Costa Rica, nature and life

Departure from Italy (airport chosen by the participants). Arrival in San Jose. Group transfer to the hotel, room check-in. Evening visit to the historic center. Night in San Jose.

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

Transfer to Boca Tapada, in the center of the Manenque Reserve. The Reserve is a paradise of vegetation and water: the large number of birds, including many rare ones, makes Boca Tapada a unique destination for birdwatching and nature photography. One of the most representative birds is the green macaw, quite frequent in the area, another is the royal white vulture. We will also find various species of colorful toucans, hummingbirds, tanagers, pigeons and many aquatic birds, such as herons, as the area is extremely rich in wetlands and marshes. Arrival at the hotel, check-in rooms and first photographic observations in the Lodge park. In the afternoon, a photographic boat tour on the Rio San Carlos (included): we will be able to see iguanas, monkeys of various species, king vultures, many birds, crocodiles or alligators as well as river turtles. Furthermore, the landscape during the tour is extremely beautiful, combining patches of tropical forests and riverside farms. The tour lasts approximately 4 hours and will end at sunset. Night in Boca Tapada

Early morning photographic walk in the jungle (assisted, included): it is the most representative excursion. The Boca Tapada area, also thanks to the fact that it is located within the Mixed Maquenque Wildlife Refugee, one of the most wooded areas of San Carlos, is dedicated to the conservation of its tropical forests. Almost all hotels in the area have their own forest reserves, ours has a reserve of over 200 hectares. Guided walks or jungle walks are usually done early in the morning, as this is the time when most species of fauna can be observed. Return to the hotel late morning/lunch time. Time for rest. Possibility of observing the white king vulture in dedicated huts.

Optional: guided night walk. During this exciting tour, which starts around 6pm, we will have the opportunity to see species of animals that are only active when the sun sets: snakes, amphibians and even nocturnal birds. The life of insects is equally interesting: we will see warrior ants. With a bit of luck we will also be able to spot land mammals and flying mammals, such as various species of bats.
Night in Boca Tapada

Early morning transfer to Fortuna, home of the Arenal Volcano National Park. After checking into the rooms we will have a visit and photo session at the Ecocentro Danaus Biological Reserve, rich in typical fauna, accompanied by a guide to help us discover the fauna (entrance included). Possibility of a second exit (not included) to spot nocturnal animals, such as the red-eyed frog, snakes and other amphibious animals. Night in Fortuna or surrounding areas.

Excursion and visit to the Arenal Volcano National Park (entrance included), a vast area around the volcano teeming with fauna (toucans, monkeys, sloths, tree frogs and parrots). We will also be at the “Rio Fortuna” waterfall, an immense waterfall that flows into a lego set in the jungle, a truly magical place. The excursion will take approximately 5 hours, is not demanding and will be carried out at a gentle pace. Night in Fortuna or surrounding areas.

Transfer to Esterillos Oeste (about 4h), 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 will hardly forget. 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 close enough. Arrival, check-in rooms and first photographs of the parrots and the majestic sunset. Night in Esterillos Oeste.

Early morning photo safari by boat to the mangrove forest (included): monkeys, parrots and reptiles will be our objectives. In the afternoon, transfer to Quepos, area of the Manuel Antonio National Park (2h). Night in Quepos or surrounding areas.

Manuel Antonio National Park. The park is the most visited in the country as it is home to a myriad of animal species and is easily accessible. Almost guaranteed sightings of monkeys, sloths, toucans and much much more. The full day visit will be guided and is included. Night in Quepos or surrounding areas.

Last photographs of the parrots of Quepos, then return to San Josè (approx. 4h) in time for the flights back to Italy.

Arrival in Italy in the morning, depending on flight schedules