Trekabout Photography Workshops - Creating Adventure Through Photography
Workshops, Tours, Adventures with Accredited Professional Photographer Mark Rayner and the Dream Team
Day 1
SANTO DOMINGO DE HEREDIA
Today you'll arrive at Juan Santamaria International Airport, San José, Costa Rica. After clearing immigration, collecting your luggage and proceeding through customs you'll be warmly greeted by your guide/driver and transferred to your hotel in the Santo Domingo, Heredia province. You'll be arriving late to the beautiful Bougainvillea Hotel but you'll have time to explore the magnificent gardens in the morning.
Day 2
SANTO DOMINGO DE HEREDIA - MAQUENQUE ECOLODGE
Today we are off to the amazing Maquenque Ecolodge. Our hotel is the ideal base for us to explore the region. The ecolodge is strategically located inside the Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge, bordering the San Carlos River.
There are 68 acres of rainforest, within which have trails for us to enjoy an amazing array of wildlife. There is a great variety of flora and fauna, making this the perfect place for bird lovers. Currently, more than 592 species of birds have been identified.
What a way to start our Costa Rica adventure.
Day 3
MAQUENQUE ECOLODGE
Today, as well as exploring the amazing trails of this property, we will put on our tourist hats and enjoy a visit to wonderful chocolate and coffee farm.
Day 4
MAQUENQUE ECOLODGE - SARAPIQUI
Today we head to Sarapiqui with some amazing treats along the way. We'll stop for lunch in Cinchona where, with an awesome waterfall as a backdrop, you'll photograph many hummingbirds, toucanets, oriels and tanagers (amongst others).
Then, a special highlight. We visit Frog's Heaven where we have special access to a variety of poison dart frogs, Red-Eyed Frogs, Vipers and other snakes (all professionally handled for us). You'll be in photography heaven for sure!
We complete our day at Ara Ambigua Lodge.
Day 5
SARAPIQUI
Today we visit a private reserve photographing many different species of birds from a sheltered advantage point. We'll explore the tracks abounding on the property looking for some of the rainforest creatures that are more elusive.
Overnight - Ara Ambigua Lodge
Day 6
SARAPIQUI - TORTUGUERO
The journey will continue today, as you will head east to the Tortuguero’s embarking point deeper into the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Our private boat will be waiting to transfer us to the lodge. A two-hour boat ride, will take you through the canals sheltered in the jungle of the rain forest. From the boat, you will be able to photograph the unique flora and fauna of this area. On the way to the lodge, you will have the chance to see different birds, reptiles and primates.
As you wander around Laguna Lodge make sure you have your camera handy. Birds, frogs and monkeys abound.
Overnight Laguna Lodge
Day 7
TORTUGUERO
Tortuguero is a great place for ecotourism lovers. Today we can explore the secondary canals of this paradisiacal place, where you can see different species of mammals, birds and reptiles. Tortuguero offers a full contact with Mother Nature. Much of the National Park extends along its unspoiled beaches that serve as refuge for spawning of the sea turtles, this event occurs between the months of July to September.
In the afternoon you will visit the village of Tortuguero where you will learn the lifestyle of local residents and the significant conservation efforts that some NGOs have developed to protect the sea turtles that come to spawn each year along the 22 miles of the protected coastline. With luck we'll view the tiny turtles as they make their desperate dash for the relative safety of the ocean.
Overnight Laguna Lodge
Day 8
TORTUGUERO – TURRIALBA
After our boat trip back to our private bus we head towards Turrialba which is known for its active volcano, along the way you will visit Hacienda Tayutic, which boasts stunning views over the escarpment. Birdlife abounds and we'll take advantage of opportunities along the way.
Our accomodation for the next two nights is the beautiful Rancho Naturalista. 'Rancho Naturalista' is spanish for 'Bird Heaven'. Well, not really but you'd be forgiven for thinking it. Make sure you bring your camera to breakfast. You'll have hummingbirds everywhere.
Overnight Rancho Naturalisto
DAY 9
TURRIALBA
A wonderful day exploring the area around Rancho Naturalisto. This really is birding overload with numerous hummingbird species. Today we continue exploring the amazing trails of this property. You can explore it on your own, join our bird expert guide or take a break and relax enjoying the beautiful landscapes that surround the lodge.
Overnight Rancho Naturalisto
DAY 10
TURRIALBA
Another day exploring the area around Rancho Naturalisto. And it's many trails.
We'll also visit a nearby lagoon looking for kingfishers, waders and the elusive Sunbittern. Later take a break and relax enjoying the beautiful landscapes that surround the lodge.
Overnight Rancho Naturalisto
DAY 11
TURRIALBA - SAVEGRE
Today we travel to the Savegre Valley. Here we will explore nature in an altitude of 4000 to 7000ft (1212m to 2121m). We will enjoy a delicious lunch at Paraíso de Quetzal Lodge, where you can have the opportunity to observe the resplendent Quetzal and some other beautiful birds like, the Ornate Hawk-Eagle, Ochraceous Pewee, Silvery-fronted Tapaculo, Black Guan, White-bellied Mountain-gem, Collared Trogon, Prong-billed and Red-headed Barbets, Golden-bellied Flycatcher, Torrent Tyrannulet, and Spangle-cheeked.
Continuing to San Gerardo de Dota area, we'll check in to Trogon Lodge.
Day 12
SAVEGRE
Located in the cool highlands of the Talamanca Mountains, the emerald valley of San Gerardo de Dota is one of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets. Day time temperatures hover around 70°F and anglers can cast a line for plump rainbow trout in the frothy waters along the high-elevation Savegre River. Magnificent landscapes, the quiet town is also a birdwatching paradise, boasting over 200 avian species, including the elusive Resplendent Quetzal and a dazzling array of hummingbirds.
Today a private guide will take us to a hidden location in search of the Respendant Quetzal.
Los Quetzales National Park has three types of rainforest, and fourteen different ecosystems. Set at a high altitude (between 2,000-3,000 meters) along the Talamancan mountain range, much of the park is covered in cloud forest and protects a crucial habitat for many plant and animal species.
Today we also visit a purpose built bird photography facility. You'll sit in comfort on the side of a mountain nestled amongst flowering plants shooting numerous bird species. Bird paradise.
Overnight Trogon Lodge
Day 13
SAVEGRE - TARCOLES
Today you will head to the surroundings of the Tarcoles River in the Central Pacific region, in this four-hour drive. Along the way you will experience the city life of Costa Rica as you cross the Central Valley.
Overnight Cerro Lodge
Day 14
TARCOLES
After a delicious breakfast we'll go on board a river cruise on the Tarcoles River, where the main attraction is the largest crocodile population in the country. You'll also have to opportunity to photograph the Mangrove Hummingbird and Green Kingfisher. This region is also renowned for its migratory birds.
Overnight Cerro Lodge
Day 15
TARCOLES - SAN JOSE
After breakfast we make our way back to San Jose.
Overnight - Hampton Inn and Suites
Day 16
SAN JOSE
After breakfast our bus will take us to Juan Santamaria International Airport to begin our homeward journey.
Please get in quick and book your spot today.
Cost: AUD $12,850.00 Based on Double Occupancy (per person)
Single supplement AUD $1890.00
The workshop commences on Saturday 22 November 2025 with your collection from Juan Santamaria International Airport, San José and concludes on Sunday 7 December 2025 with your transfer to Juan Santamaria International Airport, San José
• Guided visit to the Tortuguero Village.
• Private reptile and frog access
• Private bird reserves access
• Boat tour at the Tortuguero National park canals.
• Entrance fee and guided tour at Hacienda Tayutic.
• Morning Quetzal tour in San Gerardo de Dota
• Photo Session at Batsú Photography Garden
• Tarcoles mangrove and river cruise
• All accomodation
• All ground and boat transport
• All meals
Transportation
• Private transfer in with assistance at the airport
• Private transportation and bilingual driver (English/Spanish) during the whole itinerary as specified for excursions, transfers and meals.
Exclusions :
• Gratuities for maids and bellboys
• Tips for the driver and guide
• Optional excursions not included on the itinerary.
• Other meals and beverages not included in the itinerary
• Alcoholic beverages
• Departure tax (US$31)
The workshop requires a minimum 4 bookings to proceed
A $1500.00 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your position
(please note a 2.9% handling fee applies to credit card payments)
Final payment must be paid 60 days prior to the workshop.
For more information please call Mark on 0459221678 or drop an EMAIL
To book please complete the Booking Form -> HERE
