Dates: January 3 -10, 2008.
Join us for an exciting journey photographing the vivid colors of Central America. Our
tour takes us to our home base at Ama Tierra, an eco tourism lodge located right in the
heart of some of Costa Rica’s most pristine areas.
We will visit and photograph Carara National Park, a haven for wildlife including
colorful frogs, monkeys, and the beautiful scarlet macaw. Another day we explore Turu
Ba Ri Tropical Park complete with a butterfly garden and canopy tour. Other highlights
include Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
Don’t miss the chance to hone your photography skills in one of the world’s loveliest
countries. All levels are welcome and we can cater to both film and digital shooters.
Join travel photographer Cynthia Delaney and hosts Bob and Jill Ruttenberg for a
photographic adventure in paradise. Enjoy the spirit of photography while relaxing in
splendor.
The price of the trip includes 7 nights lodging with breakfast and dinner, lunches while
on the premises, guided tours, airport transfers, transportation to parks and other
photographic destinations, park entry fees, all hotel and sales tax, pre-trip information
package, and photographic instruction throughout.
$ 1995.00 per person Double Occupancy
$300.00.00 additional for single occupancy. (Limited single rooms available.)
$500.00 Deposit will hold your place.
Early Bird Discount: $100.00 off the price for signing up by 1 October, 2008!
Saturday, 3 January: Arrive into San Jose, Costa Rica where you will be met and
escorted to Ama Tierra Lodge. In the early evening we will have an introductory session
and a short PowerPoint demonstration on what you can expect in Costa Rica.. Adjourn
for a lovely dinner in the dining room. D.
Sunday, 4 January: Today we will travel to Turu Ba Ri Tropical Park to enjoy and
photograph the beauty of the Costa Rican rainforest. We will spend the entire day here
making photographs of butterflies, flowers, iguanas, birds, and the lush greenery. We
may even spot coatis, raccoon-like relatives with long tails and curious faces. Early in the
day we will have the option of taking an exciting 45 minute canopy tour, a must do for
every visitor to Costa Rica. In the middle of the day we will enjoy a traditional buffet
lunch. A hearty dinner awaits us this evening at Ama Tierra. B, L, D.
Monday, 5 January: We rise early and travel to Carara National Park about one
hour away from the lodge. Here we may see and photograph numerous wild animals and
the beautiful surroundings of the park. Photographic opportunities abound. We have the
chance to view many varieties of birds including the brilliant scarlet macaw. We will
also likely see white faced monkeys scampering in the treetops. On our boat adventure
down the Tarcoles River we will see crocodiles, more bird life, and possibly get a chance
to photograph a Jesus Christ lizard. We will have a Costa Rican lunch near the ocean. In
the late afternoon we will return to Ama Tierra with a stop at the Crocodile Bridge to
view and photograph very large crocodiles from a safe distance. Time permitting we will
also make a stop at a roadside souvenir shop. B, D.
Tuesday, 6 January: Today we will journey to Poas Volcano and La Paz Waterfall
Gardens for an exciting day of sightseeing and image making. Our travels take us into
the highlands where we will stop to see coffee farms and get a chance to purchase Costa
Rican coffee to take home. We then journey to the inactive volcano which represents the
largest crater in the world. We will enjoy in an early lunch at an area restaurant. We
then head to nearby La Paz where the photography is outstanding. Here you will have
the chance to visit another butterfly garden, a large walk in bird aviary where creatures
glitter with glorious color, a frog sanctuary, and many other natural and cultural exhibits.
As you journey downward you will begin to hear the wild rushing of the waterfalls. All
along the way you will have chances to photograph these lovely falls with lush greenery
surrounding their path. Back to Ama Tierra in the late afternoon for a well deserved
dinner and rest. B, D.
Wednesday, 7 January: The morning is free to relax and enjoy the tropical
environment. You may wish to take a short hike or get a taxi into Purical to shop and
visit the town square. Ama Tierra excels in its offerings of wellness activities and you
may want to take the chance to do some yoga or have a relaxing massage. In the
afternoon we will have a photo lecture on composition and other practical tips.
Appointments can be set up for individual photographic critiques with your instructor. B,
L, D.
Thursday, 8 January: Travel to the bustling beach town of Jaco for shopping and sight
seeing. After lunch we will drive up the coast to visit the lovely beaches including
Esterillos where we can photograph, swim, or take a leisurely walk along the shore. In
the evening those who still have the energy may want to take in the local night scene in
San Pablo where we might find the opportunity to watch and participate in Salsa dancing.
B, D.
Friday, 9 January: In the morning we have an optional horseback ride through the
countryside to a thermal hot springs where we can enjoy the view and soak in the
relaxing waters. We may come across farmland and local caballeros working with their
horses and oxen. Other pastoral scenes await our lenses on this leisurely ride. After lunch
we will have a discussion about marketing and showing your work. We will cover the
ins and outs of creating a photo/text proposal and submitting images to clients. In the
afternoon I can help individuals get ready for the evening presentation. We will have a
pre-dinner show in the lodge’s gathering area so that we can admire and access the
week’s work. We will then enjoy a farewell dinner and say our last goodbyes! B, L, D.
Saturday, 10 January: Transfer to the airport in San Jose for your international flight
home Bien venidos and happy photographing! B.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Waiver and Regulations:
We reserve the right to alter the trip as necessary.
Payment Policy for Groups and Special Retreat Events: A deposit of $500.00 is due
at the time of registration, payable by Visa, Master card, or American Express on our
secure server or by calling or faxing your credit card number. Direct deposit option is
also available. The balance of your fee is due 60 days prior to arrival.
Cancellation Policy for Groups and Special Retreat Events: If you must cancel your reservation, please do so at least 60 days before the date of your arrival. Otherwise, you will be charged 50% of
your total for a cancellation 30-60 days before the reservation date. And 100% of your
total if your reservation is cancelled 30 days or less before the reservation date. In case
of cancellation 61 days or more before the date of arrival, there will be a $25.00 per room
charge to your credit card.
Also see tour packages in:
Central America and Caribbean
Costa Rica
Photography and Videography
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