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An exclusive 10-day traveling photography tour to discover the incredible biodiversity of Costa Rica with two professional photographers
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€ 1.500,00
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A 51,100 km2 bridge that connects North and South America, surrounded on one side by the Pacific Ocean and on the other by the Caribbean Sea.
This bridge represents only 0.03% of the Earth's surface, yet it hosts almost 6% of the world's biodiversity. Among its natural wonders, we find more than 200 species of mammals, almost 850 species of birds (the 10% of known world species), 183 species of amphibians, 258 species of reptiles, 1522 species of fish, 34,000 species of insects and as many as 10,000 plant species, including the largest number of Orchids in the world.
Crossing Costa Rica from north to south, you realize how quickly the landscape and climate change. This variation is due to the influence of the long eastern and western coasts, mountain ranges, volcanoes, spectacular waterfalls and immense tropical forests, which make Costa Rica a country with 12 different microclimates. This ecological diversity is the secret of such a high and surprising biodiversity.
On this tour we will explore all the altitudinal ranges, from sea level up to over 3000 metres, to discover the forests and their fascinating inhabitants.
Michele Bavassano
Sharon Vanadia
Get ready for a fascinating tour to discover this extraordinary country. During our 9 days in Costa Rica, we will explore the emblematic species of this region, including toucans, hummingbirds, owls, parrots and the elusive Resplendent Quetzal. The real magic of this trip lies in its extraordinary potential: in 10 days, you will have the opportunity to spot over 200 species of birds, reptiles, amphibians and even some mammal species, such as primates, sloths and coatis.
Our traveling tour will cover the different habitat bands of Costa Rica. We will visit the highlands, characterized by lush forests that extend over mountains that exceed 3000 meters above sea level. Here we will focus on the unique species of these altitudes, such as hummingbirds and the Resplendent Quetzal, having expert guides with years of experience specific to these species.
In addition to the highlands we will also move to the lowlands, where the forests are found a few meters above sea level. In these areas, we will focus on all the other animal species present in Costa Rica, visiting several locations dedicated to toucans, woodpeckers, parrots and many other species. We will use specialist photography huts when necessary to capture unique images of species such as the King Vulture and Black Vulture.
During the tour, we will also have the opportunity to explore the forest with an excursion in search of particular species such as Honduran white bats, owls, leaf-cutting ants, red caped manakin and we will be able to spot mammals such as sloths and primates.
Each photo session will be planned with great attention to location, light and background. Furthermore, we will have special photography sessions, such as the use of multiflash to capture unique moments in flight of hummingbirds and expert-led macro sessions to photograph amphibians and reptiles such as the ciliated viper, the red-eyed tree frog, the pygmy dendrobate (known as the from blue jeans) and glass frogs.
In short, concentrating all the wonders and potential of this tour in a few lines is an impossible task. Each excursion and activity reserves surprises and special sightings. This will be an experience immersed in an indescribably fascinating nature.
During this tour we will explore settings. In addition to the hotel in San Jose, we will stay in four splendid lodges surrounded by greenery, where we will often be able to take photos directly from the terraces or in the magnificent gardens of the structures, often populated by extraordinary amphibians and visited by birds and mammals.
It will be an intense experience, spent in the field taking photos every day and making the most of every available moment. There will be no shortage of opportunities to relax in the silence and enjoy the breathtaking scenery that this incredible country offers.
During the tour you will always be accompanied by our tour leaders: Michele Bavassano, professional photographer specialized in nature photography, and Sharon Vanadia, professional photographer with a degree in biology.
Find out how the days will unfold and what activities make up the tour
I arrive at the Juan Santamaria airport in San José and private transfer to the hotel (about 30 min away).
Here you will meet with Sharon and Michele for a free dinner with the group and an overnight stay.
We will leave San Jose early in the morning to reach our first stop in the HighLands.
It will be about a 2 hour journey to reach the lodge where we will stay for two nights.
This day's program will include a direct viewing from the feeders of our lodge where we will already be able to observe dozens of bird species.
Main species observable: Flame-throated Hummingbird, Volcano Hummingbird, Cyanotus Hummingbird, Emerald Toucan, White-throated Orogemma, Talamanca Hummingbird, Acorn Woodpecker, Summer Piranha, Spotted Woodquail and more.
In the afternoon after a free lunch we will dedicate ourselves to the first photographic tour dedicated to Quetzal. For this species we will rely on a top local expert who dedicates his life to monitoring this animal, optimizing the chances of sightings.
Return to the lodge in the late afternoon for dinner, relaxation and overnight stay.
Wake up early and leave for the second photo session dedicated to Quetzal. We will take advantage of the experience of our local guide by visiting various hotspots to increase the chances of sightings.
Return to the lodge in the late morning, with free time to shoot again feeders and improve photos from the previous day.
After a free lunch, we will have some relaxation to recharge our batteries and review the images taken so far.
In the mid-afternoon we will leave for the last photographic session dedicated to Quetzal.
Return in the evening, dinner with the group and overnight stay.
Check-out and departure in the morning heading north towards midlands.
We will stop to observe the Cinchona waterfall and for a coffee/meal in a typical restaurant with a view.
Here it will also be possible to take some photos from the local feeder, where we will once again be able to observe various species of hummingbirds, the emerald toucan and other species, including some not yet observed so far.
After about 3 hours from departure we will reach the lodge where we will spend two nights. Hotel accommodation and relaxation after the long journey.
This lodge is completely surrounded by greenery, we will dedicate the afternoon to exploring the area and looking for the famous red-eyed tree frog, symbol of Costa Rica.
In the restaurant area there is also a feeder where with a little luck we will be able to observe the first toucans of this trip.
In the evening we will have a group dinner in this splendid location.
After dinner, if you want, you will be free to explore the areas close to the restaurant in search of other amphibians.
Wake up early, have breakfast in the lodge and leave for one of the most exciting days of this tour.
After a transfer of about an hour, we will reach the house of a local guide, immersed in the forest. Here we will find several well-kept feeders for hummingbirds and toucans, Montezuma's Oropendola and, with a bit of luck, the Jesus Christ lizard.
In the heart of the morning, we will move into the forest for a short trek among rivers and tropical plants, in search of owls, hummingbirds and, if we are lucky, the famous white bats of Honduras, the Great Nite Nite and maybe the sloth.
After the forest excursion, we will return to our local guide's home for lunch, followed by a macro session dedicated to reptiles and amphibians.
We will end this incredible day with the last shots from the feeders, and then return to our lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
After dinner, if you want, you will be free to explore the areas close to the restaurant in search of other amphibians.
Check-out in the late morning and transfer to the new lodge, where we will spend only one night.
Since it is not very far from the previous lodge, we will use this day to recover some energy after the intense days of travel and photo sessions.
In the lodge we will have the opportunity to relax and dedicate the available time to photographic sessions nearby, in search of local birdlife.
We will end the day with a group dinner in the hotel and an overnight stay.
Check-out in the morning and departure to reach the last area of this tour: the lowlands.
It will take us about two hours to reach the last lodge. Upon arrival, after checking into the hotel we will have a group lunch (included in the price) directly from the splendid terrace of the lodge, where we will then spend the afternoon waiting for toucans, woodpeckers and other species.
We will end the day with a group dinner and overnight stay.
Main observable species: Keen Toucan, Black-billed Toucan, Chestnut-headed Oropendola, Capuchin Parrot, Shining/Green/Red-legged Honeypecker, Black-cheeked Woodpecker, Lesser Woodpecker and many other species.
Day eight will again be a day full of photographic activities.
We will wake up at dawn to visit the lodge's beautiful feeder again to photograph toucans and more with the beautiful morning light. Breakfast will take place directly from the terrace during the photo session.
Mid-morning we will move to a new location for a hut photo session dedicated to the rare King Vulture, Black Vulture, Crested Caracara and other species.
We will return to the lodge for a group lunch (included in the price) and then leave in the early afternoon for a new activity on this trip.
We will travel about 15 minutes from the lodge to reach a local guide. Here we will dedicate the remaining part of the day to hummingbird photography using the multiflash technique to take incredible and dynamic photographs of hummingbirds.
Between one shot and another we will also be able to take advantage of the location's feeders to photograph dozens of bird species.
To end the day in style, we can also organize an extra activity for you to photograph bats with the multiflash technique. (About €80 per person)
Return to the lodge in the evening for group dinner and overnight stay.
Wake up for breakfast and last photographic session dedicated to toucans and other species observable from our feeder.
Late morning, check-out and departure for San Jose.
We will arrive at our hotel after about 4 hours and after a stop on the road for a quick lunch.
The rest of the day will be dedicated to relaxation in our hotel.
Free dinner and overnight stay
Breakfast at the hotel, check-out and departure towardsJuan Santamaria airport in San José where, having concluded this incredible adventure together, we will say goodbye before the departure of our flights.
For arrival, on day one, you will be able to land atJuan Santamaria airport in San José at any time on March 15, 2026. If necessary, you can also consider reaching San Jose a day early by adding an extra night.
For the return on day 10 you can choose any flight departing fromJuan Santamaria airport in San José.
If necessary, you can decide to add an extra night in the hotel depending on the convenience of your flights.
Transfers from the hotel can depart at any time necessary.
Any extra nights are subject to limitations due to availability.
Passionate about nature, he travels in search of the perfect shot, exploring pristine areas around the world. Through his camera he tries to share moments and emotions. Michele defines his photography as “A search for art in nature”. He works as a professional photographer and proposes events in the most interesting and important destinations in Italy and abroad. His images have been used by Discovery, BBC, ENEL and have been published in numerous magazines around the world.
Born in Rome in 1994, she showed a strong sensitivity towards nature from a young age. Graduated in Biological Sciences and specialized in Biodiversity and Ecosystem Management, she became a professional photographer. He leads nature workshops and tours around the world, combining his passion for biology with nature photography. With years of experience in the field, she is followed internationally for her work and dedication to nature conservation.
Signing up will be very simple!
Simply follow the booking procedure by clicking on "Book Now". Once you have entered your personal data, you will only be asked to pay a deposit, not the full price. At the end of the operation the registration will be confirmed. You will then receive a confirmation email once the procedure is completed. The balance will then be requested according to the terms reported at the top of the page, usually 60 days before departure
To best capture the details and essence of these fascinating animals, we recommend using reflex, mirrorless or bridge cameras, equipped with lenses of at least 300mm. We recommend a macro lens for dedicated sessions and a wide angle if you are interested in taking some photos in the forest. It will be essential to travel with your own tripod.
During this trip you will have an expert professional photographer who will assist you in optimizing the use of your photographic equipment. Our photographer will be there to offer you personalized advice and help you make the most of the potential of your camera and lenses. You will have the opportunity to learn advanced composition techniques, light control, camera settings and more.
In this period, the temperature range is significant. We recommend dressing in layers to stay warm on cool mornings, with temperatures around 5-8°C (Highlands) and very light and breathable clothing for days spent in the lowlands where temperatures can reach 35°.
More details will be provided after registration.
For arrival, on day one, you will be able to land atJuan Santamaria airport in San José at any time on March 15, 2026. If necessary, you can also consider reaching San Jose a day early by adding an extra night.
For the return on day 10 you can choose any flight departing fromJuan Santamaria airport in San José.
If necessary, you can decide to add an extra night in the hotel depending on the convenience of your flights.
Transfers from the hotel can depart at any time necessary.
Any extra nights are subject to limitations due to availability.
By booking by paying the deposit to the organizers you accept the following clauses:
1. Since this is a pre-registration, the organizer will endeavor to promptly communicate any possible change in the price of the tour, characterized by cost fluctuations. An annual price fluctuation of around 5% is highly likely if booking is made more than one year in advance. in relation to potential changes in prices of ground services (for example changes influenced by fluctuating costs of electricity, fuel and more).
2. The price of the entire workshop will be paid via the payment methods offered by the organizer, such as bank transfer, PayPal, credit card or cash according to the procedures and deadlines established by the organizers, taking charge of the transaction costs.
3. In the event that the tour does not take place due to the organiser, the entire amount paid will be refunded.
4. In case of cancellation for personal reasons of any kind and in any case not dependent on the organizer, the deposit and any other registration fees will be retained as a reimbursement of expenses.
5. In case of cancellation for personal reasons within 60 days of departure, the entire balance of the tour will be required.
By registering, paying the deposit and sending your personal data you again accept clauses 1,2,3,4,5.
We will reply to you by email as soon as possible
JUST EXPLORERS SRLS
VAT number: 01708500556
Address: Via G. Verdi 86 Castel Viscardo 05014
PEC: just.explorers@pec.it
+39 328 856 6896
info@justexplorers.com
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