Costa Rica, nature and life

Workshop in collaboration with Namaa Travel Photography

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Duration

10 days / 8 nights

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Where

Costa Rica

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Price

Finished

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Participants

From 6 to 8

Costa Rica stands out among all Central American countries. Since becoming famous thanks to the Jurassic Park franchise, it has become a little green jewel nestled between two oceans. Its biodiversity is among the most extraordinary on the planet, with a variety of birds, reptiles and amphibians that is unparalleled. The country has invested heavily in these treasures, and today more than 90 percent of its territory is protected. Numerous Nature Parks offer refuge to animals and are perfect places to spot and photograph them, providing a unique experience.

I propose a photographic journey through one of the most extraordinary natural wonders created by Mother Nature. In 10 days we will explore natural parks, go on photographic safaris by boat, admire the spectacular Arenal volcano during a trek, explore the Boca Tapada Biosphere Reserve, observe the alligators of Tarcoles and admire breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific. But above all, we will be immersed in an overflowing Nature, with parrots, toucans, hummingbirds and alligators that we will be able to immortalize together. The trip will take place entirely on private vehicles to ensure maximum flexibility. I will always be present, 24 hours a day, to guide and assist you both in photography and in the overall experience.

This trip is suitable for photographers of all levels, from beginners to those who want to perfect their techniques. It is also an opportunity to share this passion with friends. Participants will be connected with me via a dedicated WhatsApp group before the event. After the trip, we will organize a review session of the shots via Zoom to analyze the photos together and offer technical advice.

Price of the trip

Finished

Included

8 nights with breakfast in a superior tourist category hotel.
Shared rooms with private facilities.
All ground transportation by private car/minivan with guide provided by the organization, including fuel and tolls/parking, including group transfer to and from the airport.
Professional Italian accompanying photographer.
2 photographic boat safaris: Rio Tarcoles for alligators, mangrove forest (Esterillos Oeste) for Scarlet Macaws.
3 entrances and park tour with our photographer: Arenal Volcano Park, Danaus Ecocenter and Carara Park.
Standard health and baggage insurance.

Not included

The international flight: cost from Italy starting from EUR 850 at the time of publication.
On the dates chosen there are two departures with Iberia and Klm from the main Italian airports, at times compatible with the course of the trip.
Travel cancellation insurance (Highly recommended).
All meals.
Extra program activities and excursions.
Tips and gratuity.
Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section.

More information

Itinerary

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Day 1

Departure from Italy (airport of the participants’ choice, KLM/Iberia flights from all major Italian airports). Arrival in San Josè. Group transfer to the hotel, check-in rooms. Evening visit to the historic center. Night in the surroundings of San Josè.

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Day 2

Transfer to Tarcoles. Rio Tarcoles is known as the crocodile river and is home to the largest crocodiles in America. We will take a photographic safari by boat to immortalize the majestic reptiles (included). On the river it is also possible to spot many local birds. Afternoon visit to the Carara National Park, near Tarcoles: small, but incredibly rich in fauna. Return to San José in the evening. Night in the surroundings of San José.

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Day 3

Transfer to Boca Tapada, in the center of the Manenque Reserve. The Reserve is a paradise of vegetation and waters: the large number of birds, including many rare ones, makes Boca Tapada a unique destination for bird watching and nature photography. One of the most representative birds is the green macaw, quite common in the area, another is the white vulture. We will also find various species of colorful toucans, hummingbirds, tanagers. Arrival at the hotel, check-in rooms and entire afternoon of photographic observations in the Lodge park. Night in Boca Tapada.

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Day 4

Full day dedicated to other photographic observations in the Manenque reserve. The reserve offers endless photographic opportunities and the day will pass quickly. Possibility of reserving dedicated hides for the observation of the king vulture, numerous species of snakes and amphibians. Night in Boca Tapada.

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Day 5

Early in the morning transfer to Fortuna, home of the Arenal Volcano National Park. After checking in rooms we will have a visit and photo session at the Ecocentro Danaus Biological Reserve, rich in typical fauna. Possibility of a second night outing (not included) to spot nocturnal animals, such as the red-eyed frog, snakes and other amphibians. Night in Fortuna or surroundings.

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Day 6

After breakfast, long transfer to Esterillos Oeste (about 4 hours), a town on the Pacific coast famous for its mangrove forests and its beaches, the most famous being Plaja Behuco. The ocean sunsets are something you rarely see. Along the way, stop at the Hummingbird Oasis “El Cocora Bosche Nuboso”. Photo session dedicated to these tiny, fascinating and colorful birds. For us, Esterillos Oeste means Scarlet Macaw, the majestic red and blue parrot: the area is full of them and they are friendly animals that let you get quite close. Arrival in Esterillos Oeste: we will be inside a large palm grove populated by sloths and numerous other animals.
Check-in rooms and first photographs of the parrots and the majestic sunset. Night in Esterillos Oeste.

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Day 7

In the morning, a photo safari by boat to the mangrove forest (included): capuchin monkeys, sloths and reptiles will be our targets. In the afternoon, return to Esterillos Oeaste for more photo sessions of the Scarlet Macaw, the sloth and the beach fauna (pink crabs, with a bit of luck turtles). Night in Esterillos Oeste.

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Day 8

Manuel Antonio National Park. The park is the most visited in the country as it hosts a huge variety of animal species and is easily accessible. Despite a certain anthropization, the sighting of monkeys, sloths and toucans is almost guaranteed. The visit will last the whole day and is a beautiful relaxing experience, with the possibility of bathing in the tropical waters. Return and night in Esterillos Oeste.

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