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Resplendent Quetzals of Costa Rica
Wilderness Eco-Lodge Photo Safari
Upcoming Departures
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Trip Leader(s)
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Starting From [Block//Current Price]
Single Supplement: +$400.00
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Deposit: $1,000.00
Start/End
San Jose, Costa Rica / San Jose, Costa Rica
Length
4 Days/3 Nights
Fitness Level
Level 2 - What's This?
Group Size
Up To 7 Guests
Highlights
- Encounter the magnificent Resplendent Quetzal, along with a vibrant array of hummingbirds and woodpeckers in their natural habitat.
- Spot several tanager species and catch a glimpse of the elusive Emerald Toucanet, adding to your birding and photography experience.
- Indulge in a unique and upscale eco-lodge nestled in Costa Rica's enchanting cloud forest, providing a tranquil base for your wildlife adventure.
- Capture the wonders of over 5% of the world's biodiversity in the remarkable landscapes of this small yet remarkable country.
- Enjoy the intimacy of small groups, led by a professional wildlife photographer, ensuring personalized guidance and expertise throughout your journey.
If you have any questions about a trip, itinerary, or gear, our Photo Experience Coordinators are available for a personalized one-on-one consultation to provide all the details you need.
Trip Description:
Costa Rica has long been hailed as one of the most extraordinary and captivating destinations on Earth. Renowned for its remarkable wildlife, this tropical paradise boasts an incredible array of plants and animals. Among the most captivating species found here is the Resplendent Quetzal, a dazzling emerald-colored bird that calls the cloud forests of Costa Rica's mountains home. These cloud forests, protected as conservation land, provide the perfect habitat for the Quetzal and many other fascinating creatures.
During the mating season, male Quetzals grow twin tail feathers that form a breathtaking train, reaching up to three feet in length. While females lack these long trains, they display the same brilliant hues of blue, green, and red. Revered by modern-day birders and photographers, the Quetzal held immense significance for ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations. Royalty and priests adorned themselves with the bird's feathers during sacred ceremonies, emphasizing its revered status.
On this extraordinary journey, we will venture deep into the Talamanca Mountains, traveling by vehicle until we reach the quaint community of San Gerardo de Dota. Here, nestled amidst nature's splendor, lies the charming Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa, our base for the next few days. Our mission? To seek out the majestic Quetzal, alongside other captivating species such as hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and a variety of tanagers. With luck, we may even catch a glimpse of the elusive Emerald Toucanet.
Following our time in San Gerardo de Dota, we will return together to San Jose, where our adventure continues with the Wildlife of Costa Rica tour. From there, we will set off for the enchanting Osa Peninsula, embarking on a thrilling exploration of Costa Rica's diverse wildlife. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders, capture stunning photographs, and create lasting memories on this exceptional wildlife photography experience.
During the mating season, male Quetzals grow twin tail feathers that form a breathtaking train, reaching up to three feet in length. While females lack these long trains, they display the same brilliant hues of blue, green, and red. Revered by modern-day birders and photographers, the Quetzal held immense significance for ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations. Royalty and priests adorned themselves with the bird's feathers during sacred ceremonies, emphasizing its revered status.
On this extraordinary journey, we will venture deep into the Talamanca Mountains, traveling by vehicle until we reach the quaint community of San Gerardo de Dota. Here, nestled amidst nature's splendor, lies the charming Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa, our base for the next few days. Our mission? To seek out the majestic Quetzal, alongside other captivating species such as hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and a variety of tanagers. With luck, we may even catch a glimpse of the elusive Emerald Toucanet.
Following our time in San Gerardo de Dota, we will return together to San Jose, where our adventure continues with the Wildlife of Costa Rica tour. From there, we will set off for the enchanting Osa Peninsula, embarking on a thrilling exploration of Costa Rica's diverse wildlife. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders, capture stunning photographs, and create lasting memories on this exceptional wildlife photography experience.
What's Included
- All listed meals and non-alcoholic beverages during the workshop
- All transportation during the workshop
- All lodging during the workshop
- All permits and park fees
- Professional photography guiding and instruction
- Gratuity for service staff
What's Not Included
Flights to and from San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO)
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s). Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.
Trip Itinerary
Trip Itinerary
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (Travel Day)(D)
Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica. Tonight, we will be staying at the Courtyard by Marriott in Alajuela, Costa Rica (adjacent the San Jose International Airport – SJO). We will have a welcome dinner and a pre-trip orientation. Please meet in the lobby.
Day 2 (B,L,D,)
We’ll rise early for our drive, which will take us high into the Talamanca Mountains, and eventually to the small community of San Gerardo de Dota and the charming Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa. The Savegre, an alluring accommodation setting in the mountain valley right alongside a creek, will be our home for the next few days. Our search for the striking Resplendent Quetzal will begin shortly after check-ins, and will continue for our entirety of our stay here, high in the Costa Rican cloud forest. As the sun sets, we’ll conclude our day with a relaxed dinner and conversation at Las Bromelias, our hotel’s restaurant.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
We will awake early this morning to the sound of birds and a cool mountain breeze. Beginning our day before the sun, we’ll explore the avocado trees and area trails in order to frame the Resplendent Quetzal in the perfect soft light of morning. After breakfast we’ll reconvene to head to Batsu Gardens, a property designed perfectly for us to find several species of hummingbird, woodpecker, tanager among others. We’ll photograph here for a few hours before returning to the valley floor, avocado trees, and hopefully additional Quetzal sightings before dinner and bed.
Day 4 (B,L)
On our final morning of the Quetzal Extension we’ll again head out early in the morning for more photography prior to packing up, checking out, and heading back down the mountain towards San Jose.
Day 1 (Travel Day)(D)
Arrive in San Jose, Costa Rica. Tonight, we will be staying at the Courtyard by Marriott in Alajuela, Costa Rica (adjacent the San Jose International Airport – SJO). We will have a welcome dinner and a pre-trip orientation. Please meet in the lobby.
Day 2 (B,L,D,)
We’ll rise early for our drive, which will take us high into the Talamanca Mountains, and eventually to the small community of San Gerardo de Dota and the charming Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa. The Savegre, an alluring accommodation setting in the mountain valley right alongside a creek, will be our home for the next few days. Our search for the striking Resplendent Quetzal will begin shortly after check-ins, and will continue for our entirety of our stay here, high in the Costa Rican cloud forest. As the sun sets, we’ll conclude our day with a relaxed dinner and conversation at Las Bromelias, our hotel’s restaurant.
Day 3 (B,L,D)
We will awake early this morning to the sound of birds and a cool mountain breeze. Beginning our day before the sun, we’ll explore the avocado trees and area trails in order to frame the Resplendent Quetzal in the perfect soft light of morning. After breakfast we’ll reconvene to head to Batsu Gardens, a property designed perfectly for us to find several species of hummingbird, woodpecker, tanager among others. We’ll photograph here for a few hours before returning to the valley floor, avocado trees, and hopefully additional Quetzal sightings before dinner and bed.
Day 4 (B,L)
On our final morning of the Quetzal Extension we’ll again head out early in the morning for more photography prior to packing up, checking out, and heading back down the mountain towards San Jose.
Please note that the exact sequence of the itineraries on all photography trips will be based on weather and lighting conditions. The goal on these trips is to make sure we are at the right place at the right time for the perfect light on our subjects. Also, itineraries can change for a variety of other circumstances including floods, forest fires, national park closures, road closures, and more. Due to the nature of wildlife and landscape photography, we do not guarantee any specific sightings or specific compositions.
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Why Choose Backcountry Journeys?
UNPARALELLED
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Explore over 100 worldwide photo tours and workshops tailored to photographers of all skill levels, from iconic U.S. National Parks to Africa's untamed savannahs.
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We're proud to offer unmatched photography trips led by exceptional instructors who not only excel in photography but also serve as expert guides.
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Join the Backcountry Journeys Tribe, where shared adventures in breathtaking locations foster lasting connections with fellow photographers in a warm, inclusive atmosphere.
Testimonials From Our Customers
Julie K.
"I have traveled with Backcountry Journeys (BCJ) several times over the last 4 years to Glacier NP, Costa Rica (2x), Smoky Mountains NP, Joshua Tree, Zion and Bryce NPs, and most recently to Alaska.
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
Every trip with BCJ has been an outstanding experience. The guides are professional photographers who put the experience of the guests first. They are willing to provide as much hands on help as you need/want. The guides are also extremely knowledgeable and well trained in wilderness safety as well as the areas they guide.
BCJ trips are well run from the time of reservation through the entire trip. They will take you to great places and find great photographic opportunities."
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Scott S.
"BCJ provides an outstanding experience for photographers of all levels of experience/expertise. Each day's excursion is well planned-out and the guides always have a back-up plan if the weather is less than cooperative.
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
I have now been on 5 trips and each one seems better than the last. I find the guides to be very helpful and personable. The guides provide the level of hands-on assistance each participant wants.
The accommodations are always good, taking into consideration what each particular destination has to offer. I plan to continue doing these trips with BCJ and can't recommend them highly enough."
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Katherine P.
"I have now been on 8 trips with Backcountry Journeys. I love traveling with this company, as I am a woman traveling alone, and all I have to do is show up and they take care of everything else.
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
They have wonderful, caring, helpful, FUN, and knowledgeable guides who make the days fly by. They get us to the best photography sites possible and are always willing to help with anything and answer all questions.
We stay in great places and there is always too much wonderful food! I have met other travelers on their trips who will be friends for life, plus the guides are more than guides--they become friends too. I know I will be doing more traveling with them in the future."
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Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
Worry Free Travel Guarantee!
HERE’S THE DEAL
We offer one of the most rock solid guarantees in the travel industry - our worry free travel, peace of mind guarantee to you!We’re so confident that the Photography Trips we offer will not only meet but exceed the lofty expectations set forth on our website – if your trip experience does not 100% match the promises laid forth on our website we will gladly give you a credit toward a future trip.
Natural events such as wildlife & weather are certainly out of our control but every aspect of the trip including logistics, accommodations, vehicles, itinerary & your expert trip leaders will match the lofty promises we’ve made on the site – we guarantee it!
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024