Costa Rica | Cloud Forest Photography Post-trip Extension

Costa Rica | Cloud Forest Photography Post-trip Extension

About this trip

Continue your photography adventure with Jackie Kramer on this post-trip extension to Costa Rica’s lush cloud forests and páramos. The high-elevation forests of the Talamanca Mountains and its surrounding areas are the perfect backdrop to practice macro photography with colorful and intricate flora and countless endemic fauna. Sharpen your photographic skills under expert guidance and return home with an amazing portfolio of colorful images and a new sense of wonder about the tropics.

Highlights

  • Spend time at Batsú Gardens for excellent birding and photography opportunities, with chances to spot species like the Flame-colored Tanager and Acorn Woodpecker.
  • Ascend high into the Talamanca Mountains to explore the temperate forest and páramo vegetation at Cerro de la Muerte, which also attracts a great diversity of birds and other wildlife.
  • Visit beautiful sites like Paraíso Quetzal, Feathers Garden, and Casa Dowii to marvel at scenic views and fascinating wildlife and enjoy excellent photography opportunities.
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS:  Combine this trip with Jackie Kramer's Photographing Rainforests, Volcanoes, and Wetlands (April 9-16, 2024)

Meet your leader

Jackie Kramer

Jackie has been photographing the natural world, with an emphasis on birds and flowers, since high school. She is known for her artistic flair and use of color in her floral images. Jackie is recognized as a Master Photographer by the Professional Photographers of America. She is also a KelbyOne instructor and Lensbaby Ambassador. She has received numerous international awards for her photography and her work has appeared in various magazines and online publications. Jackie runs classes online and also conducts in-person workshops. Her overarching goal is to use the medium of photography to enrich others and build relationships through her Facebook group, Phlorography – Artistic Floral Photography.

Website: https://www.luvblooms.com/

San Gerardo de Dota

Apr 16, 2024

Begin the extension adventure this morning with a journey to Cerro de la Muerte, an area located at the top of the Talamanca Mountain Range that is famous for its diversity of endemic wildlife. Consisting of temperate forest and páramo habitats, the natural vegetation attracts an immense amount of bird life such as the rare Red-fronted Parrotlet and the photogenic Resplendent Quetzal. After having lunch and checking into your room, visit Batsù - a wonderful location for excellent birding and photography, with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. Nearby, enjoy a special dinner at Alma de Árbol. Then, return to Trogon Lodge for overnight.

Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Trogon Lodge

San Gerardo de Dota

Apr 17, 2024

Wake up early to make the most of birding and photography opportunities with Jackie and your guide. Early departure to Paraíso Quetzal for 5:30am Quetzal walk. Local farmers in the region monitor nesting sites and provide information to maximize the possibility of seeing Quetzals. At approximately 8:30, return to Paraiso de Quetzal where Jackie has organized a full day, private multiflash setup for hummingbird photography on a private deck. Breakfast will be available for purchase for those interested; not included in the program costs. There is natural light hummingbird area on the balcony and also gardens to explore for other photo opportunities before lunch on site. Optional second quetzal walk this afternoon and/or continue multiflash setup. Later this afternoon, return to Trogon Lodge for some leisure time before dinner.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Trogon Lodge

San Gerardo de Dota

Apr 18, 2024

This morning, go on a special private visit to Feathers Garden, which was crafted to attract the beautiful and varied resident and migratory birds inhabiting the Talamanca Mountain Range. Have free time in the afternoon, and then gather together for dinner at Lauráceas Lodge. Later, return to Trogon Lodge for overnight.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Trogon Lodge

Santo Domingo

Apr 19, 2024

After a leisurely breakfast and check-out, begin the journey back to Santo Domingo and Hotel Bougainvillea. En route, enjoy a visit to a private home known as Casa Dowii. Serge Arias welcomes visitors for light meals, coffee, and excellent birding and photo opportunities. After spending time at Casa Dowii, continue on to Hotel Bougainvillea. There may be enough time to go for a stroll in the hotel's tropical gardens before sunset. Then, have dinner on your own this evening.

Breakfast-Lunch- included
Overnight at Hotel Bougainvillea

Departure

Apr 20, 2024

This morning, you will be taken to the airport in San José for your flight(s) home. Please note that check-in time at the San José International Airport is 3 hours prior to departure.

Breakfast- included