Costa Rica | Tropical Photography: Highlands and Valleys

Upon arrival at the San José International Airport, after clearing customs and collecting your luggage, you will be met and taken to Hotel Bougainvillea. This evening, gather for a program orientation, followed by a lecture given by Myriam Sagot, who will introduce her garden before your visit tomorrow morning. Then enjoy a special welcome dinner. Hotel check-in starts at 3 pm.

Check out mid-morning and enjoy a private visit at the home and tropical garden of Myriam Sagot. She is the consummate host, serving her guests a delicious, Costa Rican-style lunch. After your time with Myriam, continue to your accommodations at Bosque de Paz, which borders the rain and cloud forests of Juan Castro Blanco National Park. The lodge and its surrounding reserve feature an abundance of orchids, bromeliads, mosses, and ferns, as well as hundreds of bird and other wildlife species. Check in and have some time to photograph the hummingbirds before dinner.

Today will be spent photographing hummingbirds in the morning, walking the reserve's trails at midday, and photographing in the evening as well.

After early morning birding and photography, depart for the Turrialba area and the beautiful Arte de Plumas and surroundings. Specially designed by a wildlife photographer with bird photography in mind, Arte de Plumas features numerous areas for capturing images of birds in their natural habitats, including hummingbird and butterfly gardens and several feeding stations. Check in, relax, and acquaint yourself with your new surroundings.

You will have a full day to explore the property, arranging special photo opportunities with Jackie and your naturalist guide.

After breakfast, check out and travel to Cerro de la Muerte, an area located at the top of the Talamanca Mountain Range that is famous for its diversity of endemic wildlife. Consisting of temperate forest and páramo habitats, the natural vegetation attracts an immense amount of bird life such as the rare Red-fronted Parrotlet and the photogenic Resplendent Quetzal. En route, visit Casa Tangara Dowii for birding and photo ops, with a lovely lunch at this charming private home and garden. Once you reach San Gerardo de Dota, before checking in at your hotel, you'll have time at the adjacent Feathers Garden for photo opportunities. After check-in, if time permits, explore independently and/or relax before having dinner at the hotel at your leisure.

Wake early this morning to search for the elusive Resplendent Quetzal with Jackie and your naturalist guide. Have breakfast at the lodge, then visit the gardens at Miriam's Quetzals, with lunch. This afternoon visit Batsú Gardens, with private access for excellent birding and photography, including magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. All the gardens visited in this area attract the beautiful and varied resident and migratory birds inhabiting the Talamanca Mountain Range.

After breakfast, check out and depart for Alajuela, stopping en route at Sibö Chocolate for lunch and a chocolate tour, where you'll learn about the history and cultural significance of Costa Rican chocolate. Continue to your hotel, check in, and have the remainder of the afternoon to explore the lovely grounds. This evening, gather for a farewell dinner at Buena Vista Chic Hotel.

At the appropriate time according to your flight schedule, you will be taken to the San José International Airport for your flight out. Please note there is a 3-hour check-in requirement at the SJO Airport for international flights. Hotel check-out is 12 pm.