Costa Rica | Phlorography in the Cloud Forests and Pacific Coast with Jackie Kramer

Upon arrival at the San José International Airport, after clearing customs and collecting your luggage, you will be met and transferred to Hotel Bougainvillea. This evening, gather together for program orientation and a Welcome Dinner at your hotel.

Following breakfast and check-out, you will travel southwest to the Pacific Coast and La Cusinga Lodge, which lies hidden in the hilltops overlooking the ocean. Upon arrival, your hosts will give you an overview of the property, then assist you with check-in. Have lunch in the open air restaurant with spectacular views and garden fresh food. This afternoon is at leisure to explore your new surroundings.

After a delicious breakfast, meet with Jackie and your guide to set out on the first of several photographic adventures you will have in this magical area. In addition to the hundreds of acres of privately-owned primary and secondary forest, the lodge borders the Ballena Marine National Park, one of only two nationally-protected marine zones in the whole country of Costa Rica. The Bahia Ballena shoreline is the eastern (coastal) boundary of Marino Ballena National Park, the first marine park and second most visited national park of Costa Rica. It is the nexus for both the northern and southern whale migrations. The national park is known for its beach which resembles the tale of a whale. In fact, the national park classification was put into place mainly to protect the whales in the waters here. *Note whale migrations are usually July-Oct then Dec-Feb.

Rise early this morning to visit Cascada El Pavon - a delightful waterfall that is worth the trek to acquire inspiring photos. Enjoy a swim if you wish before heading back for a delicious breakfast. The remainder of the day will be spent with the flora and fauna in the forests along the coast.

Following breakfast and check-out, travel 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, you will have the afternoon to spend exploring your new surroundings with your guide and Jackie. Dinner this evening will be at Lauraceas Lodge and Garden.

Rise early this morning for optional birding/photography. Following breakfast, spend the morning exploring the local trails, which wind through mostly virgin forest and consist of hundred-year-old trees, multicolored plants, mushrooms, insects, amphibians and mammals. Altitudes vary from 7,220 to 11,384 feet. In the afternoon, explore different trails either on own or with Jackie and your naturalist guide. Meet up at 3 pm to visit Feathers Bird Garden.

This morning we will visit Parasio Quetzal Lodge for birding photography and lunch at their restaurant Los Colibríes. Return to Trogon Lodge for the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

Enjoy the morning at leisure. You may wish to take the trail to the local waterfalls in the area. This afternoon, visit Batsu - a wonderful location for excellent birding and photography, with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. Nearby, a special dinner has been arranged at Alma de Árbol. Return to the lodge for overnight.

For those that wish to enjoy another early morning birding with your guide, you will have the opportunity to do so before breakfast. Following breakfast and check-out, you will journey back to Hotel Bougainvillea, stopping en route to visit a private property, affectionately known as "The Farm", which consists of a large tract of undeveloped land of which you can explore with an eye for macro gems. Afterwards, continue the journey with lunch at a typical "tico" restaurant. Once at the hotel, you will have the remainder of the afternoon at leisure before a Farewell Dinner this evening.

This morning you will be transferred to the San Jose International Airport for your flight out. Please note there is a 3 hour check-in at this airport for international flights.