Current Photo Tours 2019/2020 Schedule

Costa Rica Photo Tour - "Nature Up Close"

Costa Rica Photo Tour - Costa Rica occupies a privileged spot in the heart of Central America, spanning 19,652 square miles it touches both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The country stands out for its variety of ecosystems, black volcanic beaches and hosts some of the most beautiful rain forests waiting for the creative eye of the photographer.

I would like to invite you to join us as we photograph and explore the nature and culture Costa Rica has to offer. I’m very excited that we will be spending three nights at Cano Negro Nature Lodge during our trek. Talk about nature in your own back yard ... This location will offer our photographers access to trails and nature during our schedule of photo shoots and chance to return during free time.

During our journey we will experience the rain forests and volcanic regions from high and low offering up a variety of birds and other wildlife. I look forward to traveling to one of the most beautiful locations Central America has to offer with you in January.

James Cowie

Costa Rica Photo Tour Itinerary - January 18th to 26th, 2017

Day One: Wednesday January 18th, 2017 Mid day coach departure offered from London to Toronto. Toronto and area guests will meet at Pearson International. We are flying from Terminal 1 via Air Canada Rouge to San Jose International Airport. Our flight arrives at 9:15 p.m., after clearing customs and immigration, we will be met by local tour representative who will assist with luggage claims and transfer to our hotel for check-in. Two nights Aurola Inn Hotel.

Day Two: Thursday January 19th, 2017 After breakfast at our hotel we will will have opportunity to visit and photograph at Poas Volcano National Park. The forest that surrounds the two craters measures 5,600 hectares. In the bottom of the crater a steaming lake. We will explore and photograph along the trails within the rainforest. Later in the afternoon we will visit La Paz Waterfall, which is located approximately one hour from San Jose to the north of the volcano. The vegetation and wildlife is a photographers paradise and we will have plenty of time this afternoon to photograph and explore. Within the reserve is a butterfly garden, an aviary, a hummingbird garden, serpentarium from exhibit and an orchid garden. Over night Aurola Inn Hotel (B) (L) (D).

Day Three: Friday January 20th, 2017 After breakfast at our hotel we will check-out and take our motor coach to the Arenal, en route we will visit Sarchi. A very interesting and colorful village, one of the most popular items in the market Ox Carts. There are many colorful market stalls to explore. Later this morning and into afternoon we will photograph and explore Arenal Volcano National Park. Before the active period of 1968 the volcano was covered with a canopy of vegetation. People used to climb the volcano and sleep in the warm treed forest inside prior to the eruption. We will hike part of the trail to view and photograph the regrowth of vegetation and explore the base of the volcano. Tonight we start a three night stay at Cano Negro natural Lodge. (B)

Day Four: Saturday January 21st, 2017 Breakfast then depart for Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge. The refuge has an abundance of flora and fauna and is considered one of the richest in biological diversity in Costa Rica. A great variety of resident and migratory birds plus three different species of monkeys, also iguanas, sloths, turtles and caimans. We will also sail down the river starting from Los Chiles sailing through tropical rainforests and marshlands. Overnight Cano Natural Lodge. (B)

Day Five: Sunday January 22nd, 2017: Today we will make use of the Cano reserve spending time exploring and photograph the different regions the reserve has to offer. The refuge is home to more than 350 species of birds, 310 plants and 160 species of mammals such as the howler monkey, the white faced monkey and spider monkey. The variety of flora and fauna top off our lodge experience.Overnight Cano Negro Natural Lodge. (B)

Day Six: Monday January 23rd, 2017 Breakfast, check-out and motor coach to Selvatura Hanging Bridges. Salvatura’s Treetop Walkways is a 3 km trail that crosses through the cloud forest, in which the visitors will walk through eight different bridges varying in lengths from 150 ft to 510 feet and heights from 36 feet to 180 feet about the rain forest. The treetop bridges are suitable for all ages and a difficulty of a 5. Within the reserve we will have plenty of opportunities to photograph various species of hummingbirds including several that can only be found in this region and over 20 species of butterflies. For the next two nights we will be staying at the Monteverde Country Lodge (B) (L)

Day Seven: Tuesday January 24th, 2017 Breakfast then out to photograph and explore at the Monteverda Cloud Forest Reserve. This rainforest is located at 4,600 feet above sea level and thus called the Cloud Forest. The rainforest offers up lush green colours due to the nearly 12 feet of rain annually. It is home to rare and unusual wildlife, such as jaguars, pumas and over 450 species of birds including the largest population of quetzal birds. Overnight Monteverda Country Lodge. (B) (L)

Day Eight: Wednesday January 25th, 2017 Breakfast, check out and and continue to explore and photograph the Monteverda region. We will have some free time this morning to photograph areas of personal interest. If time permits we will visit the Don Juan Coffee plantation. We will have a chance to explore and experience the history of the crop from its beginnings to the way it has helped build Costa Rica’s economical development. Later in the day we will board our coach and drive back to San Jose. Tonight we will be back at the Aurola Inn Hotel, San Jose. (B) (D)

Day Nine: Thursday January 26th, 2017 Breakfast, check out of our hotel and travel to the airport for our 9:15 a.m. departure for Toronto. Flying via Air Canada Rouge our flight is scheduled to arrive at 3:35 p.m. After clearing customs we will meet our coach and be back in London at approximately 6:30 p.m. (B)

Costa Rica has an annual temperature range of 21C (70F) to 27C (81F), the coolest months of the year are November, December and January. Thus making January a great time to visit this part of Central America as this is considered the dry season. Please keep in mind that rain forests are humid and sometimes misty, making it important to bring the proper foot ware and covers for your photo equipment.

The cost of our Costa Rica Photo Tour is $3390.00 per person CAD based on double occupancy including airfare departing from Pearson International Toronto, plus air tax of $294.50 CAD plus HST $11.47. Single supplement available for an additional $630.00 CAD.

Includes:

- Round trip coach for departures from London & Woodstock to Pearson Airport, Toronto

- Round Trip Airfare via Air Canada Rouge,

- Departures from London, Woodstock, and Toronto,

- 8 nights accommodations, Aurola Inn Hotel, Cano Negro natural Lodge, Monteverde Country Lodge,

- All airport and hotel transfers,

- Breakfast included each day,

- Lunch included 2 days,

- Dinner included day 2 and day 8,

- Bottled water each day of tour

- Admissions, Poas Volcano National Park, La Paz Waterfalls, Arenal Volcano National Park,

- Admissions, Cafio Negro Wildlife Refuge, Selvatura Hanging Bridge,

- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Butterfly and Humming Bird Forest,

- English speaking guides,

- Private Services

- Photo Workshops,

- Tour hosted and escorted by photographer James Cowie,

Excludes:

- Items of a personal nature, laundry, phone calls, etc.

- Local guide tips and gratuities,

- Alcoholic beverages,

** Schedule may vary according to weather or traffic

A non refundable deposit of $550.00 CAD is required at time of booking. Balance is due 45 days prior to departure.

Carlson Wagonlit Travel recommends the purchase of travel and health insurance as tour takes us out of the country. Health insurance is highly recommended. You may also redeem RBC points for this tour, and this tour pays RBC points. Please note your passport expiry date must be valid for 6 months past our return date of January 26th, 2017.

Click here to Register for our Costa Rica Photo Tour

Click here to download Costa Rica Photo Tour Brochure

If you have any other questions or require booking assistance please contact:

James Cowie at Carlson Wagonlit Travel London

1-866-614-7717 or 519-679-8520 ext 2223

or by email jcowie@carlsonwagonlit.com

Katherine Hirtzel at Carlson Wagonlit Travel London

or by email khirtzel@carlsonwagonlit.com

1-866-614-7717 or 519-679-8520 ext 2222

Carlson Wagonlit Travel, 224 Central Ave. London, Ont. N6A 1M8

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