Strabo Photo Tour Collection

Costa Rica Tropical Adventure with Cathy and Gordon Illg

Costa Rica’s natural heritage is one of astonishing diversity. Bordered by the Caribbean and the Pacific, its coastline rises abruptly to volcanic mountains that run the length of the country. For millions of years, it has been a biological land bridge between North and South America, which has given it a unique natural history. The sheer variety is amazing for a country of just 20,000 square miles. Within its borders are more than a dozen life zones. In the same day, you can experience 12,000-foot mountains, cloud forests, lowland rain forests, mangrove swamps, palm-lined beaches, dry tropical forest, and savannah.

This diversity is reflected in its rich plant and animal life. There are more species of birds here than in all of North America, over 800 in a country only four times the size of Connecticut. Among its 237 species of mammals are two-toed and three-toed sloths, and four species of monkeys. Reptiles and amphibians include the strawberry poison dart frog, the endangered American crocodile, and the basilisk lizard, which can actually run across water. There are more butterflies in Costa Rica than on the entire continent of Africa. The plant life is spectacular. There are more than 12,000 species of plants, including a dazzling variety of trees and orchids.

All of this is being wisely protected in an excellent system of national parks and reserves that has won praise from conservationists around the world. The government has set aside thirteen national parks, eight biological reserves, three wildlife refuges, and other areas that now comprise one fourth of the country’s land area. These far-sighted efforts have placed Costa Rica at the forefront of conservation, especially among tropical countries, where deforestation is proceeding at an alarming rate.

Itinerary

November 8: Home – San José

Our Costa Rican adventure begins today as we board our flight to San José, the country's capital city. We will stay overnight at the Bougainvillea Hotel, about twenty minutes from the airport. This quaint hotel is located in a scenic neighborhood of San Jose, surrounded by gardens and designed with nature in mind, offering a warm welcome to our photographers. We will have a Welcome Dinner and Orientation. Overnight Bougainvillea Hotel. (D)

November 9 - November 10: San José - Arenal

After breakfast leave San Jose and make your way to the Arenal Volcano Area. This morning visit the Nectandra Cloud Forest Garden, a centerpiece of primary and secondary forest, featuring plants for their importance in medicinal, indigenous and cultural uses. To enhance the enjoyment of visitors and to minimize the impact upon the forest, the number of visitors permitted entry each day is limited. In addition, your naturalist guides will devote their full attention to our small group. The Garden has facilities for horticultural, botanical and scientific exhibits. A small number of changing exhibits highlights the basic and current scientific information on various aspects of the ecology and life forms of the cloud forest. After enjoying lunch at the gardens continue on to the Arenal Volcano.

Arenal, a spectacular, cone-shaped volcano rising out of the flat San Carlos Plains. It is the most active volcano in the country and the frequent, loud booms can be heard as far away as Monteverde. This morning take time to enjoy the lodge premises, perhaps taking hike to enjoy the spectacular views of the volcano, or perhaps visit the Ecocentro Danaus Ecological Reserve. The afternoon of your second day we will enjoy the Hidalgo Family Hot Springs, an exclusive retreat for those looking for a relaxing respite in natural springs heated by Arenal Volcano. Family owned and operated, the springs are surrounded by tropical foliage and set near an authentic ranch house complete with Costa Rican curiosities, such as a coffee grinder (pilot) and farming equipment. The four pools are landscaped with large, smooth river rock taken from the area and are large enough to offer plenty of room to spread out and find a private corner to relax among peaceful environs. The hot springs are not open to the public. Overnight both nights Arenal Manoa Hotel. (B, L, D)

November 11: Sarapiqui Area - La Selva

Depart this morning for 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.

The Sarapiquis Neotropical Center includes a hotel designed to resemble a fifteenth century indigenous village, an archeological site, a small biodiversity museum, and organic vegetable gardens. The grounds are a bird watchers’ paradise and are visited by Honey Creepers, Banana Quits, Toucans, and many other species.

Visit the La Selva Biological Station, a rainforest reserve and research station owned by a consortium of U.S. Universities and the University of Costa Rica known as OTS (Organization of Tropical Studies). Founded in the late sixties, La Selva is perhaps the longest running and, certainly, one of the most prestigious research stations on tropical rainforest anywhere in the world. The property encompasses more than 1500 hectares including a variety of ecosystems characteristic of the wet lowland tropical zone. It forms part of a much larger protected area, which includes Braulio Carrillo National Park. Within La Selva, visitors can experience virgin forest, secondary forest at different stages of growth, forest edge vegetation, lowland rivers, swamps, and cultivated areas around the buildings. Overnight Sarapiquis Neotropical Center. (B, L, D)

November 12 - November 13: Sarapiquis / Turrialba Area

After breakfast depart for the Turriabla region. Rancho Naturalista, is located in the Tuis Valley, at the northern limit of Costa Rica’s Talamanca Mountains. At 900 meters elevation on the Atlantic slope of the country, Rancho’s forests, farmlands, and surrounding area offer an impressive 300 species of birds – many of which are difficult or impossible to see in other parts of the country.

The ranch lies on 125 acres in pre-mountain rain forest. You will be impressed with the famous hummingbird pools where Snowcap and Purple-crowned Fairy are regular bathers. The numerous hummingbird feeders offer a wonderful opportunity to photograph White-necked Jacobin, Green Violet-ear, and Green-crowned Brilliant species. The beautiful old tree off the veranda that is covered with bananas, attracts Fiery-billed Aracari, Passerini Tanager, and other topical birds.

Near your lodge, you will see several species of morphos and a large variety of butterflies and orchids. Of the more than 12,000 species of Moths to be found in Costa Rica, a sizable percentage can be found around the lodge. The Rancho itself is somewhat eclectic, an attractive combination of main house - in bed and breakfast style - plus additional hotel-style rooms in separate but nearby buildings. Balanced, nutritious meals are prepared in the newly remodeled kitchen and served family-style in the cozy dining room. Overnight Rancho Naturalista both nights. (B, L, D)

November 14 - November 15: Savegre

Make your way through the Cerro de la Muerte area, stopping along stunning mountain roads to photograph birds and local sights, and perhaps a visit to the City of Cartago.

Your final destination today is the charming Savegre Lodge, a Costa Rican owned property hidden away in the picturesque San Gerardo de Dota Valley of Costa Rica’s southern Talamanca Mountain range. The misty and beautiful surroundings provide a unique opportunity to enjoy the views and sounds of the cloud forest, as well as discover the wonders of Costa Rica's unspoiled ecology. In this virtually undiscovered location, you will get comfortable in your new mountain environs, and then photograph the lovely tropical gardens, clear mountain stream, and forest landscape.

The second day you will have a relaxing day, taking opportunities to discover this unique lodge, hiking the Savegre trails where we will look for great shots of the Resplendent Quetzals, hummingbirds, and many others. Photographing birds in this lovely setting is extraordinary. Lunch will be provided at Chacon’s, the first family that arrived in this area. Overnight Savegre Lodge both nights. (B, L, D)

November 16: Savegre – San Jose

After breakfast at your lodge, travel back to San Jose, with explorations along the way for additional photography. Arriving back at your hotel, enjoying a delicious farewell dinner. Overnight Bougainvillea Hotel. (B, L, D)

November 17: Departure for Home

After breakfast at the hotel transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport to take your flights back home. (B)

Accommodations

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Guides

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Food & Drink

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Pricing Info

Tour land cost: $3,295 US Dollars based upon minimum of 8 paying participants. There is a small group surcharge of $300 if 5-7 paying participants. All our program prices are based on double occupancy unless noted in exceptions.

Single room supplement: $545; single rooms are subject to availability and are not guaranteed. We try to accommodate travelers who request single accommodations, as well as travelers who are looking for a roommate. If a single room is requested, or if we are unable to find a suitable roommate, you will be required to pay the supplement.

Note: The land costs on international tours is based upon current exchange rates. Although the rate has been relatively stable, should it change, there may need to be an adjustment in the land cost.

General Tour Info (includes, excludes and other details)