From spectacular tropical rainforests to mystical cloud forests embark on an unforgettable 8-day photographic expedition with CR Photography Expeditions through the lush biodiversity of Costa Rica.
This itinerary will take you from vibrant lowland rainforests to the mystic cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota, with a stop in the scenic rural landscapes of Turrialba. Designed for wildlife photographers, this journey offers the opportunity to capture iconic species such as the colorful Keel-billed toucan, the magnificent King vulture, sloths, and the legendary Resplendent quetzal along with many other tropical wildlife gems.
Upon arrival in Costa Rica, the evening opens with a welcome gathering designed to review the itinerary, address any questions, and share the first group dinner.
After breakfast, the expedition sets out toward the remote community of Boca Tapada. Along the way, a strategic stop allows for the photography of vibrant tropical birds and, with some luck, charismatic mammals such as sloths. The first lodge of the journey is reached just before sunset, offering time to settle in and enjoy the surroundings.
Today we start the morning like Costa Ricans do, enjoying a good cup of coffee while photographing tanagers and toucans right from the lodge restaurant. After breakfast, a specialized hide provides close-up encounters with the majestic King Vulture. In the afternoon, the lodge gardens invite exploration, offering excellent wildlife photography opportunities. As night falls, a visit to a local project culminates in a unique nectar-feeding bat photography session—an unforgettable and educative highlight of the expedition.
The day marks the transition from northern Costa Rica toward the lush Turrialba Valley. En route, a stop at Cope Arte, a Costa Rican artist and conservationist. Accompanied by Cope, forest trails are explored in search of owls and mammals, followed by a homemade lunch in his garden which also has wildlife opportunities. The journey continues in the afternoon toward the lodge in Turrialba, where some good garden photography before evening can be done.
At dawn, the lodge feeders attract an impressive variety of birds, offering remarkable photographic opportunities. Later in the day, a local project reveals one of the best sites to capture rare and distinctive species such as the White-tipped Sicklebill, the endemic Cabanis’s Ground Sparrow, and the elusive White-throated Crake.
Today’s route ascends into the misty highland cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota. The change in altitude and habitat is striking, opening the door to new photographic possibilities. Here, the quest centers on the iconic Resplendent Quetzal and highland endemics such as the Fiery-throated Hummingbird. The afternoon is dedicated entirely to photographing these spectacular species, so distinct from those encountered earlier in the expedition.
Our goal today is clear: we have two dedicated sessions: morning and afternoon focused on finding and photographing the mythical Resplendent Quetzal, sacred bird of the Mayan civilization and considered by many birders to be the most beautiful bird in the world.
On the final morning in the highlands, the first light is reserved for capturing last images of hummingbirds in flight. After breakfast, the return journey to San José begins, with guests transferred to the airport for their departures.
Note: departure flights are recommended for the afternoon, ideally after 1:00 p.m.
The traveler acknowledges that neither he/she nor anyone traveling with him/her has any physical or other condition or disability that would create a hazard to himself/herself or others participating on the tour.
CR Photography Expeditions partners with a variety of reputable and professional independent providers for services such as transportation, lodging, meals, and more. Since these providers operate independently and are not under the direct supervision of CR Photography Expeditions, the company cannot be held responsible for any personal injuries or property damage that may arise from their services.
CR Photography Expeditions shall not be held liable for any accidents or injuries sustained by participants during the expedition, nor shall it assume responsibility for any medical expenses that may arise. Each participant acknowledges and accepts full responsibility for their own safety and physical well-being throughout the expedition.
CR Photography Expeditions shall not be held liable for any accidents or loss of photographic equipment during the expeditions. Each participant is solely responsible for their own photographic gear. It is strongly recommended that participants obtain insurance coverage to protect against potential damage or loss.
