I've partnered with the experts at Costa Rica Expeditions to offer a very special photo adventure in March, 2012!
This tour will start in the cloud forests of Savegre, where we'll search for the beautiful resplendent quetzal and other colorful birdlife. We'll then drop down to the Pacific coast, visiting Manuel Antonio National Park and other wildlife hotspots. The tour culminates with a special extension to Corcovado National Park (my favorite place in Costa Rica!), with the rare opportunity to stay inside the park for three nights.
Costa Rica wildlife photo tour info
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Packing for Costa Rica can be challenging. Over the years I've tried to be more efficient: the words "compact" and "bare bones" come to mind, especially since I'm usually toting a boatload of camera gear along (see photo section below). Knowing that I'm also likely to be traveling by small plane, boat, or trekking through the jungle on foot to reach a destination also influences my decisions. For example, depending on when you're visiting Costa Rica, rubber boots may be a necessity for tromping through the mud. But do you actually need to pack them with you? Several lodges have boots for their guests. You can save a lot of space (and some headaches) by doing some research about your destination and the time of year you're visiting a certain area.
Keep in mind that this list is catered to an outdoor/wildlife enthusiast planning on doing some rainforest exploration. Plan for walking on muddy trails, bushwhacking and sweating! If you're just going to hang out at the beach the whole time, this may not apply to you.
Necessary Clothing:
Convertible pants
Short sleeve shirts
At least one long sleeve shirt
Durable socks
Hiking boots or shoes, waterproof if possible
Teva type sandals
Hat to protect from sun and rain
Breathable waterproof jacket
Sunglasses
Optional Clothing:
Shorts (if you don't have convertible pants)
Swim Trunks
Warmer fleece/sweatshirt (for traveling to CR, or mountain environments)
Warm hat/gloves
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Other Gear:
Water Bottle(s)
Water Purification Tablets or Steripen
Small First Aid Kit
Moleskin or Tape
Headlamp or Flashlight
Multi-tool or Pocket Knife
Bug Repellent*
Sunscreen
Ziploc Bags
TP Roll (if visiting remote areas)
Soap/Shampoo (if visiting remote areas)
Travel-sized towel
Energy Bars
Compass/GPS
* - Remember not to handle frogs and amphibians if you have repellent on your hands. It can be harmful to the animals.
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A great way to save room in your luggage is by using travel compressor bags for your clothing.
Have questions or want more advice for your Costa Rica trip? Feel free to
email me.
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Here is a list of photo equipment and accessories that I recommend for wildlife photography in Costa Rica. Due to the dense rainforest environment, light is at a premium, so I prefer bodies that perform well at high ISOs and lenses that shoot "wide open." Since I shoot Canon, that's what's listed below. I would recommend much of Nikon's superb equipment as well, including the D3x, D3s, D700 and 200-400 f/4 lens.
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Costa Rica Photo Tour
Join Max on an exciting wildlife photo adventure!
Costa Rica Expeditions
The best Costa Rica tour company. Great for arranging itineraries, lodging, guides and permits.
Pro Parques
Pick up your Costa Rica national park passes here and help support the parks.
Tortuga Lodge
Great location, food and a friendly staff, right in the heart of Tortuguero National Park.
La Leona Lodge
A nice beachfront lodge on the doorstep of Corcovado National Park.
Luna Lodge
Close to Corcovado, nestled up on the peaceful hillsides of the Osa Peninsula.
Have questions or want more advice for your Costa Rica trip? Feel free to
email me. |
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