Itinerary
February 23-March 1, 2012
DAY 1: LIBERIA, COSTA RICA
Our expedition starts in Liberia. The first day has no planned
activities allowing a flexible arrival to Costa Rica. We will meet in
the evening for introductions and a welcome session. We can provide a
variety of recommendations for meals within walking distance of the hotel as
well as recommend daytime activities.
(No meals included)
DAY 2: LIBERIA - BEACH - DRY FOREST
After breakfast, we will go to a beach to swim, photograph monkeys, birds, shells and the landscape.
Worldesigns believes that eating is one of life’s greatest pleasures so be prepared to experience Costa Rica cuisine throughout the tour. We’ve spent many hours searching for restaurants that provide quality Costa Rican food made from the freshest ingredients.
We’ll eat lunch at our favorite restaurant in Liberia and then drive toward
Nicaragua to hike the dry forest. We typically encounter sloths, spider and
howler monkeys, a variety of birds and basilisk lizards (also know as Jesus
Christ lizards for their ability to run on the water).
(Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner included)
DAY 3: LIBERIA - ARENAL
After breakfast, we will stop at a gorgeous, secluded waterfall that spans
45 feet and drops 30 feet into a white-sand pond surrounded by lush
greenery. Then we proceed to the province of Alajuela to explore the Arenal
area. Arenal volcano is Costa Rica's most active volcano, and one of the ten
most active volcanoes in the world. The area is also a birder’s paradise. If
that isn’t enough, spectacular views of Lake Arenal can be seen from our
accommodations. Given clear skies and favorable conditions, capture Arenal
spewing rock and ash during the day and molten lava in the evening.
(Don't worry, our lodge is considered one of the safest places from which to
view the volcano.) There are multiple trails winding through flowers and
tropical forests and of course troops of howler monkeys are sure to be
heard. Our volcano-view accommodations include a swimming pool and Jacuzzi,
hanging bridges, waterfall and extensive nature trails.
(Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
DAY 4: ARENAL - LA FORTUNA
We begin our day with a 2 mile guided nature hike through primary rainforest while traversing a network of hanging bridges. It’s not uncommon to see monkeys, dart frogs and a variety of colorful birds.
La Fortuna is a nearby city with one of the most photographed churches in the country. We will have lunch, wander around the main square and search for the perfect souvenir, if desired.
We’ll head back to our accommodations for a sunset shoot and jungle pizza.
(Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
DAY 5: ARENAL - CANO NEGRO REFUGE
After another morning exploring Arenal’s private trails, learning how to photograph hummingbirds or relaxing by the pool, we will depart for the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge.
Day 6: CANO NEGRO WILDLIFE REFUGE - LA ANITA
The Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge is located near the village of Los Chiles and it is considered one of the most important biological areas of the country. It is home for more than 350 bird species, 310 species of plants, at least 160 species of mammals such as the howler monkey, the white faced monkey and the spider monkey. For 2-1/2 hours our experienced guide will navigate the channels and lagoons that compose this beautiful area, locating and identifying wildlife along the way.
Among the many birds found in Caño Negro are: glossy Ibis, black-necked stilt, neotropical cormorants, American anhinga, northern jacana, American widgeon, Jabiru wood stork (the largest bird in the Western Hemisphere), white Ibis, black-bellied tree duck, northern shoveler, snail kite, green backed heron, roseate spoonbill, and blue-winged teal.
After our wetland tour and lunch, we will drive to our final accommodations located north of Rincon de la Vieja National Park, passing through many small villages on the way.
Pablo and Ana are our gracious hosts at La Anita Rainforest Ranch. You can
relax on this working agricultural farm and tropical research facility,
learn about the biological diversity of Costa Rica and the ecological
importance of the rainforest. Wildlife is abundant and views of the 3
volcanoes that surround us, breathtaking. Gourmet meals are served family
style al fresco on the deck.
(Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
DAY 7: LA ANITA RAINFOREST RANCH
Our day begins at a nearby lodge for a home-cooked breakfast with delicious Costa Rican coffee, fresh eggs and fruit, homemade cheese and Rosalba’s signature rice and beans. Wander around the property for a view of a typical Costa Rican farm and feed the resident toucans.
Our friend Aracelly and her family open their home to us and she prepares lunch over a wood-burning stove. You can participate in the preparation of today’s lunch for a nominal fee. This opportunity to see what it is like to live in a remote village is not readily available through most tours.
The remainder of the day will be spent exploring the town, learning about
macro photography in the tropical flower fields of La Anita, playing
Pétanque (similar to Bocci) or relaxing on the front porch of your private
cabin. Optionally you can experience a zipline tour (nominal fee) or the
healing mineral waters and volcanic mud spa of Miravalles (included in tour
price).
(Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner)
DAY 8: DEPART FOR AIRPORT
After breakfast we will leave for the Liberia airport. Depending on your departure time, you may have time to explore Rincon de la Vieja National Park or stop briefly for the last minute souvenir shopping. (Breakfast)
This itinerary is subject to change. With the flexibility of the 4-wheel drive vehicles and multiple guides, your vacation can be modified to include other activities of interest. Volunteer drivers have preference for itinerary changes.
During the February Tour, special morning instruction sessions are included. You may opt to participate or sleep in. Topics can be found on the INSTRUCTION page. There will also be field instruction and one-on-one instruction by our professional photographers. On select evenings we will share some photographs taken during the day and provide tips on how to improve your images. Bring 10-15 of your favorite images for a portfolio review.
The itinerary has been designed to delight both photographers and non-photographers. More importantly it is meant to give you a view of Costa Rica through the eyes of the locals.
