Costa Rica | Birds, Nature and Photography in the Tropics
About this trip
With more than 900 recorded bird species, the small Central American country of Costa Rica is a haven for biodiversity. On this 11-day expedition, you’ll have the chance to seek out and photograph a variety of vibrant resident and migratory avifauna, including toucans, hummingbird, motmots, tanagers, the aptly named Resplendent Quetzal, and many more. Begin your journey in the Caribbean lowland rainforests before making your way to photogenic Arenal Volcano. Cap off the experience in the high-elevation forests of the Talamanca Mountains, known for their high levels of endemism. With tips, techniques, and personal instruction from two of the world’s most published photographers, Ann and Rob Simpson, will help you return with an amazing portfolio of colorful images and a new sense of wonder about the tropics.
Highlights
- Capture the beauty of Costa Rica’s birds and other wildlife under the guidance of professional photographers Ann and Rob Simpson.
- Photograph majestic, free-flying Scarlet and Great Green Macaws at a farm that also serves as a breeding and rescue center.
- Traverse the Arenal Hanging Bridges, a series of trails and suspension bridges near Arenal Volcano, for a bird’s-eye view of species in the forest canopy.
- Visit the home and private reserve of the Costa Rican naturalist and wildlife artist known as Cope, whose property is designed to maximize opportunities for birding and nature photography.
- Ascend high into the temperate forests and páramo habitat of Cerro de la Muerte, where you may see targets like the Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Ochraceous Pewee, Silvery-throated Jay, Volcano Junco, Timberline Wren, Resplendent Quetzal and others.
Meet your leaders
Ann Simpson
Ann Simpson is a professor at her alma mater, Laurel Ridge Community College, specializing in biology, anatomy, and physiology. She and her husband, Rob, own Simpson’s Nature Photography, organize nature photography and natural history tours around the world, and were the premiere photographers leading workshops in the national parks for Canon. The duo have also authored and provided all the photography for 19 books, primarily national park nature and wildflower guides, and a wildflower app for Farcountry Press and Falcon Guides.
Rob Simpson
Rob Simpson is a professor emeritus at Laurel Ridge Community College, where he teaches field biology courses in ornithology, botany, mycology, and ecology. He is program head emeritus for the Outdoor and Nature Photography Careers Certificate, and along with Ann, they are passionate about teaching professional photography techniques. Their images have been published in hundreds of magazines including National Geographic, Time, Audubon, and National Wildlife. Their books and photos have won numerous awards, and on the natural history tours they coach participants on how to bring home award-winning photos.
$3,215
Per person
About this price
Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.
Single room supplement $400
What makes us different
Scopes
Rich content
Worry-free Planning & Travel
Wildlife up-close
We know what photographers need
Designed for photographers
Daily Itinerary
Print ItinerarySan Jose
Sarapiqui
Sarapiqui
Sarapiqui
Arenal
Arenal
San Gerardo de Dota
San Gerardo de Dota
San Gerardo de Dota
San Isidro
Departure
Pricing
Print Pricing$3,215
Per person
About this price
Land cost only. Does not include round-trip airfare to and from destination.
Single room supplement $400
What's Included
- Accommodations with private bathrooms
- Activities and meals as mentioned in itinerary
- Arrival and departure transfers based on individual flight schedules
- Water refill station during transfers
- Carbon Offset
- Full time guide for the duration of your program
- Non alcoholic beverage with meals
- Private transportation and driver for the duration of the program
What's Not Included
- International airfare
- Items of personal nature
- Tips
- Travel Insurance
- Trip cancellation coverage
Pricing Details
A $200 per person deposit and enrollment form is due to hold your space on this trip. This deposit is refundable 95 days prior to departure excluding a $100 cancellation fee.Cancellations after this date are non refundable
Please note: Your participation as a traveler indicates acceptance of Holbrook Travel’s Covid-19 protocols in place at time of travel.
Holbrook Travel strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance for medical emergencies while traveling and to protect your investment. Please note the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage or to exclude pre-existing conditions with Trip Cancellation coverage may require policy purchase within 10-14 days of your initial deposit, depending upon the provider.
Single room supplement $400
Final payment due date: November 28, 2022
Travel Info
Print Travel InfoEntry & Exit Requirements
U.S. citizens must have a valid passport to enter Costa Rica. Passports must be valid for at least the duration of your stay. As this requirement is subject to change at any time without notice, we recommend at least 6 months' validity.
A visa is not required for visits up to 90 days.
If you are not traveling with a U.S. passport, please check with the Costa Rican Embassy for the requirements based on your nationality.
Health Information
IMMUNIZATIONS
The Centers for Disease Control recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus vaccine, varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, and your yearly flu shot before every trip.
There are no vaccinations required for entry into Costa Rica, unless you are traveling from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk.
The CDC recommends vaccination against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid for most unvaccinated travelers to Costa Rica.
Please consult your physician for additional information and recommendations based on your individual circumstances.
MALARIA
Malaria is caused by a parasite found in Anopheles mosquitos, which are active from dusk until dawn. The CDC advises that the risk of malaria in Costa Rica is low, but travelers should still take precautions against mosquito bites. Cover exposed skin with lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and pants, consider treating clothes with permethrin, and use an insect repellent containing an active ingredient like DEET or picaridin. Apply sunscreen first, followed by the repellent (preferably 20 minutes later).
DENGUE FEVER & OTHER INSECT-BORNE ILLNESSES
Locally transmitted cases of dengue fever have been reported in Costa Rica. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area have been infected with dengue and are spreading it to people. In addition, locally transmitted cases of chikungunya, Zika virus, and other insect-borne illnesses have previously been reported in Costa Rica.
Travelers to Costa Rica should protect themselves against insect bites using the measures described above. As a precaution, the CDC advises women who are pregnant to consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
SUN EXPOSURE
The effects of the sun can be damaging to the eyes and skin. Spending time outdoors exposes you to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, even on cloudy days. To protect yourself from the sun, use a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15, protect skin with clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, and drink plenty of fluids.
ALTITUDE SICKNESS
If your itinerary includes locations at high elevation (above 5,000 feet), altitude sickness is a possibility. Stay hydrated and well-rested, and avoid heavy, fatty foods and alcohol in the days before arrival. Consult your physician prior to travel for advice specific to your situation.
Resources
Print ResourcesPacking Recommendations
Everyone has personal preferences when it comes to packing; for this reason, the information below is offered as a general guide and not a definitive list. You know yourself best: Use your discretion and pack what you think will serve you, based on your personal preferences and specific itinerary.
You may find many of the items below in our Gear Store.
CLOTHING
Casual, comfortable clothing is suitable for most activities in Costa Rica. You may wish to bring a slightly nicer outfit or two (eg sundress, polo shirt) if your itinerary includes dinners out or more formal activities.
Bring enough clothing suitable for the length of your program. If you prefer to pack light, note that many hotels offer laundry services at additional cost. If you plan to hand-wash items, remember that humidity may delay drying time.
Pack clothing that can be worn in layers to adapt to weather changes throughout the day. Costa Rica’s rainy season is May through November, but it can rain at any time. Clothing that wicks away moisture and dries quickly is recommended.
If your program includes visits to higher elevations (e.g. Savegre, Monteverde, or Cordillera de Talamanca), warm clothing is strongly recommended. Temperatures can get quite chilly, especially at night and early in the morning, and hotel rooms don’t always have heat. It can also be windy at times. Consider packing a warm underlayer, as well as a warm, protective outer layer.
For birding programs, pack muted colors such as khaki, olive, and forest green. If participating in turtle patrols, bring dark-colored pants and shirts.
- A combination of short-sleeved and lightweight, long-sleeved shirts for sun and mosquito protection
- Shorts
- Lightweight, quick-drying long pants for sun and mosquito protection; jeans tend to be uncomfortable in hot and humid conditions, but are fine in the cooler highlands.
- Undergarments
- Sleepwear
- Lightweight jacket or sweater/sweatshirt (or heavier weight if visiting high-elevation areas)
- 1-2 bathing suit(s) for the beach, if applicable, plus many hotels have pools
- Socks – Bring extra pairs. If your itinerary indicates muddy hikes with rubber boots provided on-site, pack a few pairs of knee socks to prevent blisters.
- Shoes – Consider your specific itinerary when choosing footwear. For most programs, you’ll likely want at least one pair of comfortable, closed-toe walking or hiking shoes suitable for forest hikes and walking over cobblestones or other uneven terrain. Sturdier hiking boots may be appropriate for more active itineraries. In addition, many participants opt for a pair of sturdy sport-strap sandals (e.g. Keens, Tevas, or similar) and/or casual flip-flops or sandals. If you’re whitewater rafting or visiting the beach, you may also want a pair of aqua socks, reef walkers, or water shoes.
- Lightweight rain jacket, hooded poncho, and/or windbreaker
- Visor or wide-brimmed sun hat
- Bandana, scarf, or neck gaiter
Personal Toiletries
Pack toiletries based on your personal preferences and habits. Below are just a few recommendations to keep in mind.
- Shampoo, conditioner, lotion, deodorant/antiperspirant , etc. – If possible, avoid strong fragrances if you are sensitive to insect bites (and to be considerate of you fellow travelers).
- Soap and washcloth or a small, quick-drying microfiber towel – Washcloths are not standard in all hotels. If you normally use a washcloth, you may wish to bring one from home.
- Hairbrush, comb, hair ties, shower cap. Most—but not all—hotel rooms provide a hair dryer, but you may wish to bring one from home.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Razor
- Ear plugs, especially if you are a light sleeper
- Personal hygiene products
- Insect repellent with DEET or picaridin (see note below about treating clothing with permethrin)
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF – If you’ll be in the ocean, we recommend reef-safe sunscreen.
- Aloe vera gel
- A travel pack of tissues – also useful as napkins or toilet paper if needed
In addition to your personal toiletries, it is useful to pack a small medical kit, which you can easily prepare. Helpful items might include: bandages, antihistamine, a pain reliever, motion sickness and/or altitude sickness medication (if you are prone to either), anti-diarrhea medicine, individually wrapped pre-moistened towelettes and/or hand sanitizer, antibiotic ointment, anti-fungal cream, moleskin for blisters, eye drops, tweezers, a mini sewing kit, and an extra pair of disposable contact lenses or eyeglasses if you wear them.
Days before you leave home, you may wish to consider spraying any clothing, socks, and shoes that will be worn in lowland, tropical sites with permethrin, an anti-parasite medication, to repel irritating pests and prevent the spread of disease. A recommended brand is Sawyer. Carefully read all instructions before use. Please note permethrin is highly toxic to cats and fish, and some aerosol products may be harmful to birds. Side effects may include minor itching, burning, or redness. You may want to use a laundry marker to label and keep track of which socks are permethrinized. Only one application per item is necessary; permethrin on treated clothes remains effective through several washings. Permethrin should NOT be applied directly to skin.
Miscellaneous
Remember to pack valuables such as your passport, cash/credit cards, and medications in your carry-on luggage.
- Passport and photocopies of all travel documentation
- Personal insurance card and travel insurance information
- Money – ATM/credit card, traveler's checks, and/or cash; small bills in good condition are recommended
- Prescription medicines (if applicable), with a copy of the prescription
- Yellow fever certificate (if required; only if arriving from a country where yellow fever transmission is a risk)
- Sunglasses with strap
- Small day pack for hikes and excursions
- Flashlight and/or head lamp
- Travel alarm clock or inexpensive waterproof wristwatch with alarm – Not all hotels provide alarm clocks.
- A pocket calculator or phone to assist with conversions and currency exchange
- Binoculars with lens cleaner
- Camera and related equipment, such as charger, lenses, and extra memory cards
- Reusable water bottle – especially important in national parks, which do not permit single-use plastic bottles or containers
- Non-perishable snacks
- Pocket-knife or multipurpose tool - Pack in your checked luggage
- Zip-top style bags – useful for packing toiletries, sorting clothing, storing damp or muddy shoes, or as a dry bag for protecting electronics
- Notepad or travel journal and pen
- Music or reading material for down time, long bus drives, or on the airplane, and a portable bright light to read by
- Collapsible walking stick with rubber tip
- A small quantity of laundry detergent if you’ll be washing clothing by hand
- Travel-size umbrella – Some people find this unwieldy to carry, while others find it offers better protection than a rain jacket alone.
- Money belt
- Chargers for electronics
Questions?
Contact Ann & Rob Simpson at asimpson@lfcc.edu
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Meet the birds of Selva Verde Lodge Part 2
Gallery: Patagonia by Ann & Rob Simpson
