and a guide from OTS, returning for lunch. After your break, explore a different area of trails at La Selva before returning to the lodge for a bit of free time before dinner. Dinner tonight will be al fresco at La Terrazza, Selva Verde's Italian restaurant overlooking Río Sarapiquí (paid on own).
Breakfast-Lunch- included
Overnight at Selva Verde Lodge
San Geraldo de Dota
Nov 18
This morning, travel to the cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota. En route, stop for a visit at Mi Refugio. This family-owned private property in the hillsides of the forest features hortensias and succulents, with landscaped gardens that are unique, clever, and authentic. Meet the family and enjoy a tour through their eden, with time to capture a few photos before lunch in their café. Continue your journey to Savegre Lodge, which offers nearly 1,000 acres of trails, both in virgin and secondary forests. After arrival and check-in, have some time to explore your new surroundings in the afternoon and evening.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Savegre Lodge
San Geraldo de Dota
Nov 19
Start your day with an early morning guided bird walk in search of the resident Resplendent Quetzal. After breakfast, take a guided hike on the Los Robles Trail to see trees that are over 700 years old and stand over 200 feet. The varying degrees of incline on the trails are not particularly strenuous, apart from the effort needed for the mountainous 2.8-mile stretch. Stop for a photo opportunity next to the magnificent Centenary Oak, which in 2010 received the Exceptional Tree Award from the Costa Rican National Biodiversity Institute (INBio). Later today, have lunch at Miriam's, a local favorite. After lunch, have time to spend at leisure to explore on your own. If you prefer, take advantage of the wonderful spa at the hotel at an additional cost.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Savegre Lodge
San Geraldo de Dota
Nov 20
This morning will be spent on the trails in and around the lodge. This afternoon, visit Batsú Gardens, a wonderful location for excellent birding and photography, with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Savegre Lodge
Santo Domingo
Nov 21
After a leisurely breakfast and check out, travel back to Santo Domingo and Hotel Bougainvillea. En route, enjoy a visit to the private home known as Casa Tangara Dowii. Serge Arias welcomes visitors for light meals, coffee, and excellent birding opportunities. Afterward, continue on to the hotel. You may have time for a stroll in the tropical gardens before this evening's special farewell dinner at the hotel with your naturalist guide.
Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Hotel Bougainvillea
Departure
Nov 22
This morning, travel to the airport in San José for your flight(s) home. Check-out at the hotel is at 12 pm. (Please note check-in time at the San José International Airport is 3 hours prior to departure).
Breakfast- included
