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San José, Costa Rica / San José, Costa Rica
4 Days/3 Nights
Level 2 - What's This?
Up To 7 Guests
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.
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 José, 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.
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
Flights to and from San José, 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.
Most meals included – (B,L,D) denotes Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 1 (Travel Day)(D)
Arrive in San José, Costa Rica. Tonight, we will be staying at the Courtyard by Marriott in Alajuela, Costa Rica (adjacent the San José 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 José.
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.