{"product_id":"costa-rica-ultimate-nature-tour-2027-expressions-of-interest","title":"COSTA RICA Ultimate Nature Tour: 2027 - Expressions of Interest","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis exceptional wildlife adventure is custom-designed for photographers, artists, nature journalers and nature-lovers to experience the most pristine rainforests of Central America! Travel with professional wildlife specialist and bird photographer Helmut Guth from Costa Rica. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDates: TBC\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDestination:\u003c\/strong\u003e Costa Rica\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGuides:\u003c\/strong\u003e Julia Landford, Tour leader; Alan Landford, entomologist; Helmut Guth, wildlife guide and wildlife photography mentor; art workshop with Costa Rican artist Tamara Rojas.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePrice:\u003c\/strong\u003e TBC\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCosta Rica Nature Tour: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"558\" data-start=\"248\"\u003eStep into the heart of Central America for an unforgettable \u003cstrong data-end=\"335\" data-start=\"308\"\u003ecreative journey\u003c\/strong\u003e through the wild landscapes of Costa Rica. Designed for \u003cstrong data-end=\"437\" data-start=\"392\"\u003enature lovers, photographers, and artists\u003c\/strong\u003e, this small-group tour blends exploration, creativity, and adventure in one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"943\" data-start=\"560\"\u003eOur journey begins in \u003cstrong data-end=\"594\" data-start=\"582\"\u003eSan José\u003c\/strong\u003e, where we’ll unwind in the lush botanical gardens of the Hotel Bougainvillea before heading into Costa Rica’s most spectacular natural environments. We’ll travel through \u003cstrong data-end=\"837\" data-start=\"765\"\u003erainforests, coastal wetlands, volcanic foothills, and cloud forests\u003c\/strong\u003e, each offering remarkable opportunities to experience and capture wildlife through photography and art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"966\" data-start=\"945\"\u003eHighlights include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-end=\"2073\" data-start=\"967\"\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1097\" data-start=\"967\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1097\" data-start=\"969\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"989\" data-start=\"969\"\u003eRainforest walks\u003c\/strong\u003e in \u003cstrong data-end=\"1027\" data-start=\"993\"\u003eBraulio Carrillo National Park\u003c\/strong\u003e, with the chance to see oropendolas, jacobins, parakeets, and owls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1234\" data-start=\"1098\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1234\" data-start=\"1100\"\u003eEncounters with \u003cstrong data-end=\"1169\" data-start=\"1116\"\u003esloths, raccoons, monkeys, and colourful reptiles\u003c\/strong\u003e along the forest-meets-sea trail of \u003cstrong data-end=\"1231\" data-start=\"1206\"\u003eCahuita National Park\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1370\" data-start=\"1235\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1370\" data-start=\"1237\"\u003eA \u003cstrong data-end=\"1283\" data-start=\"1239\"\u003erafting adventure on the Sarapiquí River\u003c\/strong\u003e, followed by birding in La Selva OTS, where puffbirds, trogons, and tanagers abound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1538\" data-start=\"1371\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1538\" data-start=\"1373\"\u003eExploring the northern wetlands of \u003cstrong data-end=\"1422\" data-start=\"1408\"\u003eCaño Negro\u003c\/strong\u003e, home to river turtles, caimans, ibises, herons, kingfishers, and—if we’re lucky - the endangered \u003cstrong data-end=\"1535\" data-start=\"1519\"\u003eJabiru stork\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1693\" data-start=\"1539\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1693\" data-start=\"1541\"\u003eA stop at a recently discovered \u003cstrong data-end=\"1596\" data-start=\"1573\"\u003eAgami Heron rookery\u003c\/strong\u003e, with rare opportunities to photograph hundreds of these jewel-like birds in breeding plumage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1806\" data-start=\"1694\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1806\" data-start=\"1696\"\u003eDays at \u003cstrong data-end=\"1732\" data-start=\"1704\"\u003eArenal Observatory Lodge\u003c\/strong\u003e, where hummingbirds, coquettes, manakins, and frogs are daily delights.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"1928\" data-start=\"1807\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1928\" data-start=\"1809\"\u003eTime on the \u003cstrong data-end=\"1838\" data-start=\"1821\"\u003ePacific Coast\u003c\/strong\u003e, with Scarlet Macaws, squirrel monkeys, and nocturnal amphibians on guided night walks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli data-end=\"2073\" data-start=\"1929\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2073\" data-start=\"1931\"\u003eA final highlight in the \u003cstrong data-end=\"1980\" data-start=\"1956\"\u003eSavegre cloud forest\u003c\/strong\u003e, seeking the mystical \u003cstrong data-end=\"2026\" data-start=\"2003\"\u003eResplendent Quetzal\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of the world’s most sought-after birds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2307\" data-start=\"2075\"\u003eAlong the way, we’ll be joined by \u003cstrong data-end=\"2144\" data-start=\"2109\"\u003eCosta Rican artist Tamara Rojas\u003c\/strong\u003e for an art workshop and we will enjoy photography mentoring with \u003cstrong data-end=\"2206\" data-start=\"2169\"\u003ewildlife photographer Helmut Guth\u003c\/strong\u003e, who will share practical insights for capturing the challenges and beauty of tropical ecosystems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2701\" data-start=\"2309\"\u003eWith a thoughtfully designed itinerary that balances \u003cstrong data-end=\"2456\" data-start=\"2362\"\u003eguided wildlife encounters, creative workshops, and time to relax and sketch or photograph\u003c\/strong\u003e, this tour offers something for everyone who wants to experience Costa Rica’s extraordinary biodiversity in depth. Comfortable eco-lodges and boutique hotels immerse us in nature while providing the perfect base for creativity and connection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2906\" data-start=\"2703\"\u003eWhether you’re hoping to fill your sketchbook, expand your photography portfolio, or simply be inspired by close encounters with extraordinary wildlife, this tour promises to be the trip of a lifetime.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal Price: TBC\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur expert nature tour art and science team:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003eTravel with experienced naturalists\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eJulia and Alan Landford\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ewho have led Australian expeditions to Heron Island, Montague Island, Cape York and the Atherton Tablelands, and Tasmania, as well as international nature tours to New Zealand, Borneo, Costa Rica, The Galapagos Islands and Amazonian Ecuador.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJulia Landford \u003c\/strong\u003eis the team leader and Founding Director of NatureArt Lab and brings substantial experience with natural history, nature journalling and tour management in many international locations including Costa Rica. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAlan Landford\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003ehas a scientific background in zoology, specialising in entomology from the Australian National University. He also has substantial wildlife experience from Australia, Papua New Guinea, Costa Rica, The Galapagos Islands, Ecuador and Borneo. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHelmut Guth\u003c\/strong\u003e is a professional tour guide and wildlife photographer, with an intimate knowledge of Costa Rica's wildlife. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFitness Levels: \u003c\/strong\u003eA moderate to high level of fitness is required to participate in this tour. In some destinations there are walking trails by foot, with one 9km trail along mostly flat terrain. The program includes gentle river rafting. We recommend that you consult a doctor and dentist prior to your decision to participate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNature Tour Cancellation policy: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComprehensive travel insurance is required for any financial loss caused by injury, illness, emergency medical evacuation, loss and damage to personal belongings, not being able to travel on a confirmed date of departure or tour cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances.  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf cancellation by a participant takes place up to 120 days before the trip the 25% deposit is non-refundable, for cancellations 119 to 60 days before departure 50% of the cost of the tour will be forfeited. If cancellation takes place 59 days or less before the start date 100% of the tour cost will be forfeited. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf NatureArt Lab has to cancel a nature tour due to undersubscription, you will receive a refund of all payments made for the tour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease contact us at info@natureartlab.com.au if you have any questions. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTravel Details: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlease arrange your airfares to arrive in San Jose by midday Sunday 14 June. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVisas are not required on entry to Costa Rica. Tourists can stay a maximum of 90 days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAll adults require the following documents to enter Costa Rica: a) A current valid passport. The passport should be valid for six months from when you plan to leave the country; b) A return ticket to exit Costa Rica (either to return to your country or to go to another country). You may enter Costa Rica without visa for a maximum stay of up to 90 days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTravel insurance is required by all participants.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFull details including itinerary and terms and conditions will be available separately.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSustainability and ethics:\u003c\/strong\u003e NatureArt Lab is committed to sustainable tourism practices and responsible travel, working with suppliers and partners who share our values. At all times we aim to minimise the environmental impact of our tours and promote social and economic benefits to local communities. During our nature tours we will ensure that the respect, conservation and protection of wildlife is a high priority, and we will avoid unnecessary disturbance, stress, handling or overuse of bird call-backs. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSafety:\u003c\/strong\u003e For all of our tours, safety is a high priority. We ensure that our team member has first aid qualifications, boat and vehicle safety standards are maintained, and we (or our international tour partners) have full licences and accreditation for areas that we operate in. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eInformation and pre-departure briefing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNatureArt Lab will host a pre-departure information session in Canberra\/online for participants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cimg height=\"166\" width=\"220\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0020\/0117\/4591\/files\/cloud_forest_480x480.jpg?v=1572950796\"\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cimg height=\"125\" width=\"208\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0020\/0117\/4591\/files\/sloth_480x480.jpg?v=1572950824\"\u003e \u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003ePhoto credits: Poison dart frog, Damien Esquerre; Bellbird, Black-necked Stilt, Brown-hooded Parrot, Crested Owl by Helmut Guth; other images Alan and Julia Landford.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNatureArt Lab Awards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2022, Telstra Best of Business Award Winner for Promoting Sustainability, ACT; and National Finalist Award\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2024, Telstra Best of Business Award Winner for Building Communities, ACT; and National Finalist Award\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2025, Telstra Best of Business Award Finalist for Promoting Sustainability, ACT; and Finalist for Accelerating Women, ACT\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2025, Awards Australia Semi-Finalist for Connecting Communities, NSW and ACT; and Semi-Finalist for Small Business Award NSW and ACT. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NatureArt Lab","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43515616559167,"sku":null,"price":2737.5,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0020\/0117\/4591\/files\/Day8-CuriCanchaReserveResplendentQuetzalPhoto_fd68533d-e584-41a7-9401-fe0fd744ae9d.jpg?v=1757469992","url":"https:\/\/natureartlab.com.au\/products\/costa-rica-ultimate-nature-tour-2027-expressions-of-interest","provider":"NatureArt Lab","version":"1.0","type":"link"}