Costa Rica, nature and life

Photographic Workshop November 2024

Duration

11 days / 9 nights

Where

Costa Rica

Price

2.775 €

Participants

From 6 to 8

Daniele Dell'Osa wildlife photographer

Tour Leader

Daniele Dell’Osa
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Costa Rica stands out among all the Central American countries. Since it became 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 an unparalleled variety of birds, reptiles and amphibians. The country has invested significantly in these treasures and today more than 90% of its territory is protected. Numerous Natural Parks offer shelter to animals and are perfect places to spot and photograph them, offering a unique experience. I propose a photographic journey through one of the most extraordinary natural wonders created by Mother Nature. In 11 days we will explore natural parks, go on photographic boat safaris, admire the spectacular Arenal volcano during a trek, explore the Boca Tapada Biosphere Reserve, observe the alligators of Tarcoles and admire the 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 in both photography and the overall experience. This trip is suitable for photographers of all levels, from beginners to those looking 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 shoot review session via Zoom to analyze the photos together and offer technical advice.

Price of the trip

2.775 €

Included
  • 9 nights’ accommodation with breakfast in a category hotel. superior tourism.
  • Double rooms with private bathrooms.
  • All ground transportation by private car/minivan with local professional driver, including fuel and tolls/parking, including group transfers to and from the airport.
  • All applicable road taxes.
  • 3 photographic boat safaris: Rio Tarcoles for alligators, Rio San Carlos (Boca Tapada) for howler monkeys, mangrove forest (Esterillos Oeste) for the Scarlet Macaw.
  • 3 guided photographic excursions: Danaus Ecocentre, Boca Tapada forest, day at Manuel Antonio Park.
  • 2 entrances and tours: Parco de Volcano Arenal and Parco de Carara.
  • Health insurance and medical baggage.
Not included
  • International flight: cost from Italy starting from EUR 1,200.
  • Health insurance including trip cancellation (Highly recommended)
  • All meals.
  • Extra program activities and excursions.
  • Tips and gratuity.
  • Anything not mentioned in the “Included” section.

Itinerary

$

Day 1

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.

$

Day 2

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.

$

Day 3

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

$

Day 4

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

$

Day 5

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.

$

Day 6

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.

$

Day 7

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.

$

Day 8

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.

$

Day 9

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.

$

Day 10

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

$

Day 11

Arrival in Italy in the morning, depending on flight schedules

Frequently asked questions and travel information

Who is it aimed at?

The trip is intended for photographers of all levels and skills, beginners or experts. For all participants it will be a unique opportunity to refine various photography techniques and learn new ones. also an excellent opportunity to have fun in the company of like-minded friends.

Equipment

No special photographic level is required for this trip and it is possible to participate with any kind of equipment. However, for best results, we recommend a minimum kit consisting of a digital camera body with interchangeable lenses: medium and long focal lengths (24 to 300mm) will be used. Bright fixed lenses will be most useful (70-200 f2.8 or f4, 300mm f2.8 or f4). Superzooms over 400mm not necessary, we are in the jungle, wildlife will never be far behind. Tripod optional, spare batteries (power bank useful) and a photo backpack for carrying equipment. Don’t forget to carry memory cards, charger, connection cables and a USB flash drive.
With us you will no longer need a laptop: all review shots will be carried out after the trip directly with the photographer on the Zoom platform.

The workshop is suitable for every level of photographer, from those taking their first steps to those who want to refine a technique they already master. It is also an excellent opportunity to have fun with friends with the same passion.

Overnight stay

8 overnight stays in cat. superior tourist, accommodation in a double room with private bathroom. Single room upon availability (even partial), supplement €70-80/night.
NOTE: the choice of room type remains the customer’s prerogative, without prejudice to availability and the provisions of the Health Authorities, which will always take precedence. The request for a double room by single travelers is subject to availability and the possibility of finding a companion. On this trip, our photographer is available to share accommodation with a participant.

Climate, documents and useful advice

The dry season, from December to April, is the best time to visit Costa Rica. In the destination areas of the trip the climate in December will fluctuate between 20°C in the morning and 26-28°C in the hottest hours. There are 12 hours of light a day (approximately from 6am to 6pm).
Wonderful morning fogs and some residual rain are possible, therefore we recommend light layered sportswear in neutral colors with an intermediate layer for the dawn hours. Sports shoes, preferably trekking shoes, wide-brimmed hats, dark glasses and high protection sun cream. Highly recommended mosquito and insect repellents.

How to book

Pay a registration deposit, fully refundable in the event of cancellation of the trip or inability to participate due to new, different and unforeseeable international restrictions at the time of registration. All bank details will be provided directly upon request.

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