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

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

About this trip

Whether a you’re a master photographer or an enthusiastic amateur, the incredible biodiversity and natural beauty of Costa Rica is certain to inspire a portfolio full of treasures. Accompanied by avid floral photographer and photographic teacher Jackie Kramer, receive personal instruction while capturing the wonder of tropical plants, insects, amphibians, birds, and mammals. Costa Rica’s lush cloud forests and scenic Pacific coastlines are the perfect backdrop to practice macro photography with colorful orchids, fungi, and bromeliads and to discover how shutter speed impacts shots of fast-moving objects at the hummingbird feeders. Enjoy the vibrant flora and fauna of Costa Rica while bringing your photography to the next level!

Highlights

  • Sharpen your photographic skills while enjoying guidance by master photographer Jackie Kramer.
  • Spend time at Batsú Gardens and in the botanical gardens of Hotel Bougainvillea for opportunities to shoot some amazing floral photography.
  • Capture inspiring images of an off-the-beaten-path waterfall in the early morning light and take an optional swim below the cascade.
  • 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 a large tract of undeveloped private property known affectionately as “The Farm,” with an eye for macro gems.

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/

Santo Domingo

Mar 19, 2023

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.

Dinner included
Overnight at Hotel Bougainvillea

Uvita de Osa

Mar 20, 2023

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.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at La Cusinga Lodge

Uvita de Osa

Mar 21, 2023

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.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at La Cusinga Lodge

Uvita de Osa

Mar 22, 2023

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.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at La Cusinga Lodge

San Gerardo de Dota

Mar 23, 2023

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.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Trogon Lodge

San Gerardo de Dota

Mar 24, 2023

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.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Trogon Lodge

San Gerardo de Dota

Mar 25, 2023

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.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Trogon Lodge

San Gerardo de Dota

Mar 26, 2023

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.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Trogon Lodge

Santo Domingo

Mar 27, 2023

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.

Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included
Overnight at Hotel Bougainvillea

Departure

Mar 28, 2023

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.

Breakfast- included