Road Scholar : Digital Photography in Nature: Capturing the Best of Costa Rica - Costa Rica

Digital Photography in Nature: Capturing the Best of Costa Rica

Program Number:

15114RJ

Start and End Dates:


	1/24/2014 - 2/3/2014; 2/6/2014 - 2/16/2014; 2/21/2014 - 3/3/2014;

Duration:

10 nights

Location:

Costa Rica

Price starting at:

$2,240.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city

Program Type:

Photography

Meals:

28; 10 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 9 Dinners

Meal Options:

Low Fat; Vegetarian; Low Salt

The rugged orange bloom of the Heliconia looks even more exotic as you zoom in for a shot in the Caribbean lowland rainforest. Accompanied by a photography instructor and naturalist, learn to capture brilliant photographs in the dynamic Costa Rican environment. Lectures and field instruction help you to create digital images using professional techniques, while presentations and excursions introduce Costa Rica�s flora and fauna, as well as its human heritage.

Highlights

� Capture the moods of Arenal Volcano from a forest platform.
� Interactive sessions include management of light, exposure and composition, as well as macro, landscape and wildlife photography techniques.
� Biological details from expert naturalists offer another angle on your images of the rainforest.

Activity Particulars

Walking up to 1.5 hours a day over uneven trails in hot and humid conditions. Elevations up to 11,000 feet.

Participants should have their own digital camera (preferably with multiple lenses or adapters), tripods, chargers and digital media storage devices.

Itinerary Summary

Arrivals San Jose, 1 night; coach to Arenal, 2 nights; coach to Sarapiqui, 2 nights; coach to San Gerardo de Dota, 2 nights; coach to Dominical, 2 nights; coach to San Jose, 1 night; departures.

Arrival San Jose	1 night
Coach to Arenal	2 nights

Outside the capital, lectures on geology reveal the science behind the Arenal Volcano�s plumes of smoke. At the Danaus Eco Center, photograph colorful butterflies, then capture sweeping panoramas of the volcano, lake and surrounding rainforest.

Coach to Sarapiqui

2 nights

Spend your morning bird watching or exploring the hotel grounds through the lens of your camera. Then learn to photograph birds and wildlife in hands-on sessions focusing on macro photography, telephoto lenses and techniques to capture your animated subjects. A lecture by a local biologist on �Tropical Rainforest Ecology� offers context for your final images.

Coach to San Gerado de Dota

2 nights

Learn to apply filters and shutter speeds to capture memorable landscapes in and around the San Gerardo Valley. Meet Chacon family members and learn their secrets of tracking the Resplendent Quetzal in hopes of photographing this elusive bird. Interactive sessions highlight techniques for photographing hummingbirds.

Coach to Dominical	2 nights
Coach to San Jose	1 night
Departure

On the Central Pacific Coast, visit Cerro de la Muerte for a special session in photographing plants and flowers, then learn how to photograph subjects in low light. Try out new techniques in land and seascapes at the Ballena National Park and in macros of native flora at a botanical garden.

Costa Rica

Hugged by two bodies of water and sandwiched between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica�s topography, climate and geographical position are more than mere facts: they define this tiny country. Cloud rainforests, valleys of coffee and volcanic mountain peaks fill the land between Caribbean and Pacific beaches. This ecological Eden protects its natural treasures in acres of preserved land, and is the only country in the world without a standing army.

Accommodations
San Jose: Four-star hotels. Arenal: Arenal Observatory Lodge. Sarapiqui: Lodge on the banks of the Sarapiqui River. San Gerado de Dota: Lodge in a private cloud forest reserve. Dominical: Lodge bordered by a spectacular mountain range.

Meals and Lodgings
	Hotel Buena Vista
		San Jose, Costa Rica	1 night
	Arenal Observatory Lodge
		Arenal, Costa Rica	2 nights
	Selva Verde Lodge
		Sarapiqui, Costa Rica	2 nights
	Savegre Hotel Nature Reserve & Spa (formerly Savegre Mountain Hotel)
		San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica	2 nights
	Villas Rio Mar
		Dominical, Costa Rica	2 nights
	Wyndham San Jos� Herradura Hotel & Convention Center
		San Jose, Costa Rica	1 night

Hotel Buena Vista
	Type:	Hotel
	Description:	The Hotel Buena Vista is situated in Alajuela, just 15-20 minutes (6 miles) from San Jos�'s international airport and 35 minutes from downtown San Jos�. Because of its mountain setting (4,200 ft), the hotel enjoys wonderful spring-like weather year around with lows generally in the 60�s and highs in the 80�s. At every turn, guests are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Central Valley, local coffee plantations, and surrounding volcanoes.
	Contact info:	Apdo. 760-4050 Alajuela, 00000 Costa Rica phone: +506-24428595 web: www.hotelbuenavistacr.com
	Room amenities:	Private bathroom with hair dryer and complimentary toiletries, flat screen TV, desk, and large windows with views of the pool or gardens.
	Facility amenities:	Restaurant, bar, pool, nature trail, gift shop, tour desk, baggage storage, airport shuttle, Wi-Fi, and laundry service.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes
	Additional nights prior:	Subject to availability. Room types and rates are subject to hotel availability. Please contact Holbrook at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com for questions about prices and availability.
	Check in time:	3:00 PM

Arenal Observatory Lodge
	Type:	Lodge
	Description:	Arenal Observatory Lodge was originally built in 1987 as a research station for scientists of the Smithsonian Institute. It is the only lodge within Arenal National Park and is protected from danger by a deep gorge of the Agua Caliente River.
	Contact info:	P.O.BOX 13411-1000 San Jose, Costa Rica La Fortuna, 00000 Costa Rica phone: +5062-692-2070 web: www.arenalobservatorylodge.com/
	Room amenities:	Private baths, air conditioning, garden surroundings, views of the volcano, coffee maker, and safety deposit box.
	Facility amenities:	Pool, jacuzzi, gazebo, trails to waterfalls and through primary and secondary forests.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes

Selva Verde Lodge
	Type:	Lodge
	Description:	Nature Lodge built along the banks of the Sarapiqui River. Room modules are built on elevated platforms, surrounded by tropical vegetation. A large tract of private primary and secondary rainforest is accessible via a hanging bridge.
	Contact info:	Chilamate Sarapiqui, 00000 Costa Rica phone: +506-2-27611800 web: www.selvaverde.com
	Room amenities:	Safety boxes, ceiling fans, phones, screened windows, and hair dryers.
	Facility amenities:	Meeting rooms, restaurant, bar, and private rainforest reserve with trails.
	Smoking allowed:	No

Savegre Hotel Nature Reserve & Spa (formerly Savegre Mountain Hotel)
	Type:	Lodge
	Description:	The Savegre Hotel Nature Reserve and Spa is located in the Talamanca Mountains of Costa Rica. The hotel is at an elevation of approximately 7,220 ft and is situated in a private cloud forest reserve that borders the Los Quetzales National Park. Its private reserve has earned a reputation for being one of the best places to spot the elusive Resplendent Quetzal--one of the country's most colorful birds. To reach this attractive highland property it is necessary to travel on switchbacks and narrow mountain roads reaching elevations of up to 11,000 ft at Cerro de la Muerte.
	Contact info:	San Gerardo de Dota. San Gerardo de Dota, 00000 Costa Rica phone: +506-27401028 web: www.savegre.com
	Room amenities:	Rooms have private baths and heating system or fireplace. No air conditioning is necessary since the hotel is located in a mountainous region (approximately 7,220 ft above sea level) known for its clean and crisp air.
	Facility amenities:	Restaurant, bar, meeting rooms, spa services, gardens, nature reserve, trails, and laundry service.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes

Villas Rio Mar
	Type:	Lodge
	Description:	The property is bordered by a spectacular mountain range and the beautiful Baru river. The pristine beaches of Dominical are only a short distance away.
	Contact info:	PO Box 1645-2050 San Jose, 00000 Costa Rica phone: +506-27870052 web: www.villasriomar.com
	Room amenities:	Each room has its own living space, hammock, refrigerator, fans, telephone and private bath with hot water.
	Facility amenities:	Large swimming pool with wet bar, Jacuzzi, tennis court, in-house tour agency, green areas, souvenir shop, Internet access in the Activity Center, free WiFi, conference center, spa services, transportation services, and a romantic palenque-style restaurant featuring many local and international dishes.
	Smoking allowed:	Yes

Wyndham San Jos� Herradura Hotel & Convention Center
	Type:	Resort
	Description:	The Wyndham San Jos� Herradura Hotel and Convention Center has 229 spacious rooms with modern conveniences, and a long list of amenities that are meant to accommodate business travelers as well as vacationing families. It is conveniently located a short distance from San Jos�'s Juan Santamaria International Airport. The hotel has earned a Level 3 Certification for Sustainable Tourism by the Costa Rican Tourism Institute.
	Contact info:	General Ca�as Highway 5 km south from International Airport San Jos�, Costa Rica phone: +506-22099800 web: http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/costa-rica/san-jose/wyndham-san-jose-herradura-hotel-convention-center/hotel-overview
	Room amenities:	The spacious, air conditioned rooms have private baths, hair dryers, satellite TVs, direct-dial phones, mini refrigerators, coffee makers, safety deposit boxes, and internet access.
	Facility amenities:	Complimentary Wi-Fi, three restaurants, three swimming pools, a wet bar, Jacuzzis, casino, fitness center, spa services, laundry service, souvenir shop, beauty salon, business center, conference center, money exchange, Internet access, travel agency, and a souvenir shop. Wheelchair acessible elevators and public areas. Free airport shuttle service from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Free hotel shuttle service to San Jos� attractions.
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Elevators available:	Yes
	Additional nights after:	Prices subject to availability Rates and room types are subject to availability. Please contact your program provider at 1-800-866-7111 or roadscholarprograms@holbrooktravel.com if you need assistance with booking additional hotel nights.
	Check out time:	11:00 AM

Travel Details
	Start of Program: All-day arrivals at the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jos�, Costa Rica. Hotel check-in starts at 3 p.m. You will be staying at Hotel Buena Vista that night.
	End of Program: Departures from the Juan Santamaria International Airport in San Jos�, Costa Rica. Hotel check-out by 11 a.m. You will be staying at Wyndham San Jos� Herradura Hotel & Convention Center the night before.
	Required documents: The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Proof of vaccination is required from travelers arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic. It is always best to renew your passport before it reaches the six month validity date�especially if you plan on doing future travel. For more information about entry requirements please contact the Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington, DC at tel: (202) 234-2945/46 or visit www.costarica-embassy.org.

Transportation		(For Independent Travelers)

	To Start of Program
	Location:	San Jose
	Nearest airport:	Juan Santamaria, San Jose
	Transportation to site:	Taxis available at the airport.Taxis Unidos Aeropuerto is the official airport taxi company in San Jose. Their taxis are orange in color with a logo printed on the side.Tel: (506) 222-6865/www.taxisunidosaeropuerto.com.

	From End of Program
	Location:	San Jose
	Transportation from site:	Taxi services are available from the hotel to the airport.
		(Additional transportation information same as above)

Elevation Note: Elevations of up to 11,000 feet (at Cerro de la Muerte).

Equipment Requirements: Our workshops are designed for photographers with a digital SLR camera with interchangeable lenses (e.g., the Canon Digital Rebel, 10D, 20D, 30D, 5D, 1Ds, etc.; Nikon D70, D100, D200, D2x, etc.; Pentax *stD series). Nonetheless, if you have a non-SLR digital camera, there are also a number of concepts and techniques both in camera and on the computer that will help you to improve your photos by leaps and bounds. Suggested lenses or adapters; a wide-angle or wide-angle zoom lens, a macro or mid-range zoom or fixed lens with closeup filters, and a telephoto or telephoto zoom. An external flash is also very helpful. A circular polarizing filter will help you to deepen blue skies and saturate green rainforest foliage. A tripod will help you to obtain sharper pictures and to improve your composition. And be sure to bring the instruction manual for your camera so that we can help you to get the most out of your equipment! Laptop suggested for media storage.

The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Daily Schedule

Day 1:

Arrive to San Jos�.
(Friday, February 21)

Arrive To:

Arrive in San Jos�'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.

Accommodations:

Hotel Buena Vista

Day 2:

Transfer to Arenal -
Program Orientation/Introductory Photo Session.
(Saturday, February 22)

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.

Accommodations:	Arenal Observatory Lodge
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3:

Arenal -
Ecocentro Danaus/Arenal Skytram.
(Sunday, February 23)

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.

Accommodations:	Arenal Observatory Lodge
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4:

Sarapiqui -
Rainforest Wildlife Photography.
(Monday, February 24)

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.

Accommodations:	Selva Verde Lodge
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5:

Sarapiqui -
Sarapiqui River Boat Ride/Nocturnal Photography.
(Tuesday, February 25)

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.

Accommodations:	Selva Verde Lodge
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6:

San Gerardo de Dota �
Lankester Botanical Gardens/ Photographing Landscapes
(Wednesday, February 26)

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.

Accommodations:	Savegre Hotel Nature Reserve & Spa (formerly Savegre Mountain Hotel)
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7:

San Gerardo de Dota -
Searching for the Resplendent Quetzal/Hummingbird Photography.
(Thursday, February 27)

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.

Accommodations:	Savegre Hotel Nature Reserve & Spa (formerly Savegre Mountain Hotel)
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8:

Transfer to Dominical -
Photo Opportunities: Highland Peaks to Pacific Sunset.
(Friday, February 28)

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.

Accommodations:	Villas Rio Mar
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9:

Dominical -
Ballena National Park/Dramatic Land and Seascape Scenes.
(Saturday, March 1)

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.

Accommodations:	Villas Rio Mar
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10:

Return to San Jos� -
Cultural Interaction Photography, Street Scenes and Landscapes.
(Sunday, March 2)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at the hotel.
Morning:	Transfer to San Jos�. En route photo opportunities--cultural interaction, street scenes, and landscapes.
Lunch:	Lunch en route.
Afternoon:	Continue with transfer to San Jos�. 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.

Accommodations:	Wyndham San Jos� Herradura Hotel & Convention Center
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11:

Depart from San Jos�.
Arrive to USA.
(Monday, March 3)

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

Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Neotropical Rainforest Mammals: A Field Guide

Author: Louise H. Emmons & Fran�ois Feer

Description: This beautifully illustrated field guide contains all you need to know about rainforest mammals in Central and South America. It has color plates, range maps and detailed descriptions of each animal, including information about their biology, behavior and natural habitats.

National Geographic Ultimate Field Guide to Travel Photography

Author: Scott Stuckey

Description: This concise, practical guide to taking better travel photos covers equipment, technique and digital photography, with suggestions and how-to's from experts.

Culture Smart! Costa Rica

Author: Jane Koutnik

Description: A guide to local customs, etiquette and culture.

Insight Guide Costa Rica

Author: Paul Murphy

Description: Thoroughly illustrated, this sturdy and informative guide features short essays on the natural history, culture and attractions of Costa Rica, hundreds of photographs and excellent local maps.

Lonely Planet Costa Rican Spanish

Author: Lonely Planet

Description: A pocket guide to understanding idioms, slang and Spanish as it is spoken by the Ticos.

National Geographic Costa Rica

Author: Christopher P. Baker

Description: This stylish, informative and up-to-date travel resource features 200 photographs, many maps and good information on the country's history, nature and culture.

The Ticos

Author: Richard Biesanz

Description: This insightful, fact-filled portrait of the Costa Rican people accessibly explores their culture, history and society.

The Wildlife of Costa Rica, A Field Guide

Author: Fiona Reid, Twan Leenders, Jim Zook, Robert Dean

Description: Designed to take along on a walk in the forest, this latest compact Zona Tropical guide includes 450 of the most common, interesting and charismatic mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and arthropods that you are likely to encounter in the field. Each gets an exquisite full color illustration.

You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.

Specifically, this program includes:

10 nights accommodations
28 meals: 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners
Expert-led lectures: 6
Expert-led lectures

Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.
Field trips: 8
Field trips

The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.
Hands-on experiences: 5
Hands-on experiences

Learn by doing in these "hands-on" activities directed by an expert.
Performances: 1
Performances

A performance can range from a night at the opera to a visit from a local performer at your hotel.

Plus these special experiences...

Try to capture dramatic land and seascapes at sunset during a visit to Ballena National Park.
Look for wildlife and observe the way of life of rural Costa Ricans during a leisurely boat ride down the Sarapiqui River.
Study a wide array of orchids, bromeliads, and other exotic tropical flora during a photographic exploration of the Lankester Botanical Gardens.
Search for the Resplendent Quetzal, revered by the Aztecs and Maya for its colorful plumage, in the misty cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota.

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.
An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.
Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.
The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, providing 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage.
Taxes

Highlights

Activity Particulars

Walking up to 1.5 hours a day over uneven trails in hot and humid conditions. Elevations up to 11,000 feet.

Participants should have their own digital camera (preferably with multiple lenses or adapters), tripods, chargers and digital media storage devices.

Itinerary Summary

Arrivals San Jose, 1 night; coach to Arenal, 2 nights; coach to Sarapiqui, 2 nights; coach to San Gerardo de Dota, 2 nights; coach to Dominical, 2 nights; coach to San Jose, 1 night; departures.

Arrival San Jose

1 night

Coach to Arenal

2 nights

Outside the capital, lectures on geology reveal the science behind the Arenal Volcano�s plumes of smoke. At the Danaus Eco Center, photograph colorful butterflies, then capture sweeping panoramas of the volcano, lake and surrounding rainforest.

Coach to Sarapiqui

2 nights

Coach to San Gerado de Dota

2 nights

Coach to Dominical

2 nights

Coach to San Jose

1 night

Departure

On the Central Pacific Coast, visit Cerro de la Muerte for a special session in photographing plants and flowers, then learn how to photograph subjects in low light. Try out new techniques in land and seascapes at the Ballena National Park and in macros of native flora at a botanical garden.

Costa Rica

Meals and Lodgings

Travel Details

Daily Schedule

Suggested Reading List

Neotropical Rainforest Mammals: A Field Guide

Author: Louise H. Emmons & Fran�ois Feer

Description: This beautifully illustrated field guide contains all you need to know about rainforest mammals in Central and South America. It has color plates, range maps and detailed descriptions of each animal, including information about their biology, behavior and natural habitats.

National Geographic Ultimate Field Guide to Travel Photography

Author: Scott Stuckey

Description: This concise, practical guide to taking better travel photos covers equipment, technique and digital photography, with suggestions and how-to's from experts.

Culture Smart! Costa Rica

Author: Jane Koutnik

Description: A guide to local customs, etiquette and culture.

Insight Guide Costa Rica

Author: Paul Murphy

Description: Thoroughly illustrated, this sturdy and informative guide features short essays on the natural history, culture and attractions of Costa Rica, hundreds of photographs and excellent local maps.

Lonely Planet Costa Rican Spanish

Author: Lonely Planet

Description: A pocket guide to understanding idioms, slang and Spanish as it is spoken by the Ticos.

National Geographic Costa Rica

Author: Christopher P. Baker

Description: This stylish, informative and up-to-date travel resource features 200 photographs, many maps and good information on the country's history, nature and culture.

The Ticos

Author: Richard Biesanz

Description: This insightful, fact-filled portrait of the Costa Rican people accessibly explores their culture, history and society.

The Wildlife of Costa Rica, A Field Guide

Author: Fiona Reid, Twan Leenders, Jim Zook, Robert Dean

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