Emerald Forest Tours

Come with us to Costa Rica for 10 days of exciting bird viewing in one of the most lush tropical paradises on Earth. The small country of Costa Rica hosts one of the largest variety and numbers of neo tropical birds anywhere with over 880 different species including 6 species of toucans - more than any other Central America Country and within easy reach. Costa Rica is both eco friendly and tourist friendly with a population of 5 million inhabitants, 15% of which are Americans enjoying a life of leisure in early retirement. Whether you prefer white sand, coconut lined beaches, lush green rainforest, or high altitude cloud forest, there is something for everyone in this jewel of a land. (cont)...

We will show you how to improve the quality of your images while photographing some of Latin Americas most incredible flora & fauna. Capture incredible images of amphibians, birds, insects, mammals, reptiles and flowers. You receive on hands training from proper camera setttings to lens selections that will help you in achieving your chances of getting that perfect image every photographer can be proud of.

Peru-land of enchantment, color, and contrast. Ruled by the Incas and conquered by the Spanish in 1532, Peru is the third largest country in South America. It was the cradle of the Inca civilization that spanned the Andes from Colombia in the north to Chile in the south 5,000 miles away. The Quechuan people, that were the Incas, are still the dominate majority of native peoples in the region. Today they comprise more than half of all Peruvians and speak both their native Quechuan language and Spanish and are the cultural beacon of their land.

Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas, is today the jumping off point for tours to Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, and the upper Amazonian rainforests of Madre De Dios. The national parks and preserves of Lake Huitoto, Manu, Tambopata Candamo, Sandoval Lake, Rio Piedras, Pampas del Heath and Bahuaja Sonene are all within easy reach.

The Peruvian Amazon boasts the most bio diverse array of fauna and flora of any country in the Western Hemisphere. Nearly 2,000 species of birds inhabit the forests of Peru and, amazingly, more species are still being discovered!

Mammals and reptiles are extraordinarily abundant as well. Jaguars, Ocelots, Margays and Jaguarundis are some of the wild cats to be seen, along with more than a dozen species of monkeys including Howler, Wooly, Spider, Squirrel and Capuchin, several species of tamarinds, and the rare and elusive Night Monkey. Capybara, Paca and Agouti are abundant and the persistent will discover the elusive Baird's Tapir and the weasel like Tyra. Giant Anteaters and Armadillos are relics of eons ago, yet abundant and both the Two Toed and the Three Toed Sloth can be seen lazily enjoying a slow stroll n the tree tops.

The herpetologist will also enjoy an abundance of species of amphibians and reptiles from colorful tree frogs and poison dart frogs to the beautiful Red Tailed Boa.

Whether you love history and archaeology, wildlife and nature, or majestic scenery and panoramic views, Peru has it all.

Lima is a modern city with all the trappings one would expect to find including many good hotels, some of international renown such as the Hyatt and Hilton and a wonderful array of restaurants featuring a wide variety of seafood, continental and traditional Peruvian dishes and Sushi has even become as omnipresent as in the U.S.

Rosa Nautica, a Victorian style setting on the pier at the beach in Miraflores, which features continental cuisine from seafood to meat, vegetarian dishes, perhaps the best wine list in Peru and impeccable service. Its spectacular bar setting with brass rails and all the trimmings offers a great view of the ocean and a comfortable place to enjoy the evening. Dress is casual. Prices from $15-30.00 per entree.

Costa Verde on the beach in Miraflores. This establishment is on the sand and is owned by Peru's only Olympic medallist, which he earned for swimming. The menu is not as varied as Rosa Nautica, but excellent nevertheless. On weekends they offer a seafood buffet to de for. Dress is casual. Prices from $20-40.00 per entrée.

Salto Fraile on the rocks overlooking the ocean in Barranco. Salto Fraile gets its name from the legend of a lovelorn priest who jumped off the rocks to commit suicide rather than face a life of celibacy without his beloved. The name, Salto Fraile means "jumping priest" in Spanish. The menu is mostly seafood with a variety of other items. The Coquille St. Jacque is fantastic and the setting is beautiful. Taxi service is scarce, so have your driver wait for you-the cost is just a couple dollars. Dress is casual.
Prices from $13-30.00 per entrée. Good wine list and there is a night club that gets going around 10;00 p.m.

La Tranchera in Miraflores on Calle Jose Pardo. If you like meat, La Tranchera has the best steaks in town. They also offer poultry, veal and for the hardy, Rocky mountain Oysters! Service is excellent. Dress casual. Prices from $12-25.00 per entrée.

Pizza on the Square. Near the Parque Kennedy in Miraflores you can find all the pizza you can imagine along the two block Calle de Pizzas-that's the actual name. Over 20 "sidewalk café" style establishments offer excellent pizza of all kinds. Located on a narrow "pedestrians only" street, this is one of the great people watching venues in Peru. Folks from all walks of life mingle with wandering musicians and flower girls, making it a visual and audio experience uniquely Peruvian. On the second floor of some establishments you will fins several dance clubs.

Sushi in Lima. There are a number of Sushi restaurants in Lima and a couple can be found along Avenida Larco between Parque kennedy and the new Larco Mar shopping center overlooking the ocean in front of the Hyatt Hotel in Miraflores.

Larco Mar: Located at the end of Avenida Larco in front of the Hyatt Regency, Larco Mar is brand new and enjoys a spectacular view of the pacific shoreline, the many surfers, and the Rosa Nautica Restaurant below. Larco mar is a multipurpose center with several restaurants, including the well known American chains, Tony Roma's and Hooters. There are several uniquely Peruvian eateries there along with many shops of fine clothes, books, souvenirs and equipment as well as a multi screen movie complex, bowling alley and arcade for children.

Hotels: Lima is loaded with hotels of all kinds from the posh Hyatt and Hilton to less expensive and cozier environments.

Hotel Senorial: We have found this gem of a small hotel in the heart of Miraflores just four blocks or five minute walk from Larco Mar. Rooms are new, clean with full bath, cableTV with English speaking channels including CNN and a beautiful enclosed garden which receives many bird visitors including tanagers, doves and finches. The hotel has a full service restaurant and bar in the garden and offers free Internet access. Prices from $35.00 a night for a single, $45.00 for a double.

Photography is exciting, fun, and rewarding, what better place to photograph and get great shots of the natural wonders of Peru and its People, Culture, Geography and especially the wildlife.