Costa Rica - November - South Quest Safaris

The exuberance and authenticity of this lost paradise are stamped in the everyday mindset of its people. “Pura Vida” is one of the most genuine phrases used by Costa Ricans! It expresses joy, vitality, and kindness, and one cannot remain indifferent to the charm of this expression, which translates into a significant part of the local philosophy.

Its translation means “pure life” and is used as a greeting, but it is not just a hello. When someone says “Pura Vida”, they mean: “Hey, relax. Take it easy. Life is great. Pura Vida!”. “Don’t get too tired; enjoy the sun, nature, and sea. Pura Vida!”

And this expression fits, in fact, ideally with the country. In addition to having one of the happiest populations in the world, Costa Rica is a true stronghold of the purest life. Despite its small size, its exuberant landscapes concentrate around 5% of all the planet’s biodiversity.

It is impossible not to marvel at the profusion of colors and shapes of its rare animals, flowers, and plants. An exceptional variety and amount of wildlife, surrounded by a stunning backdrop of tropical forests and idyllic beaches.

This expedition meets it all in a photographic adventure that will fill every memory card you bring.

It will be 10 days immersed in an exclusive schedule, carefully thought out to have the best possible photographic opportunities. Our group will always be accompanied by experienced local guides, excellent infrastructure, and numerous private tours, raising the quality of the photographic experience.

Take your photography to the next level with guidance from experienced photographers as you immerse yourself in one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the planet.

Join us on this unmissable expedition!

Tour Highlights

Take many extraordinary photographs immersed in one of the most significant concentrations of wildlife in the world
Expand your eye and techniques with photo workshops led by professionals experts
Landscape, wildlife, flower, birding and macro photography
Specialized bird and wildlife guide by area
Multiple private tours, expanding the quality and quantity of fantastic photo opportunities

Suggested itinerary

DAY 1 - San Jose (-, -, D)

Our local expert and our entire team will be waiting for you at the airport and we will take you to the hotel. At night we will share the welcome dinner with the entire group that will be accompanying us on this wonderful trip.

DAY 2 - San Gerardo de Dota (B, -, -)

After breakfast, we checkout and head to one of the most beautiful areas of Costa Rica. On the way, we will visit Cartago, the ancient capital of the country.

In the afternoon, we will have a bird photography session. The area is known for its lush vegetation and abundance of wildlife, making it an ideal spot for bird photography. From the endemic Resplendent Quetzal to the colorful tanager and the tiny hummingbird, there’s something for everyone. Overnight in San Gerardo de Dota.

DAY 3 - San Gerardo de Dota (B, -, -)

Today we have two different sessions. In the morning, we will look for the Resplendent Quetzal. The Resplendent Quetzal is one of the most iconic birds of Costa Rica and the world. It is a species of trogon, famous for its impressively colored plumage and long tail feathers. A bird photo shoot with this magnificent creature is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

After lunch, we have a hummingbird photo session. These little birds are indeed a sight to behold. With their brightly colored feathers, they can be seen flitting from flower to flower, drinking nectar, and foraging for food. They are so small and delicate that it seems they could disappear instantly. That is why a photo session with these incredible birds is so special. Overnight in San Gerardo de Dota.

DAY 4 - San Gerardo de Dota - San Jose (B, -, -)

After breakfast and check out, we return to San Jose, but not before visiting the Orosi Valley, where we’ll have our private tour at Hotel Quelitales, where more than 200 birds have been identified. This will be another great opportunity to see new bird species, such as ighland tinamou, scaled antpitta, ochre-breasted antpitta, black-bellied hummingbird, green-fronted lancebill, coppery-headed emerald, cabanis’s ground-sparrow, barred parakeet and others. Overnight in San Jose.

DAY 5 - San Jose - Sarapiqui (B, -, -)

Today we continue our trip to the Sarapiqui area. We will pass through Braulio Carrillo, one of the most impressive national parks. In this session, we can photograph the emerald toucan and the beautiful motmot, among others. The evergreen landscapes of the area will impress you. Overnight in Sarapiqui.

DAY 6 - Sarapiqui (B, -, -)

Today we will visit a business operated by an incredible Costa Rican family. On the property, we will be able to take photos of more than 20 species of birds, such as the woodpecker, the red-legged honeycreeper, toucans, tanagers, and hummingbirds, among others. Overnight in Sarapiqui.

DAY 7 - Sarapiqui - Boca Tapada (B, -, -)

In the morning, we will be able to take photos of the Savegre River and the exuberant vegetation of the surroundings. Many birds and animals will come to have breakfast with us, such as keel-billed toucans, great green macaws, wood thrushes, gray-necked wood rails, sun bitterns, and violet-crowned woodnymph. Then, we continue towards Boca Tapada. We will have a spectacular bat photography session at night and in the middle of darkness. Overnight in Boca Tapada.

DAY 8 - Boca Tapada (B, -, -)

Crocodiles, howler monkeys, and birds such as the tiger heron, great blue, and kingfisher will be some of the species that we will see on this boat tour on the San Carlos river. The natural landscapes are truly impressive. Overnight in Boca Tapada.

DAY 9 - Boca Tapada - San Jose (B, -, -)

In our last session, we dedicated ourselves to the King Vulture. This big, powerful, and beautiful bird will fill your camera lens and make you gasp. In the evening, already in San Jose, we will have our farewell dinner. Overnight in San Jose.

DAY 10 - San Jose - Departure (B, -, D)

After having shared this unforgettable trip together and having lived so many unique moments and experiences, we will take you to the airport. It’s time to go home!

Tour Price

Per person in sharing basis: USD 4,960 | Single supplement: USD 930

PAYMENT POLICY

30% deposit (wire transfer)
Balance due 60 days prior arrival

Accommodation

San Jose: Hotel Bougainvillea or similar

San Gerardo de Dota: Savegre Lodge or similar

Sarapiqui: Selva Verde Hotel or similar

Boca Tapada: Maquenque Lodge, Laguna del Lagarto, or similar

Services

INCLUDED

9 nights accommodation
Local professional photographer and expedition leader with years of experience
Experienced, certified, and area-specific guides for birds, wildlife and nature photography
Daily breakfasts at the hotels (Buffet)
Welcome dinner (First night) and Farewell dinner (Last night)
Private ground transportation, including a driver with bilingual skills and experience
All entrance fees (National parks, reserves, refuges, etc)
All local insurance
All local taxes

NOT INCLUDED

Airfare to/from Costa Rica
Visa (If it’s required)
Travel/Medical insurance
Tips and gratuities (local guides, driver and expedition leader)
Alcoholic beverages (wine, beer, cocktails, etc) and beverages not included on the menu
Hotel services (laundry, room service, etc)
Personal services (spa, massage, etc)

Gallery

Credits: Andy Bezara

More Information

The deposit of 30% will be requested to guarantee your spot in the group. It’s a guarantee of reservation and is not refunded in case of cancellation from your part for any reason. The deposit will only be refunded if we do not reach the minimum number of 8 participants to confirm the group.

The deadline to confirm the group is 60 days before the starting date but we always work to confirm it in advance.

The deposit amount will be deducted from the remainder of the payment.

This tour requires a minimum of 8 guests to be confirmed and can have up to a maximum of 10 guests.

Bookings on a shared basis will depend on another guest of the same gender registered in the same way. If the registrations are closed without another guest sharing the rooms, the single supplement will be charged and added to the travel balance.

The description of the itinerary is an idea of the activities that we will seek to do during the expedition and that can be changed according to weather conditions, recommendations from the naturalist guide or reasons of force majeure.

Trip Cancellation & Refund Policies

All cancellations requested up to 61 calendar days prior to departure have non-refundable security deposits unless SouthQuest is able to renegotiate the terms with the service providers. That is why it is important that cancellations are announced as early as possible.

Cancellations made with 60 calendar days or less prior to group starts are assessed a cancellation fee of 100% of the trip price, including domestic flights, extensions, and extra services such as hotel nights

All cancellations and trip change requests must be made in writing by mail or by email and received, and acknowledged by SouthQuest.

Costa Rica – November