Costa Rica Pura Vida - Photography and Nature Tour

About This Tour

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, and this 16-day trip has been put together to give you the very best of it. This is not a checklist trip. It is a slow, deliberate journey through some of the country's most extraordinary landscapes, wetlands, cloud forests, and volcanic highlands, guided by three people who genuinely love what they do and care deeply about your experience.

Your Costa Rican host is Lloyd Martinez, a bilingual master naturalist guide with more than 30 years of experience and an encyclopedic knowledge of Costa Rica's birds, ecosystems, and back roads. Lloyd knows hundreds of species by sight and sound, has a gift for logistics, and seemingly knows everyone in the country. Travelers who have been on tour with Lloyd rave about him — his humor, his warmth, and the way he makes every day feel effortless. He is the connective tissue of this entire trip.

Chris Fisher is a respected biologist, author, and master storyteller who has spent a career reading landscapes and the creatures that live in them. Chris connects every forest, wetland, and volcano to its deeper natural meaning — the behavior behind the bird, the story behind the habitat, the context that turns a sighting into a memory. His calm, thoughtful presence makes every encounter more rewarding.

Neil leads the photography side of things with patience and a commitment to making sure every guest feels comfortable and inspired. But his role is not just instruction — it is about the overall flow of the days. Neil is in charge of what he calls the Great Potential, which means he is constantly reading the room. Evaluating and reevaluating the day, the weather, the group's energy, the dynamics, even the growling tummies. His job is to make the most of every situation, whatever that looks like — whether that means rallying everyone for an ambitious early morning hike when conditions are perfect, or calling an audible and sending the group to the pool when rest is what the day actually needs. The goal is always the same: maximum experience, zero wasted moments, and a comfort level that makes this feel like a fantastic holiday rather than a relentless march through an itinerary. You will come home with better photographs, but more importantly, you will come home with a deeper connection to the places and moments that produced them.

The lodges on this trip were hand-selected by Rosie, the extraordinary woman behind Finca 360 and honestly the quiet force behind this entire itinerary. Rosie knows how this group travels — curious, unhurried, with a love of nature and good food — and every property she has chosen reflects that. Each one sits right in the middle of the landscapes we are there to explore, with genuine comfort and a real connection to the natural world around it.

The crown jewel is Finca 360 itself, Rosie's own boutique property bordering Juan Castro Blanco National Park. Guests who have stayed here describe it as one of the finest places they have ever visited — spectacular views, impeccable rooms, exceptional food rooted in Costa Rican cuisine, and a warmth of service that makes you feel like family from the moment you arrive.

This is more than a birding tour. It is a full immersion into Costa Rica — its forests, its wetlands, its volcanoes, its culture, and the extraordinary people who call it home. Pura Vida.

Note: The itinerary is subject to change for a variety of reasons, including weather or maybe if a cool bird is spotted somewhere else. We are up for anything on this trip! 

Here's the trip:

Saturday, February 27 & Saturday, March 13 Your tour begins and ends at Hotel Bougainvillea in San José — a fitting choice, as the hotel's renowned gardens are a destination in their own right for birdwatchers and nature lovers.

Arrival — Saturday, February 27 Lloyd Martinez, your Costa Rican guide, will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to Hotel Bougainvillea. 🔗 https://www.hb.co.cr/

Return — Saturday, March 13, Morning birdwatching at Finca 360 before departing around 10:00 a.m. En route, a stop at La Cinchona Restaurant, a well-known birding destination. Arrive back at Hotel Bougainvillea for a final afternoon of birdwatching in the gardens. 🔗 https://www.hb.co.cr/

Sunday, March 14 Lloyd will transfer you to the airport this morning. Safe travels.

Sunday, Feb 28 – Tuesday, March 2

Breakfast at Bougainvillea on the 28th, followed by a morning visit to the gardens for birdwatching. Guided visit to Rescate Wildlife Center with lunch included, before heading towards Quelitales Lodge. 🔗 https://www.rescatewildlife.org/

Three nights at Quelitales Lodge in the Costa Rican Highlands — one of the highlights of the tour.

Quelitales sits in an ideal location with gardens that shelter hundreds of bird species, specially designed feeders perfect for photography, and mountain trails where you can spot nearly 450 species, including endemics. Birdwatching is possible right from your balcony. The area is home to 15 birding hotspots, and some of the emblematic species you may encounter include:

• Scaled Antpitta
• Ochre-breasted Antpitta
• Black-bellied Hummingbird
• Green-fronted Lancebill
• Coppery-headed Emerald
• Cabanis's Ground-Sparrow
• Sunbittern
• Sooty-faced Finch
• Chestnut-capped Brushfinch
• White-naped Brushfinch
• Sharpbill
• Black-and-white Becard

The bungalows are thoughtfully designed for comfort, with large windows framing stunning rainforest views — so even a quiet morning in your room feels like part of the experience. Rest in a queen-size bed, sit on your terrace with a coffee from the on-site sustainable plantation, or head out to explore.

The region has something for everyone. Nature lovers can visit Irazú and Turrialba volcanoes, hike the forests of Prusia and Río Loro, or explore Tapantí National Park. Plant enthusiasts will enjoy Lankester and CATIE botanical gardens.  We can visit the oldest Catholic church in the country in Orosí, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels in Cartago, the Ujarrás ruins, and Guayabo National Monument. We can also relax in thermal hot springs in Orosí or take in the views of Lakes Cachí and Angostura. 

Overnights at Quelitales Lodge. 🔗 https://www.hotelquelitales.com/

Wednesday, March 3 – Thursday, March 4 Two nights at Tapirus Lodge, based in the highlands between Irazú Volcano and Braulio Carrillo National Park — two of the most rewarding natural areas in Costa Rica.

Tapirus Lodge The lodge sits within a private reserve of primary tropical forest and offers some exceptional on-site experiences. The highlight is the Cable Railway — the first of its kind built within a tropical forest — which carries you from the forest floor up through the canopy and back, covering 2.6 km of spectacular giant vegetation in about two and a half hours. After dark, a guided night hike along safe paved trails reveals the forest's shy nocturnal residents: frogs, owls, bullet ants, and a variety of nocturnal birds. Each room is stocked with a rechargeable flashlight and umbrella so you're always ready. 

Irazú Volcano National Park At 3,432 meters, Irazú is Costa Rica's tallest and still-active volcano. The park's dramatic landscape includes multiple craters and the Sapper formation — from which both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts can be seen on a clear day. The high paramo habitat is home to two special species found almost nowhere else: the Volcano Junco and the Timberline Wren. The Nochebuena area is a highlight, with trails through fields and bamboo forest offering chances at pygmy-owl, ground-dove, Slaty Finch, and Peg-billed Finch, and a small restaurant where four species of hummingbirds entertain you over coffee and homemade pecan pie.

Braulio Carrillo National Park A place of striking contrasts — one of Costa Rica's busiest highways cuts right through it, yet step off the road and you are immediately enveloped in dense, untouched forest. Over 500 bird species have been recorded here, including the Resplendent Quetzal, Bare-necked Umbrella Bird, Snowcap, and Lattice-tailed Trogon. More than 150 mammal species share the park, among them jaguars, tapirs, howler monkeys, and ocelots.

Overnights at Tapirus Lodge. 🔗 https://tapiruslodge.com/?lang=en

Friday, March 5 – Sunday, March 7 Three nights at Natural Lodge Caño Negro, situated on the edge of one of the world's most important wetland refuges.

Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Caño Negro is a RAMSAR-designated wetland of worldwide importance and a cornerstone of Costa Rica's Northern Zone. The refuge centers on Caño Negro Lagoon, the most extensive in northern Costa Rica, fed by the Frio River. During the dry season — when we visit — the lagoon shrinks to smaller water bodies and streams, concentrating wildlife and making it one of the finest birdwatching destinations in the country.

The refuge shelters an extraordinary range of species, many found nowhere else in Costa Rica. Seabirds including the Jabiru arrive in huge numbers during the dry season, with some developing a pinkish hue from the mollusks they feed on. Migratory birds include the Belted Kingfisher, marsh hawks, white cotinga, and the cuclillo piquinegro. The waterways teem with fish including the prehistoric Gaspar — considered a living fossil — as well as tarpon, tilapia, and guapote tiger. Mammals include jaguars, pumas, tapirs, ocelots, howler monkeys, two-toed sloths, and otters.

Natural Lodge Caño Negro The lodge sits so close to the refuge that you can barely tell where the property ends and the wetland begins. Monkeys swing through the trees and birds roam the gardens — it is as much a wildlife experience as the refuge itself. Rooms feature air conditioning and private bathrooms, and the outdoor pool and terrace are perfect for unwinding between excursions. The on-site Jabiru restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on local ingredients and traditional Costa Rican dishes, and the Congo bar near the pool is the spot for a cold beer or cocktail at the end of the day.

As per the itinerary, early mornings on both Saturday and Sunday begin with a 5:30 a.m. light breakfast followed by a tour of the refuge until 10:00 a.m., returning to the lodge for a hearty breakfast. Saturday afternoon returns to the park until 4:00 p.m. Sunday afternoon is free to explore at your own pace, or take a nap. 

Overnights at Natural Lodge Caño Negro. 🔗 https://canonegrolodge.com/

Monday, March 8 – Tuesday, March 9 Two nights at Hotel Linda Vista Lodge, Arenal — with spectacular views of Arenal Volcano and the lake that surrounds it.

Hotel Linda Vista Perched above the Arenal landscape, Linda Vista is the perfect base for two days of exploring one of Costa Rica's most iconic regions. Rooms are fully equipped and comfortable, the outdoor pool has panoramic views of the volcano, and the restaurant serves traditional Costa Rican and international dishes made with fresh local ingredients. The bar is the spot to wind down with a cocktail as the sun sets over the lake.

Monday — Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges After lunch on the road, the afternoon brings a guided birding tour at Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park at 3:00 p.m. — a deliberately chosen time when crowds are thin and Lloyd can give the tour his full attention. Six hanging bridges carry you through the forest canopy, with excellent opportunities for spotting birds and wildlife in the late afternoon light. 🔗 https://misticopark.com/tours/birding-guided-tour/

Tuesday — Arenal Observatory Lodge An early departure at 5:00 a.m. for a birding tour at Arenal Observatory Lodge, the only hotel situated inside Arenal Volcano National Park. Originally built in 1987 as a Smithsonian Institution research station, the property spans over 870 acres of primary and secondary rainforest with 11 kilometres of private trails, two observation towers, and two hanging bridges. Return to Linda Vista by approximately 8:30 a.m. for breakfast. The afternoon is open — either explore the town of La Fortuna or rest up. Dinner back at the hotel.

Overnights at Hotel Linda Vista Lodge. 🔗 https://hotellindavista.com/

Wednesday, March 10 – Friday, March 12 Three nights at Finca 360 — the highlight of the tour and a very special place. Finca 360 is owned and operated by Rosie, the incredible person behind the design of this entire trip. You will be treated like family here, and it shows in every detail.

Depart Linda Vista around 11:00 a.m. with a stop in La Fortuna for lunch and a wander through town. Arrive at Finca 360 around 2:00 p.m. 🔗 https://finca360cr.com/

Thursday — Blue Falls of Costa Rica Morning birdwatching on the Finca 360 property, followed by a visit to the Blue Falls of Costa Rica — one of the most stunning natural attractions in the country. Six vivid blue waterfalls and swimming pools are set amid lush tropical forest, with 360-degree views of surrounding national parks and volcanoes. Swimming is welcome at any spot. The falls include La Tepezquintle, Las Gemelas, La Celestial, La Turquesa, and La Pintada, among others. Box lunch at the falls. The on-site restaurant is renowned for its hummingbird feeders, drawing a remarkable variety of species — a fantastic photography opportunity. Open afternoon back at Finca 360 to enjoy the jacuzzi and pool.

Friday — Finca Eco-Orgánica Sarapiquí A morning tour at Finca Eco-Orgánica Sarapiquí, run by a wonderful local family on the banks of the Sarapiquí River. This is a genuinely special experience — a journey through the traditional crops and products that shaped Costa Rican communities and culture. The fully organic farm grows an extraordinary variety of produce including sugarcane, pineapple, papaya, yucca, palm heart, coffee, pepper, passion fruit, cocoa, aloe vera, and many varieties of banana. You will also get a coffee and chocolate tour, seeing how these beloved staples go from plant to product. Afternoon back at Finca 360 to relax at the pool and jacuzzi, followed by a special farewell dinner. 🔗 https://sarapiquiecoorganico.com/

Overnights at Finca 360.

Getting There — Calgary (YYC) to San José (SJO), Saturday, February 27, 2027

There are no direct flights from Calgary to San José, so you'll be connecting through a hub city. Here the main options I've found:

• Air Canada — via Toronto (YYZ) (Star Alliance) Depart Calgary 7:00 a.m. → Layover in Toronto (4 hrs 32 min) → Arrive San José 10:05 p.m. Total travel time: 14 hours 5 minutes
• United Airlines — via Denver (DEN) (Star Alliance) Depart Calgary 6:20 a.m. → Arrive San José 10:00 p.m. Total travel time: 15 hours 40 minutes
• Porter / Air Transat — via Toronto (YYZ) Depart Calgary 7:00 a.m. → Layover in Toronto → Arrive San José 11:50 p.m. Total travel time: 15 hours 50 minutes
• WestJet / Copa Airlines — via Panama City (PTY) Depart Calgary 11:55 p.m. → Arrive San José 1:53 p.m. (February 28) Total travel time: 12 hours 58 minutes

A note worth considering: most of these options have you arriving in San José between 10:00 p.m. and midnight. If you'd prefer to start the tour relaxed and rested, you may want to fly down a day early on February 26th and spend that extra night in San José. I can arrange an extra day at the hotel in San Jose for you. The WestJet/Copa overnight departure is the exception — you'll leave late on the 26th and arrive the afternoon of the 27th, which is fine. 

Getting Home — San José (SJO) to Calgary (YYC), Sunday, March 14, 2027

• Air Canada — via Toronto (YYZ) (Star Alliance) Depart San José 7:35 a.m. → Layover in Toronto (3 hrs 25 min) → Arrive Calgary 8:39 p.m. Total travel time: 13 hours 4 minutes
• United Airlines — via Denver (DEN) (Star Alliance) Depart San José 1:05 p.m. → Arrive Calgary 11:54 a.m. (March 15) Total travel time: 22 hours 49 minutes (ugh) 
• Porter / Air Transat — via Toronto (YYZ) Depart San José 1:10 a.m. → Arrive Calgary 3:32 p.m. (March 15) Total travel time: 14 hours 22 minutes
• WestJet / Copa Airlines — via Panama City (PTY) Depart San José 4:09 a.m. → Arrive Calgary 4:14 p.m. Total travel time: 12 hours 5 minutes

Pricing & Registration

To confirm your spot, register and pay the $50.00 CAD administration fee per person.

Tour fees are as follows:

• Private accommodation (single occupancy): $7,789.00 USD per person - 3 private registrations available
• Shared accommodation (double occupancy): $6,889.00 USD per person - 3 shared registrations available - 6 guests. 

Once registered, a deposit invoice of $1,500.00 USD per person will be issued, due within two weeks. A final payment invoice will follow with a due date of January 5, 2027.

Payment can be made via wire transfer, money order, or US cash.

What's Included

Everything from airport pickup on February 27th to airport drop-off on March 14th is covered, including:

• Fully escorted by Lloyd Martinez (Costa Rican guide), Chris Fisher (naturalist), and Neil Zeller (photographer)
• Private bus and driver throughout the tour
• All lodging throughout the tour
• All meals
• All transfers
• All tours and excursions
• All entrance fees to parks and sites
• Ongoing photography instruction throughout the tour — composition, exposure, and finer birding techniques woven into every day

What's Not Included

• Flights to and from San José
• Travel insurance (mandatory — see registration requirements)
• Gratuities and tips
• Alcoholic beverages
• Drinks outside of meals
• Additional hotel nights chosen independently
• Laundry

Terms, Conditions & Registration

By registering for this tour you are agreeing to the Neil Zee Photo Corp. Terms and Conditions of Registration, which include the following key points:

All registrations are non-refundable. No exceptions will be made for changes in personal circumstances, including illness, travel delays, or weather conditions. Registrations are, however, transferable and giftable to another individual at any time prior to the start of the tour.

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this tour. Coverage must include medical, trip cancellation, and trip interruption. We strongly recommend Manulife — they have proven to be excellent to work with, offer competitive pricing, and have a solid track record of paying out when claims are made. You are solely responsible for obtaining and maintaining your own coverage. Neil Zee Photo Corp. does not provide insurance of any kind. Manulife link: https://www.manulife-travel.ca/sisip/home/travelling-canadians.html

Participation in this tour also requires agreement to our Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, and Assumption of Risk, which covers voluntary participation in outdoor and travel activities, personal fitness and responsibility, and release of liability for Neil Zee Photo Corp. and its representatives.

The full Terms and Conditions will be provided at registration and must be agreed to before your spot is confirmed.