Costa Rica | Introduction to Art and Neotropical Birding

Upon arrival in San José, you will be met and taken to Hotel Bougainvillea. Check-in begins at 3 pm. Elevation is 3,100 feet.

Early morning birding around the 10-acre grounds of the hotel, then meet for breakfast and an orientation in the hotel restaurant, followed by an introduction to tropical birding from a local expert. Check out of the hotel and travel by bus to La Paz Waterfall Gardens, where you will have lunch and then visit the hummingbird gardens and butterfly farm. Continue on, stopping en route at a café in Cinchona known for its many hummingbird feeders. This afternoon, arrive in Sarapiqui and take a hike along the trail on the property. You may have the opportunity to see species such as the Keel-billed Toucan, Great Green Macaw, White-winged Becard, Sunbittern, Acadian Flycatcher, and Wood Thrush. Take an optional walk this evening to discover nocturnal frogs and insects. Elevation change: From 3,000 feet above sea level in San José to approximately 225 feet in Sarapiquí, with the highest point visited today at 6,200 feet at La Paz Waterfall Gardens.

Begin the day with early morning birding. After breakfast, continue birding at Refugio Lapa Verde, a private reserve managed by the Ecovida Foundation. Established in 2006, the foundation provides support for the conservation and restoration of diverse habitats for flora and fauna in Costa Rica. Ecovida works to protect tropical forests from deforestation through land purchases and native plant reforestation, bolster native animal populations, help instill an appreciation for nature in the local population through cooperation with schools, ecotourism, and job creation, and network with other organizations and protected areas in Central America. This afternoon, explore Tirimbina Biological Reserve on a guided hike. The trails at Tirimbina are designed to afford excellent opportunities for viewing rainforest biodiversity. As a large proportion of life in the rainforest thrives in the canopy layer, visitors can experience the richness of treetop flora and fauna from a 328-foot suspended canopy walkway spanning one of the many stream valleys in the reserve. After dinner at Tirimbina, enjoy an informative talk on the lives of bats.

Depart early this morning for the Organization for Tropical Studies La Selva Biological Station. Established in 1968, La Selva is world-renowned for scientific research on rainforest ecosystems. Be on the lookout for the Snowy Cotinga, Rufous Motmot, Crested Guan, Great Tinamou, Pied Puffbird, and Spectacled Owl as possible sightings. Return to the lodge for lunch. Your afternoon is free to participate in optional activities such as a boat ride on the Sarapiquí River, whitewater rafting or horseback riding (arranged at reception upon arrival and paid on-site), spending time by the pool, or looking for avian visitors along Ara Ambigua's trails. Alternatively, join a relaxing art lesson with Christina.

Early this morning, check out of the lodge and depart for San Gerardo de Dota. En route, stop at Nectar and Pollen Reserve where some interesting possibilities include the Snowcap, Long-tailed Tyrant, Cinnamon Woodpecker, White Hawk and others. Have lunch en route, and then check in at the hotel in San Gerardo de Dota, a small community in the Talamanca Mountains that sits at an elevation of about 7,220 feet. The forest surrounding the hotel is home to massive oaks, colorful plants, and an incredible variety of animal life: birds, insects, mammals, and amphibians. The famous valley is a paradise for birdwatchers, with more than 170 species recorded here. The crown jewel is the magnificent Resplendent Quetzal, which lives in the region year round. After settling in at the lodge, spend some time walking around the lodge's garden, where you may find resident Talamanca Hummingbird, Lesser Violetear, White-throated Mountain-gem, Volcano Hummingbird, and the tiny Scintillant Hummingbird. Fiery-throated Hummingbird and Violet Sabrewing are seasonally present, and even Flame-colored Tanager and Slaty Flowerpiercer come in for up-close views, offering excellent photo opportunities. Optional art workshop with Christina focusing on illustrating the quick movements of these colorful subjects.

Spend the morning exploring the upper trails at the nearby Savegre Reserve in search of Resplendent Quetzal and some of the other species present here. Board 4x4 vehicles to travel up to the beginning of the trail system. The large centennial oaks of the forest are laden with lichens and mosses that contrast with the colorful bromeliads, adding to the striking atmosphere of this forest. Explore the trails in search of such specialties as Spotted Wood-Quail, Costa Rican Pygmy-Owl, Resplendent Quetzal, Collared Trogon, Buffy Tuftedcheek, Ruddy Treerunner, Ochraceous Pewee, Barred Becard, Wrenthrush, and Golden-browed Chlorophonia, just to name a few. After lunch, continue birding along the La Catarata Trail. Dinner is at the lodge this evening.

After some early morning birding around the lodge, have breakfast and begin the journey back to San Jose, en route, stop at Paraíso del Quetzal for lunch. Upon arrival at the hotel, check in and take some time to freshen up and relax. Optional art workshop with Christina where participants can practice drawing their favorite birds from the trip! Attend a farewell dinner this evening.

Transfer to the airport for flight home.