Tour Information

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Pura Vida! Meaning ‘Pure Life’ is a phrase used by the locals in Costa Rica but it’s more than just a phrase – it is a way of life. The country is the size of West Virginia and holds close to 900 species of birds.

Costa Rica’s tropical birding experince is second to none. With its diverse rainforest to the dreamy cloudforests, the country offers plenty of bird photography opportunities. The locals in association with the government have enabled eco-tourism to great extents and this facilitates easy access to the varied avifauna and smooth experience.

Our all-inclusive itinerary makes it easier for you to enjoy this tour and fill up your camera memory cards with unparallel specialities and colorful species. We work closely with the local expert guides and our team with technical ability ensure you enhance your photography techniques as you capture these diverse species.

From lowland rainforests to mid-elevation specialities and ending on a high note with high-elevation marvels, our well crafted tours are a photographer’s delight.

Join us on an adventure across 3 different rainforest habitats to uncover some of the avian secrets this country holds.

BASIC INFORMATION

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Medical

Please consult with your doctor regarding general travel vaccinations and check the CDC website for more information.

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Insurance

We strongly recommend you purchase trip insurance that includes trip cancellation and medical coverage while overseas.

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Internet Access

Most lodges have free WIFI in the reception/dining area.

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Airport

You should arrive to and depart from Costa Rica's San Juan Santamaria Airport. Our representative will be waiting to provide your private transfer to a hotel near the capital city of San Jose.

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Certified

All of our services are conducted by fully licensed travel, lodge, and transport operators. This is part of our commitment to providing a professional travel experience.

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Electricity

Electrical outlets are US-style. Those coming from Europe or Asia may need travel adapters. We will send more info after signup.

TOUR DATES

Main Tour – Maximum 6 – 8 people per group.
Session 1: Nov 25th -Dec 4 2023 (1 seats available)
Session 2: Feb 3rd – 12th 2024 (full)
Session 3: March 2nd – 11th 2024 (full)
Session 4: April 2nd – 11th 2024 (3 seats available)
Session 5: Nov 22- Dec 1, 2024 (8 seats available)

Tour Motive

Our well planned bird photography tour in Costa Rica Bird Photo Tour will focus on the beautiful and diverse tropical birds the country has to offer. Our Costa Rica Bird Photo Tour offers bird photographers opportunities to capture birds on feeders as well in their natural habitat.
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Photo Opportunities

  1. Opportunity to photograph the rainforest specialities like the Toucans, Aracaris and colorful tanagers.
  2. Specialized photography sessions of the mighty King Vulture and the stunning Resplendent Quetzal in action.
  3. Guided photography with expert guidance to make the best images of the target species and more.
  4. Technical photography experience like Multi-flash Hummingbird Photography and Macro photography.
  5. Our all-inclusive tours help you enjoy a stress-free, photography focussed days coupled with local lodging and culinary experience.

Cost (In USD)

(2023) $4800 per person in sharing accommodation/$5300 in single supplement

Email us at info@tropicalphototours.com or call us at +1-512-508-6914/512-806-6469 if you’d like to talk first.

WILD ESCAPE TO PANNA TIGER RESERVE

DURATION : 5 Nights / 6 Days | 8 Core Jungle Safaris

PHYSICAL LEVEL : Easy

Tour Dates

Dates to be decided as per availability of Tour Leads & Lodges between November & May.

COST (In USD)

$5350 per person for additional non photographic partner and $5500 for a single supplement.

INCLUSION

  • Pickup and drop at airport
  • Stay at Luxurious wildlife resort.
  • Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Safari Permits (Morning and Evening)
  • Fixed Gypsy Charges
  • Fixed Guide fees
  • Camera Fees
  • Photography Bean Bags

 

EXCLUSION

  • Flight Tickets
  • Tips
  • Cost of Alcoholic / Non-Alcoholic beverages
  • Extra food / Snacks ordered at Resort.
  • Anything extra that is not included in "Inclusions".

TOUR LEADER

Varun Thakkar 1 | Tropical Photo Tours

All safaris are personally mentored by Varun Thakkar, a highly experienced wildlife photographer with over 19 years of dedicated field experience. His journey in wildlife photography has taken him deep into some of India’s most iconic and biodiverse national parks, where he has spent years observing, photographing, and understanding animal behavior in real-world conditions.

Varun has extensive on-ground experience in renowned wildlife destinations such as Ranthambore, Corbett, Panna, and Kaziranga. These are not just places he has visited, but landscapes where he has worked closely with wildlife—learning the nuances of light, terrain, animal movement, and ethical photography practices that only long-term field exposure can teach.

During the safaris, Varun goes beyond technical camera settings. He mentors participants on fieldcraft, animal behavior interpretation, composition in challenging environments, light management, storytelling through images, and ethical wildlife photography. His guidance is practical, situational, and rooted in real encounters rather than textbook theory.

What truly sets Varun apart as a mentor is his ability to translate years of experience into clear, actionable insights for photographers at all levels. Whether you are a beginner looking to understand the basics of wildlife photography or an experienced photographer aiming to refine your skills in the field, his hands-on approach ensures personalized learning throughout the safari.

By mentoring every safari himself, Varun ensures that participants gain not just photographs, but a deeper understanding of wildlife, nature, and the discipline required to photograph it responsibly.

DETAILED ITINERARY

  • Pick-up from Gwalior / Khajuraho Airport in a private Innova Crysta with a Receiver at the Airport
  • Drive to Panna from Gwailor (approx. 4:30-5:30 hours / 280 kms)
  • Drive to Panna from Khajuraho Airport (Flight from Delhi to khajuraho operational from October to March) (approx. 45 Mins 30 Kms )
  • Check-in to your Room (Double Occupancy) and relax
  • Brief about Panna and Photography Opportunities at Panna.
  • Dinner at the property
  • Overnight stay

Get ready for the very first Morning Safari

  • Packed Breakfast in jungle with hot tea and cookies.
  • comeback and rest for a while    and have lunch at the property
  • Leave for the Afternoon jungle Safari
  • Image review session after evening safari
  • Dinner at the property.
  • Overnight stay

Get ready for the second Morning Safari

  • Packed Breakfast in jungle.
  • comeback and rest for a while    and have lunch
  • Leave for the Afternoon Jungle Safari
  • Image review session after evening safari
  • Dinner at the property.
  • Overnight stay

Get ready for the Morning Safari

  • Packed Breakfast in jungle.
  • comeback and rest for a while  and have lunch
  • Leave for the Afternoon Jungle Safari
  • Image review session after evening safari
  • Dinner at the property.
  • Overnight stay

Get ready for the last Morning Safari

  • Packed Breakfast in jungle.
  • comeback and rest for a while    and have lunch
  • Leave for Last Afternoon Safari
  • Image review session after evening safari
  • Closing dinner under the stars
  • Overnight stay
  • Early breakfast
  • Drop to Gwalior Airport via Innova Crysta
  • Departure with unforgettable jungle memories

Cancellation & Refund Policy

  • A ‘non-refundable’ deposit of USD 1000 of the Tour fee as booking amount to reserve your spot
  • The remaining balance is due in full 90 days before the start of the tour. If you would like to pay the remaining balance in installments, please let us know.
  • All figures in USD per person
  • Failure to make payments within this timeline could result in tour cancellation.
  • A deposit is your commitment to joining the workshop. These deposits don’t typically sit in an account, they are used to cover initial expenses for the workshop like hotel reservations, park permits/fees and guided tour deposits. Due to these expenses, deposits are non-refundable and tour payment made is subject to a cancellation fee.
  • More than 60 days before the start of the tour: Refund of workshop payment (not including deposit), less $100 convenience fee.
  • 60 – 45 days before the start of the tour: Refund of 50% of workshop payment (not including deposit), less $199 convenience fee.
  • Less than 45 days before the start of the tour: No refunds will be given, and all payments will be forfeited. Full payment is required no later than 45 days prior to departure. If full payment is not received by this date you will be notified by email. If you do not respond within 3 business days, your spot will be forfeited and offered to participants on the waiting list.
  • For Travel Insurance Quotes visit: www.insuremytrip.com
  • Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.
    CANCELLED WORKSHOPS: If we are forced to cancel a workshop for any reason, your entire payment will be transferred to another comparable workshop within one calendar year

Cancellation & Refund Policy

  • A ‘non-refundable’ deposit of USD 1000 of the Tour fee as booking amount to reserve your spot
  • The remaining balance is due in full 90 days before the start of the tour. If you would like to pay the remaining balance in installments, please let us know.
  • All figures in USD per person
  • Failure to make payments within this timeline could result in tour cancellation.
  • A deposit is your commitment to joining the workshop. These deposits don’t typically sit in an account, they are used to cover initial expenses for the workshop like hotel reservations, park permits/fees and guided tour deposits. Due to these expenses, deposits are non-refundable and tour payment made is subject to a cancellation fee.
  • More than 60 days before the start of the tour: Refund of workshop payment (not including deposit), less $100 convenience fee.
  • 60 – 45 days before the start of the tour: Refund of 50% of workshop payment (not including deposit), less $199 convenience fee.
  • Less than 45 days before the start of the tour: No refunds will be given, and all payments will be forfeited. Full payment is required no later than 45 days prior to departure. If full payment is not received by this date you will be notified by email. If you do not respond within 3 business days, your spot will be forfeited and offered to participants on the waiting list.
  • For Travel Insurance Quotes visit: www.insuremytrip.com
  • Please note: The date of written (email) communication of intent to cancel is the date considered for calculation of the cancellation fees.
    CANCELLED WORKSHOPS: If we are forced to cancel a workshop for any reason, your entire payment will be transferred to another comparable workshop within one calendar year
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