From Wetlands to Highlands: an authentic wildlife experience

This afternoon, a welcome meeting is schedule to review the itinerary, address any questions, and enjoy our first group dinner in Costa Rica.

On the way to the first destination, a strategic stop will be made just outside the capital city, where the chance to observe and photograph a variety of colorful birds in their natural environment will set the tone for the expedition. The journey then continues toward the beautiful local community of Bijagua.

The day begins at first light, with a search for vibrant tanagers and active hummingbirds. After breakfast, a visit to a private reserve offers the possibility of encountering the elusive Baird’s tapir. Although sightings are never guaranteed, this area provides the best chances in the country. Following lunch, attention will turn to sloths, while the evening concludes with a sunset walk in search of more tapirs and other nocturnal wildlife, with colorful frogs stealing the spotlight.

After breakfast, the expedition proceeds with a three-hour transfer to the renowned wetlands of Caño Negro, a site of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. Upon arrival, lunch will be served, followed by check-in at the lodge, and a boat excursion through the wetlands in search of diverse wildlife.

An early morning boat tour in Caño Negro, dedicated to birds and reptiles, opens the day. After returning to the lodge for breakfast, the journey continues toward the community of Boca Tapada, home to Keel-billed toucans, Yellow-throated toucans, and the striking Montezuma Oropendola. These vibrant birds will be the first welcome at the lodge, where the group will spend the next two nights.

The morning begins with opportunities to photograph toucans and tanagers in the lodge gardens. After breakfast, a private session in a specialized hide allows for close encounters with the majestic king vulture. During the afternoon, the lodge gardens provide further opportunities to search for birds and mammals, as well as time to review images or simply rest before the following day’s adventures.

Following breakfast, a visit is planned to the home and project of Cope Arte. Guided by Cope, a renowned Costa Rican illustrator, painter, and conservationist, trails will be explored in search of owls, mammals, and colorful hummingbirds. The day continues with a transfer to Rancho Naturalista, one of the country’s most celebrated lodges for bird and nature enthusiasts.

At dawn, the lodge feeders attract a remarkable variety of birds, offering good photographic opportunities. Later, a visit to a local conservation project provides the chance to capture rare species such as the White-tipped Sicklebill, the endemic Cabanis’s Ground Sparrow, and the elusive White-throated Crake.

This morning, the Turrialba Valley is left behind as the expedition moves into the cloud forest mountains of San Gerardo de Dota. This high-biodiversity region is the habitat of the Resplendent Quetzal, as well as highland endemics such as the Fiery-throated Hummingbird, the Talamanca Hummingbird, and the White-throated Mountain-gem.

Photography sessions in renowned local gardens for their diversity and close encounters with highland bird species. The day offers opportunities to photograph the Fiery-throated Hummingbird, the White-throated Mountain-gem, and the Long-tailed Silky-flycatcher, while also providing additional chances to encounter the resplendent quetzal among bromeliad-covered trees.

Before bidding farewell to the tropical cloud forest, one final outing will be dedicated to photographing the iconic resplendent quetzal. Afterwards, luggage is packed and the group return to San José to enjoy a final dinner that marks the conclusion of the expedition.