Costa Rica is alive with wildlife, home to as much habitat variation as found in the continental US and even more species diversity. We have specially designed a unique itinerary to explore this magnificent Central American nation in great depth, suitable for the first-time visitor and return traveler alike. We photograph and bird superb wildlife areas on both sides of the Continental Divide and to the south, including Piedras Blancas National Park, Wilson Botanical Gardens and the best cloud forests in the country for Resplendent Quetzal and other wonderful wildlife. At this time of year, resident birds are in their most vibrant plumage and migrants are there as well. Each morning get an early start to maximize opportunities when birds and mammals are most active. Our exceptionally fine leader, Paco Madrigal, has been guiding wildlife tours for us since the early 1990s. With Paco as your guide, you will see the best this country has to offer!
Cost: $3,950 per person, double occupancy, not including airfare. Review cost details.
Leader: Paco Madrigal, Costa Rica's premier birding guide, with assistants and an outstanding driver.
Size: Ten, not including our leader.
Conditions: A non-smoking safari for people who are very interested in wildlife (mammals, birds and reptiles) and spending the maximum of time in the field.
Update: This itinerary was updated in November 2009. View the plain text version, great for printing!
Synopsis:
| January 3 | Arrive in San José, Costa Rica. |
| January 4 - 6 | On the Caribbean side to Braulio Carillo NP and La Selva Biological Station. |
| January 7 - 9 | Carara National Park on the Pacific and the marsh at Solimar. |
| January 10 | La Cusinga with pristine primary forest. |
| January 11 - 12 | Wilson Botanical Gardens, Las Cruces Biological Station and new southern species. |
| January 13 - 14 | Piedras Blancas National Forest in the south. |
| January 15 - 16 | Savegre and Finca Mirador, best places for quetzals. |
| January 17 | Morning in Cloud Forest, return to San José for farewell dinner. |
| January 18 | Flights homeward. |
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January 3, Sunday Arrive in Costa Rica
Arrive in San José, Costa Rica by January 3, where Paco Madrigal will warmly welcome you. Drive to the Hotel Bougainvillea, located about 25 minutes from the airport and 15 minutes from downtown San José. Let us know if you would like to arrive a day earlier. We would be happy to book an extra hotel night for you. We can also recommend a travel agent to ticket your flights to Costa Rica. The room cost on the garden side is $140 and the cost of lunch and dinner per person is $40 (quoted 10/2008). If you arrive earlier than the 3rd, a special airport taxi is readily available for the short ride to the hotel. The gardens at Hotel Bougainvillea are an excellent place to see White-eared Ground-sparrow, Blue-crowned Motmot, hummingbirds, and Prevost's Ground-sparrow. The hotel is located on ten acres of gardens.
Lodging: One night at Hotel Bougainvillea
January 4 - 6, Monday - Wednesday: Selva Verde, Virgen de Socorro, La Selva Biological Station
Head east toward the Caribbean side to Selva Verde Lodge in the tropical lowlands of Sarapiqui. We'll spend three nights at this lovely lodge located on the Sarapiqui River in 500 acres of tropical forest. Spend the afternoon exploring the wildlife-rich riparian zone along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. This rain forest region at the base of the Caribbean slope is well known for hosting a great diversity of tropical flora and fauna. Here the Sunbittern, Black-faced Grosbeak, and Gray-necked Wood-Rail are a few of the inhabitants. This is the most likely spot on the trip to see the Great Green Macaw, an endangered species that depends on the Dipteryx tree for feeding and nesting. This large region has dense rainforest with the greatest diversity of tropical life on this side of the Continental Divide. Amaze at the fascinating mini-communities found just within a beautiful Heliconia or Bromeliad plant. Lurking in the forest are Two-toed and Three-toed Sloths and three species of monkeys. Two species of Dendrobates or poison dart frogs are abundant in the forest's moist leaf litter. Howler, Spider Monkeys and White-faced Capuchins may also be on the trails. This forest is adjacent to Braulio Carillo National Park and the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) La Selva Biological Station. The altitude ranges from 37m (120ft) at La Selva to almost 3,000m (9,800ft) at the top of the highest peak in Braulio Carillo.
En route to Selva Verde lodge on Monday, visit Braulio Carrillo National Park. The main road passes directly through the park, so Paco will take time to make a few stops in interesting places with interesting birds. This dense Caribbean slope rainforest hosts a diversity of birdlife. Some of the species you may encounter are Lattice-tailed Trogon, members of the tanager family, such as Tawny-capped Euphonia, White-shouldered Tanager and Blue and Gold Tanager, two great looking species in the woodcreeper family, Brown-billed Scythebill and Olivaceous Woodcreeper, a great songster as the name suggests, Black-headed Nightingale Thrush, and the intriguing White-ruffed Manakin, to name a few. Stop along the way also to look especially for the Snowcap, a lovely hummingbird that all enjoy seeing.
We'll have two days at La Selva Biological Station, clearly a highlight of the tour. The station is among the four most famous tropical research facilities in the world. We will see an outstanding abundance of wildlife. The station is home to more than 420 species of birds, 500 species of butterflies, 55 species of snakes, 120 species of mammals and hosts a variety of different trees in their arboretum. This is the most likely place to make your tinamou dream come true, as there are three species of tinamou that inhabit La Selva. The wildlife is protected here and the birds and mammals are not camera shy, so there will be exceptional photo opportunities. Birds we'll find include woodpeckers, aracaris, and tanagers, Roufous Motmot, trogons, caciques, Purple-throated Fruit Crow, and Snowy Cotinga, among many others. We'll also be on the look out for peccaries (wild pig), agoutis, coatis, sloths, and the monkeys that frequent this area. Return to Selva Verde Lodge for a refreshing lunch and the afternoon again to La Selva for another great walk with Paco, who grew up in this area.
Lodging: Selva Verde Lodge
January 7 - 9, Thursday - Saturday: Carara National Park and Solimar
Travel to the Carara Biological Reserve on the banks of the Tarcoles River near the Pacific coast. Stop along the way to look for Northern Jacanas, Anhingas, and other great birds. Crocodylus acutus up to 10 feet or more in length bask on the banks of the Rio Grande de Tarcoles, which delimits the western boundary of Carara near the river mouth as it flows into the Pacific Ocean. Explore Carara Biological Reserve, a national park with a unique climate zone. The ecosystem of the humid southern coastal region joins the dry climate of the northern Pacific area, becoming a rich meeting ground for species from both regions. Carara NP is a transitional forest between tropical dry forest and Pacific slope rain forest. It is here we hope to find the Orange-collared Manakin dancing in their lek. This is a great location to spot antbirds, up to four species of trogons, Rufous-tailed Jacamar, and even Royal Flycatchers. Climax the day by stopping on our way back at the Tarcoles River bridge to watch Scarlet Macaws fly out to the mangroves to roost for the night. Nights will be at beautiful Villa Lapas, on the border of the Reserve. An early morning visit to the Tarcoles River will offer the chance to see the Scarlet Macaws as they fly over at dawn from their favorite nighttime roost in the mangroves. Nesting in January, they are only one gem in the treasure chest of rarities that is Carara National Park. Blue Morphos and other beautiful butterflies are seen along Carara's trails in mid-day. Carara has very important habitats for Collared Peccaries, Tayras (a black weasel), and Tamanduas (Banded Anteaters). We'll walk through excellent habitat, which is home to Great Curassow and Great Tinamou. Several species of mammals, such as Agouti, a very interesting large rodent, foraging woodcreepers, and the tiny Northern Bentbill are more of our interesting encounters here. Return to Villa Lapas for lunch for a short break during the warm part of the day.
On January 9, our destination will be the beautiful Madrigal Estuary on the Solimar property, a privately owned finca (ranch). This estuary is a prime wetland of great importance to nesting Wood Storks, Snail Kites, Limpkins, Roseate Spoonbills, Bare-throated Tiger-Herons, Boat-billed Herons, Green-backed Herons and Anhingas. As we drive in to Hacienda Solimar, look for Double-striped Thicknees resting under a shady tree or Howler Monkeys resting on tree limbs overhanging the road. The climate is hot here, as it is in the rainshadow of the highlands. Explore the evergreen fringe alongside the estuary to look for Green and American Pygmy kingfishers returning to their favorite perches. Two species of Sac-wing bats roost on huge tree trunks. Located not far from the town of Porozal on the Gulf of Nicoya, Hacienda Solimar is beside one of the most important marshlands in Costa Rica for waterbirds, located in the lower Tempisque River Basin. More than 200 species of birds, including Collared Forest Falcon, are nurtured in this rich estuary. This rich riparian corridor at Solimar provides an even more striking contrast to the arid deciduous forest characteristic of Dry Tropical Forest. Listen for Howlers and look for other mammals, including White-faced Capuchins, Tamandua, Prehensile-tailed Porcupine, Variegated Squirrels, Coati, and White-tailed Deer. Before departing, sightings should also include Pacific Screech-Owls and a Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl. Drive back to Villa Lapas for dinner and overnight.
Lodging: Villa Lapas
January 10, Sunday: La Cusinga
Head south this morning for a beautiful 3-1/2 hour drive along the Pacific through the coastal town of Dominical to the private forest reserve at La Cusinga ("The Toucan"). The habitat here is exceptionally pristine, a superb primary forest that has unique and diverse species, both plants and wildlife. Home to Howler Monkeys, White-face Monkeys, iguanas, basilisk lizards and other reptiles and birds include the Fiery-billed Araçari (one of the toucans found in the southern zone of Costa Rica), Yellow-billed Cotinga (a species endemic to Costa Rica and Panama), King Vulture, Tawny-winged Woodcreeper, Striped Owl, Costa Rican Swift and Olivaceous Piculet. The lodge was built by long-time resident and conservationist, John Tresemer, who has protected the surrounding forest for many years.
Lodging: La Cusinga Lodge
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January 11 - 12, Monday - Tuesday: The Wilson Botanical Garden
The Wilson Botanical Garden property is an exciting place! As the Garden brochure states, "Overlooking a cool mid-elevation forest, the Wilson Botanical Garden, with its peaceful, secluded setting, remains a practically secret paradise." In addition to the Selva Verde Station, OTS operates Las Cruces Biological Station on the Garden grounds, and all proceeds from our stay go to this outstanding conservation group. See their website at www.ots.duke.edu. Accommodations are in twelve spacious guest rooms with twin beds, balcony and private bath. In their dining room enjoy international recipes with lots of fruits and vegetables. The birds and butterflies out in the Garden are spectacular. The habitat includes 7,000 species of plants and a contiguous 632-acre forest reserve. The mammals are also quite diverse, including Agoutis, Kinkajous, and White-faced Capuchins. Paco will identify many birds here, including five species of trogons, and many hummingbirds, tanagers and warblers. He can tell you what they are feeding on and where to look for them among the megadiversity of plants.
Lodging: Wilson Botanical Gardens
January 13 - 14, Wednesday - Thursday: Piedras Blancas National Park
Travel to Esquinas Rainforest Lodge on the outskirts of Golfito. Surrounded by dense lowland rainforest, the lodge borders Piedras Blancas National Park. Recognizing the importance of sustainable alternatives as opposed to the destruction of tropical forests, Austria financed the purchase of 8,000 acres as part of its Development Aid Program. "Rainforest of the Austrians" was appointed to oversee and direct the project, creating the National Park on this land and the constructing the Esquinas Rainforest Lodge in 1994. This Austrian non-profit has been purchasing properties within the Esquinas forest and donating them to the Costa Rican government for the past 15 years. Piedras Blancas is a great area to look for Ruddy-breasted Seed-eater, Red-breasted Blackbird, Black-cheeked Ant-Tanager (endemic), Baird's Trogon, Fork-tailed Flycatcher, Blue-crowned Manakin, Thick-billed Euphonia and many others. The rare Pearl Kite and Uniform Crake are also possible here. This is a wonderful place with new species of striking birds that you won't see to the north.
Lodging: Esquinas Rainforest Lodge
January 15 - 16, Friday - Saturday: Savegre River Valley
After a last morning walk and breakfast at Esquinas, travel up to Cerro de la Muerte along the Continental Divide into highland cloud forest. Stop for lunch along the way and take time to bird in some outstanding spots en route to Savegre Mountain Lodge. We'll stay two nights at Savegre Mountain Lodge, nestled in a quaint highland valley in prime habitat for Resplendent Quetzal. Also known as Cabinas Chacon, Savegre Mountain Lodge is located in San Gerardo de Dota, a small community in the Talamanca mountains in the midst of a precious ecosystem. Here you will find a deep cloud forest filled with massive oaks and other native species. The woods serve as a sanctuary for a large number of species of insects, amphibians, amazing plants and colorful birds. Spend the day exploring the bird-rich habitat of the Savegre River Valley. Walking through the gardens and along the Savegre River, we can hope to see Flame-colored Tanager, Collared Trogon, Torrent Tyrannulet, Volcano Hummingbird, and Gray-tailed Mountain Gem, to name a few. These last days will be your best opportunity to photograph quetzals.
Lodging: Savegre Mountain Lodge
January 17, Sunday: Finca Mirador de Quetzales
On the last morning in the field visit the misty highland cloud forest reserve at Finca Mirador de Quetzales, where up to 20 pairs of quetzals have been seen. Many other birds are found here including Black-and-yellow Silky-flycatcher, Fiery-throated Hummingbird, Black-billed Nightingale-Thrush, Sooty-capped Bush-Tanager, and Peg-billed Finch. Finca Mirador de Quetzales (Quetzal Lookout Ranch) at an elevation of 2,600m (8,500ft), is owned by the Serrano family. The Serranos built their small lodge especially for visitors hoping to view the beautiful quetzal. They have left most of their 43 hectares (2.8 acres = 1 hectares) as a sanctuary for the quetzal and for many other species, including Fiery-throated Hummingbirds, which feed in the pendulous flowers near the dining room door. Walk in the breathtaking forest amongst the huge and ancient "Mountain Cypress." The forest also contains oaks and members of the avocado family, all festooned with layers of moss and other epiphytes. Avocados are the favorite diet of the Resplendent Quetzal and the Serranos have five species of native avocados growing in their forests. Watch Mountain Robins, Black-billed Nightingale-Thrushes, Rufous-collared Sparrows, several hummingbird species, and perhaps Yellow-thighed Finches, come and go along the forest edge.
With the last day in the peaceful highland cloud forests, return after lunch at the Serranos for the three hour drive back to San Jose. Check in at Hotel Bougainvillea and enjoy a farewell dinner and overnight stay to get ready for early flights on the 18th, as it is necessary to arrive at the airport at least two and a half hours before departure time for flights homeward.
Lodging: Hotel Bougainvillea
January 18, Monday: Flights homeward
Most flights depart very early in the morning to allow you to arrive home without any overnights en route. Transfers will be arranged to the airport to allow you ample time before your flight.
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Costs, Payments and Cancellations: Upon receiving your deposit, we will send complete trip materials. Deposits are refundable before the final payment date, except for $150. The $150 may go toward another tour if a reservation is made within six months of the departure date of this trip. There are no refunds given after the final payment date. Trip cancellation insurance applications are available. Trip options, if any, and singles are extra.
| Cost per Person | |
| Trip cost | $3,950 |
| Single supplement | $600 |
| Payment Schedule | |
| Deposit - to reserve your space | $500 |
| June 15, 2009 - second payment | $500 |
| October 1, 2009 - final payment | remaining balance |
Included:
Not Included:
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To Make a Reservation: Please contact us to assure space availability and to let us answer your questions. Then, print our reservation form, fill it out, and post it to us in the mail with your deposit:
Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris
20800 Kittredge Road
Saratoga, CA 95070
Toll Free: (800) 527-5330
Local: (408) 741-5330
Fax: (408) 741-0358
Email: info@cheesemans.com
Leader: Paco Madrigal has 20 years experience guiding wildlife, natural history, and birding tours throughout Costa Rica. He has been leading wonderful wildlife tours for us since the early 90's. He grew up in Sarapiqui very close to the Organization for Tropical Studies Station at La Selva. He learned about botany and wildlife from his father who had learned from his father. He was the first resident naturalist guide at the nearby Selva Verde Lodge Tropical Reserve. In 1989 he was selected to participate in the first 4-month intensive training course for naturalist guides, sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund and the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS). At the University of Florida he studied English and ornithology and graduated with honors. Before becoming a full time professional leader, Paco worked for five years at La Selva Biological Station in Sarapiqui. He is very enthusiastic and always adds fun to the experience in the field, as well as finding lots of wildlife for you. Each morning he'll be ready for an early start to maximize opportunities when birds and mammals are most active and arrange travel time, as much as possible, between lodges for the middle of the day, then have the late afternoon in the field when the light is also excellent for photography. There will be several owling excursions, weather permitting, and a pre-breakfast opportunity most every morning. Paco designed this also to include the rich wildlife areas to the south with very nice lodgings, private baths and great food, that will appeal to all, including anyone who has already been to Costa Rica, but wants to return to new areas and new species.
Travel Insurance: Emergency Medical Insurance is optional, but encouraged, for this tour. Read about travel insurance and our recommendations and requirements.
Health Concerns: Malaria prophylactic is not necessary for the areas on this itinerary, nor are any vaccinations or inoculations, however you should check with your doctor. The water (from springs) is excellent at some lodges. Check with your leader about where the water is safe to drink.
Climate and Clothing: Temperatures vary greatly. The Pacific coast is often hot. The cloud forests at Finca Mirador Quetzales and Savegre Mountain Lodge can be surprisingly cool. Rain can be encountered during any season, even in January during the dry season. Bring lightweight hiking boots or walking shoes for trails.
Mailing List: If you would like to be on our mailing list or request information, please use our online information request form or send us your name, address, email address and phone number. Please note we will never share your personal information with anybody!
Responsibility: Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris, Saratoga, California, act only as agents and shall not be responsible or become liable for any delay incurred by any person in connection with any means of transportation, nor for the loss, damage, or injury to person or property by reason of any event beyond the control of the agency or default of such agency suppliers. We reserve the right to cancel the tour prior to departure in which case full refund will constitute full settlement to the passenger. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour unless arrangements are made at the time of booking. All rates are based on current tariffs, exchange rates and fuel prices and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change therein. By sending your initial deposit, you agree to accept our payment schedule as a contract. If payments are still outstanding two weeks after the due date, your space may be forfeited. Baggage is at the owner's risk.
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