Overview

Exotic Birds – Poison Dart Frogs –  Monkeys – Waterfalls – Wild Pacific Beach

All of this and more is to be found in one of the most biologically exciting places on Earth – Coast Rica’s remote Osa Peninsula – and we’d like to share the best of it with you. Envision original primary rainforest rising up a low ridge from a pristine and entirely undeveloped Pacific beach, stretching as far as the eye can see. Native toucans, scarlet macaws, two- and three-toed sloths, and four species of New World monkeys cruise through the trees, while dramatic waterfalls roar in the jungle. Numerous species of visually striking frogs inhabit the area, including three species of colorful poison dart frogs, red-eyed tree frogs, masked tree frogs, and massive cane toads in their native habitat. Hundreds of exotic bird species abound. In addition to the toucans and macaws, long-tail hermit hummingbirds, elegant and violaceous trogons, blue-capped manakins, crested caracaras, ibis, various raptors and myriad other species are readily photographed. The forest itself is stunning, with old-growth trees and vegetation full of character and beautiful graphic designs just waiting to be discovered.

Leaders John Shaw and Justin Black will share their creative approaches to photographing rainforest fauna and flora, as well as the dramatic landscape. Hands-on in the field, we will cover long-lens and macro wildlife techniques, control of composition and light, fill-flash, control of focal plane and perspective with tilt-shift lenses, panoramic stitching, and other techniques that can be used to great effect in this amazing place.

Read Justin Black’s article “Frogs of the Osa” in Outdoor Photographer magazine

Our base camp is El Remanso, a top-rated eco-lodge, which offers a uniquely rich and accessible environment to witness and explore the incredible flora and fauna of Central America’s rainforests.  The owners are our personal friends, and the staff make guests feel like family. It’s a peaceful resort where it’s easy to let go of the hassles of travel logistics and fully immerse yourself in exploring and photographing the birds, waterfalls, monkeys and frogs, gorgeous old-growth trees, and the stunning Pacific beach.

The staff at El Remanso take great care of us – providing a delicious mix of international and local Tico cuisine, fresh tropical fruits, not to mention the superb margaritas, caipirinhas, and piña coladas – all on an inviting and spacious covered dining deck perched at the top of a canyon, at eye-level with the forest canopy.  We’ll bring our long lenses to breakfast to photograph monkeys, macaws and toucans feeding in the trees.  The opportunities to explore don’t end with the setting sun. A stroll with our naturalist guides around El Remanso just after dark reveals all manner of nocturnal species.

Click “read more” at below right for the full itinerary

This program is all-inclusive: Single-occupancy lodging (double-occ available), all ground transfers, round-trip air charter from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez, all meals, adult beverages with dinner, daily naturalist guiding, 4WD ground transportation to field sessions off the El Remanso conservancy, and all group gratuities.

ITINERARY

Day 1 – (December 4) – Arrive San Jose, Costa Rica; transfer to Hotel Bougainvillea

You will be met at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) by a trusted English-speaking driver we have used numerous times before. He will transfer you and your luggage by van to beautiful Hotel Bougainvillea, where the expansive tropical gardens there alone are worth the stay. There, you will meet John, Justin, and the other guests for the first time and share a welcome dinner together. Overnight at Hotel Bougainvillea (D)

Day 2 – (December 5) – Travel from San Jose to Puerto Jimenez and El Remanso.

Our driver will meet us at Hotel Bougainvillea at 6:30am to drive us to the SANSA charter airline terminal adjacent to the main international airport terminal at SJO. There, we will facilitate your check-in for the 50-minute flight on a thirteen seat Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft to Puerto Jimenez. The flight over the mountains and along the coast is incredibly scenic – a great opportunity to do some aerial photography. In Puerto Jimenez, El Remanso staff will meet us at the airstrip before jumping into 4WD Land Rovers for the 45-minute drive to El Remano. Upon arrival at El Remanso, we’ll enjoy a welcome orientation and staff introductions, and you’ll have time to get settled in before lunch. We begin photographing that afternoon. Overnight at El Remanso (B,L,D)

Days 3 through 7 – (December 6-10) – El Remanso and surroundings

We will spend a full five days making the most of the endless photographic opportunities to be found on El Remanso’s 185 acres, as well as at locations nearby. Most instruction will be carried out through hands-on demonstrations and discussion in the field. In the evenings, we will gather to download, edit, go over digital workflow techniques, and constructively critique participant images to ensure that everyone has ample opportunity to learn from the personal visions of participants and instructors alike. Overnight at El Remanso (B,L,D)

Day 8 – (December 11) – Return to San Jose to catch international flights

After an early breakfast, we will say goodbye to El Remanso and transfer to Puerto Jimenez to catch the morning SANSA flight back to San Jose (landing at SJO at 11:00am) so participants can catch international flights that afternoon.

• Price based on single occupancy: $6,995.00.   Double occupancy: $6,420/person

• Want to bring a non-photographer spouse or friend? We offer a two-person package for one workshop participant and one non-participant guest: $9,995.00 total for two (double-occupancy; please contact us directly to arrange this package at info@visionarywild or 202-558-9596)

Included in the program:

• Photographic instruction throughout by John Shaw and Justin Black
• In-country flights: San Jose – Puerto Jimenez – San Jose
• All ground transfers
• Seven nights lodging – One night lodging at Hotel Bougainvillea in San Jose, six nights at El Remanso
• All meals and beverages (including wine, beer, cocktails with dinner) at El Remanso
• 4WD group transportation to field locations
• Naturalist guides
• Group gratuities