Arrive To: Arrive in San José's Juan Santamaria International Airport.

Proceed through Immigrations, Baggage Claim and Customs before exiting the secured area of the airport. Please use the exit door on the right. The Road Scholar representative will be waiting outside the exit door with a Road Scholar sign (only applies to Road Scholar group flights). Transfer to the hotel and check-in, followed by time at leisure.

Please note that this is an international travel day; no meals or program activities are scheduled on this day. Hotel check-in usually begins at 3PM.

Lodging: Casa Conde
Apartotel & Suites

Transfer to Arenal -
Program Orientation/Introductory Photo Session.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Orientation to the program.

Interactive learning session - "Getting to know your camera and capabilities."
- The three main variables: controlling light, setting your digital ISO, aperture and shutter speed.
- Using light and color to create pleasing images.
- Composition.

Transfer to Arenal.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant en route to Arenal.

Afternoon: Arrive at the hotel and check-in.

Arenal was once Costa Rica's most active volcano and a main draw to the town of La Fortuna and the Arenal Volcano National Park. The volcano lords over the countryside with its perfectly conical shape and occasional smoke and gas emissions. While minor activity excites visitors, they are rarely acknowledged by the locals who have learnt to accept the antics of the volcano as part of their daily lives. The thermal waters emanating from the volcano, the clean air and the energy associated with Arenal, makes this a favorite destination for health spa enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Time at leisure for photo activities.

Lecture: Volcanology and the Arenal Volcano.

Dinner: Dinner at the lodge.

Evening: Photo review and feedback with group leader.

Lodging: Arenal Observatory Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Early morning photo opportunities around the lodge.

Breakfast at the lodge.

Morning: Interactive learning session -
"Putting new skills into practice: Technique review."
This interactive learning session will take place during a field trip to Ecocentro Danaus to photograph butterflies and other wildlife.

Since 1997 the Ecocentro Danaus has protected an area of 7.5 acres and has worked with organizations concerned with the management and protection of natural resources in Costa Rica. This area was formerly used as pasture and agricultural land. Natural regeneration processes have created a secondary tropical rain forest where tropical ecosystems and species are studied and protected while a more responsible use of these precious natural resources is promoted. In conjunction with various other organizations, the center produces species for reforestation projects and works to preserve endangered species.

Lunch: Lunch at a local restaurant in the town of La Fortuna.

Afternoon: Excursion to Arenal Sky Tram for spectacular photo opportunities of Arenal Volcano and Lake.

The Arenal Sky Tram offers great views of the Arenal Volcano, Lake and surroundings. The excursion starts with a 30 minute ride on the Sky Tram cableway, where you will have a different perspective of the flora. The Sky Tram stops at a wide observation platform on the highest point of the Arenal National Park, where you can enjoy the view. While on the platform you will have the opportunity to photograph the volcano, the lake, the mountain range and rain forest.

Photographing Arenal Volcano at twilight (weather dependent).

Return to the lodge.

Dinner: Dinner at the lodge.

Evening: Photo review and feedback with group leader.

Lodging: Arenal Observatory Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Early morning photo opportunities around lodge.

Breakfast at the lodge.

Morning: Depart for Sarapiqui with an en route stop at Muelle for photo opportunities of Iguanas.

Arrive at the lodge and check-in.

Lunch: Lunch at the lodge.

Afternoon: Interactive learning session - "Photographing Birds and Wildlife."
- Use of tripod and telephoto lenses.
- Use of fill-flash to add life to your bird photos.
- Controlling background to emphasize your subject.
- Getting close to wildlife.
This interactive learning session will take place in and around the Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve.

Lecture: Tropical Rainforest Ecology.

Dinner: Dinner at the lodge.

Evening: Photo review and feedback with group leader.

Lodging: Selva Verde Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: Optional early morning walk for photographic opportunities around lodge.

Breakfast at the lodge.

Morning: Interactive learning session - "Macro photography & Nature."
- Composition in macro.
- Color elements, how to use them.
- Distracting elements, how to avoid them.
- Macro flash use.

This interactive learning session will take place in and around the Selva Verde Rainforest Reserve.


Lunch: Lunch at the lodge.

Afternoon: Boating field trip on the Sarapiqui River.

Float down the Saripiqui River through past forested and agricultural lands full of wildlife. As we depart from the lively Puerto Viejo dock you will you have the chance to experience some of the hustle and bustle of rural life in Costa Rica. Our local guides are among the best at spotting wildlife along the river, so be ready to capture some unique shots.

Return to the lodge.
Photo review and feedback with group leader.

Before dinner, enjoy some music and local entertainment on the patio.

Dinner: Dinner at lodge.

Evening: Interactive learning session – Night walk using flash techniques for nocturnal photography.

Lodging: Selva Verde Lodge

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

San Gerardo de Dota –
Lankester Botanical Gardens/ Photographing Landscapes

Breakfast: Optional early morning walk for photographic opportunities around lodge.

Breakfast at the lodge.

Morning: Transfer to San Gerardo de Dota.

Field trip to Lankester Botanical Gardens for photography of exotic flowers.

The Lankester Botanical Gardens were originally created as a private garden by British orchid enthusiast Charles H. Lankester in the 1940s. After his death, the American Orchid Society and the Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust worked to have the gardens preserved, and in 1973, the garden was donated to the University of Costa Rica. The garden sits on 27.2 acres and is home to over 3000 species of plants, principally epiphytes, including orchids and bromeliads.

Lunch: Lunch en route.

Afternoon: Arrive to San Gerardo de Dota and check-in at hotel.

Interactive learning session: "Landscapes"
- Depth of Field
- Shutter speeds
- Use of polarizing filters
- Composition: foreground, middle ground and background
- Moving objects and water

This interactive learning session will take place in and around the Los Quetzales National Park.

Los Quetzales, is one of Costa Rica's newest national parks created in July, 2005. Spread along both sides of the Rio Savegre, Los Quetzales is rich in bird and animal life. More than 116 species of mammals can be found here of which two dozen live only in this secluded area. Hummingbirds abound in this region. The Resplendent Quetzal, from which the park’s name is derived, is reportedly somewhat less elusive and present in greater numbers than in the cloud forests of Monteverde and Santa Elena to the north. This tropical icon is considered to be the most beautiful bird in the Western Hemisphere and was sacred to ancient Mayas and Aztecs. The terrain ranges from mountains to lakes of glacial origin.

Lecture: The Story of the Chacon Family and the San Gerardo Valley.

The few families that inhabit the valley are mostly dedicated to the production of trout, apples and peaches, which grow well in the cool, moist elevations of the Talamanca Range. Pioneers in many aspects, the Chacon family was the first to settle in this area. They built the first hotel (Cabinas Chacon, now named Savegre Mountain Hotel) and the first to set out to conserve the magnificent high elevation and oak forests that covered the entire valley. The patriarch of the family, don Efrain Chacon, has transmitted his love for this land to his children and grandchildren. They now share his passion and devotion for the preservation of the pristine forests.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: Photo review and feedback with group leader.

Lodging: Savegre Hotel Nature Reserve & Spa (formerly Savegre Mountain Hotel)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

San Gerardo de Dota -
Searching for the Resplendent Quetzal/Hummingbird Photography.

Breakfast: Optional early morning walk for photographic opportunities around the hotel.

Breakfast at lodge.

Morning: Walking excursion to the San Gerardo de Dota forest area in search of the Resplendent Quetzal.

Return to the hotel.

Lunch: Lunch at the hotel.

Afternoon: Practice techniques for photographing hummingbirds, including flash use around hummingbird feeders.


Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: Photo review and feedback with group leader.

Lodging: Savegre Hotel Nature Reserve & Spa (formerly Savegre Mountain Hotel)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Transfer to Dominical -
Photo Opportunities: Highland Peaks to Pacific Sunset.

Breakfast: Optional early morning walk for photographic opportunities around lodge.

Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Depart for Central Pacific Coast.

En-route photographic session around the Cerro de la Muerte area, including sub-alpine paramo habitat, highland peaks, macro plants and flowers.

Cerro de la Muerte is the highest point in the Costa Rican section of the Inter-American Highway. Its name means "Mountain of Death," since in the past crossing the mountains from the Valle Central meant a three or four day journey, on foot or on horseback, and many ill-prepared travelers succumbed to the cold and rain. However, the peak is now easily accessible since the highway runs close by.

Lunch: Lunch en route.

Afternoon: Arrive to the hotel and check-in.

Time at leisure to explore the hotel grounds or to rest before your next program activity.

Excursion to the beach for evening Pacific sunset photo opportunities.

Return to the hotel.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: Photo review and feedback with group leader.

Lodging: Villas Rio Mar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dominical -
Ballena National Park/Dramatic Land and Seascape Scenes.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Morning photographic opportunities around the hotel grounds. Look for Toucans and other local birds.

Depart for Ballena National Park.

Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant.

Afternoon: Interactive learning session: “Sunsets.”
- Controlling exposure
- Colors, painting with light: use of flashlights in low light photography.
- Maximizing sharpness

This interactive learning session will take place in and around Ballena National Park.

Ballena Marine Park was named after the Humpback Whales that migrate here each year. From December to April the whales arrive from the Northern Hemisphere and from July to October they arrive from the Southern Hemisphere to mate off the Costa Rican coast before returning to the frigid waters where they feed. This national park not only protects whales and Central America's largest Pacific reef, but is also an important haven for mangroves, mammals, reptiles and birds.

Field trip with photo opportunities to Ballena National Park for dramatic land and seascape scenes.

Return to the hotel.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel.

Evening: Photo review and feedback with group leader.

Lodging: Villas Rio Mar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Return to San José -
Cultural Interaction Photography, Street Scenes and Landscapes.

Breakfast: Breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Transfer to San José.

En route photo opportunities--cultural interaction, street scenes, and landscapes.

Lunch: Lunch en route.



Afternoon: Continue with transfer to San José.

Arrive at the hotel and check-in.
Time at leisure.
Meeting with coordinator and final briefing.

Dinner: Farewell dinner and photographic presentation at the hotel.

Lodging: Wyndham San José Herradura Hotel & Convention Center (previously a Ramada property)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Depart From: Transfer to the Juan Santamaria International Airport for flight to U.S.

Note: Participants with independent travel arrangements and/or scheduled on later flights can keep their hotel rooms until check-out time on this day. Except for breakfast, all other meals are on your own on this day.

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel (depending on flight time).

Meals Included: Breakfast