Itinerary

Costa Rica is a paradise for wildlife photographers, and with 19 days, you can explore some of the most biodiverse areas in the world. Let’s dive into an exciting itinerary that focuses on wildlife, nature, and those stunning landscapes that will make your camera sing!

## Day 1: Arrival in San José

• Morning: Arrive at Juan Santamaría International Airport.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel in San José. Rest a bit after your journey.
• Evening: Explore the vibrant downtown area. Visit the National Museum or the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum if time allows. Grab dinner at a local restaurant.

## Day 2: San José to Tortuguero

• Morning: Early breakfast, then take a shuttle or a domestic flight to Tortuguero.
• Afternoon: Arrive and check into your lodge. Enjoy a guided boat tour through the canals. Keep your camera ready for monkeys, sloths, and a variety of birds!
• Evening: Dinner at the lodge. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of nesting turtles (seasonal).

## Day 3: Tortuguero National Park

• All ## Day: Spend the day exploring Tortuguero National Park. Take guided boat tours and hikes. Look for caimans, river otters, and the elusive jaguar. Capture the lush landscapes and vibrant wildlife.
• Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner and share stories with fellow travelers.

## Day 4: Tortuguero to Arenal

• Morning: After breakfast, take a boat back to the main dock and then transfer to Arenal.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel with views of the Arenal Volcano. Explore the La Fortuna Waterfall. It’s a great spot for photography!
• Evening: Relax in the hot springs nearby. Perfect for unwinding after a day of travel.

## Day 5: Arenal Volcano National Park

• All ## Day: Hike the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park. Look for wildlife like howler monkeys, toucans, and various reptiles. The views of the volcano are stunning!
• Evening: Dinner in La Fortuna. Try some local dishes!

## Day 6: Arenal to Monteverde

• Morning: Travel to Monteverde via the scenic jeep-boat-jeep transfer across Lake Arenal.
• Afternoon: Check into your accommodation. Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Capture the unique flora and fauna, including the famous Resplendent Quetzal if you’re lucky!
• Evening: Enjoy a night walk to see nocturnal wildlife.

## Day 7: Monteverde

• All ## Day: Explore more of Monteverde. Consider a guided tour to the Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve for more wildlife opportunities. Capture the misty landscapes and diverse ecosystems.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Try the local coffee!

## Day 8: Monteverde to Manuel Antonio

• Morning: Depart for Manuel Antonio.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel and relax. Visit Manuel Antonio National Park for a late afternoon hike. Look for capuchin monkeys and sloths!
• Evening: Dinner in Quepos, the nearby town.

## Day 9: Manuel Antonio National Park

• All ## Day: Spend the day in Manuel Antonio National Park. Hike the trails and enjoy the wildlife. The park is known for its biodiversity, so keep your camera ready!
• Evening: Return to your hotel for dinner.

## Day 10: Manuel Antonio to Corcovado

• Morning: Travel to Corcovado National Park. This may involve a combination of shuttle and boat rides.
• Afternoon: Check into your lodge. Take a guided evening tour to spot nocturnal wildlife.
• Evening: Dinner at the lodge.

## Day 11: Corcovado National Park

• All ## Day: Explore Corcovado National Park. This is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet! Look for tapirs, jaguars, and a variety of birds. Capture the stunning landscapes and wildlife.
• Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner and share your day’s adventures.

## Day 12: Corcovado

• All ## Day: Another day in Corcovado! Consider a guided hike to Sirena Station for more wildlife opportunities. The park is vast, so there’s always something new to see.
• Evening: Dinner at the lodge.

## Day 13: Corcovado to San José

• Morning: Depart Corcovado and head back to San José.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon visiting local markets or museums.
• Evening: Enjoy a nice dinner in the city.

## Day 14: San José to Osa Peninsula

• Morning: Travel to the Osa Peninsula, known for its incredible wildlife.
• Afternoon: Check into your lodge. Explore the surrounding area and take a short hike.
• Evening: Dinner at the lodge.

## Day 15: Osa Peninsula

• All ## Day: Spend the day exploring the Osa Peninsula. Consider a guided tour to Corcovado or a boat tour to see dolphins and whales (seasonal).
• Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner.

## Day 16: Osa Peninsula to San Gerardo de Dota

• Morning: Depart for San Gerardo de Dota, a beautiful area known for its cloud forests.
• Afternoon: Check into your lodge. Explore the area and look for the elusive Quetzal.
• Evening: Dinner at the lodge.

## Day 17: San Gerardo de Dota

• All ## Day: Spend the day hiking and photographing the stunning landscapes and wildlife. The area is known for its birdwatching opportunities.
• Evening: Return to your lodge for dinner.

## Day 18: San Gerardo de Dota to San José

• Morning: Depart for San José.
• Afternoon: Check into your hotel. Spend your last afternoon shopping for souvenirs or visiting any sites you missed.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner in San José.

## Day 19: Departure

• Morning: Depending on your flight time, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps a final stroll around the city.
• Afternoon: Head to the airport for your departure.

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This itinerary is packed with opportunities for wildlife photography and immersing yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Costa Rica. Make sure to bring your camera gear, and don’t forget to enjoy the journey! Safe travels! 🌿📸