Costa Rica Birding & Photography Tour: Quetzal & Hummingbirds
A 13-day small-group birding and photography journey through Costa Rica's flagship habitats, from the quetzal country of the Talamanca Highlands to the cloud forests of Monteverde and the parrot-rich lowlands of the north.
Suitability & conditions
A practical overview of the pace, comfort, and conditions to expect on this journey.
Journey at a Glance
Follow the route and discover the defining experiences of the expedition.
Complete route
See the full expedition route before focusing on each chapter.
San José and the Central Valley
The trip opens in the Central Valley.
Cartago Foothills
A short drive into the foothills above Cartago.
Talamanca Highlands and Savegre Valley
Climbing into the quetzal country of the highlands.
Central Pacific Lowlands
Garden-rich lowlands close to the Esquipulas reserve.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
The cloud forest and the calling bellbird.
Arenal Volcano Area
Volcano views and the lodge-garden coquette.
Northern Tropical Lowlands
Manakins, toucans and the King Vulture hide.
Detailed itinerary
San Jose
- Airport to Hotel Bouganvillea Transfer
- Late-Afternoon Walk in the Hotel Bouganvillea Gardens
Cartago
- San Jose to Cartago Foothills Transfer
- Morning Birding and Photography in the Cartago Foothills
- On-Site Photography at the Cartago Foothills
Cartago – Savegre Valley
- Morning Photography Session for Foothill Specialties
- Cartago Foothills to Talamanca Mountains Transfer
- Afternoon Hummingbird-Feeder Session at Paraiso Quetzal Lodge
- Paraiso Quetzal Lodge to Gema del Bosque Transfer
Savegre Valley
- Pre-dawn Resplendent Quetzal Search in the Savegre Valley
- Birding and Grounds Exploration at Gema del Bosque
- Early-Afternoon Feeder Photography in the Savegre Valley
- Return to Quetzal Photography and Sunset Flocks
Naranjitos
- Talamanca Highlands to Central Pacific Transfer
- White-crested Coquette Search at Esquipulas Rainforest Reserve
- Central Pacific Lowland Target Campaign
Naranjitos
- White-crested Coquette Search at Esquipulas Rainforest Reserve
- Central Pacific Lowland Target Campaign
Naranjitos – Tortuga Island – Monteverde
- Private Tarcoles River Boat Tour
- Transfer Esquipulas Rainforest Reserve –> Monteverde
- Long-tailed Manakin Lek at Orotina
Monteverde
- Family-Run Avitourism Project and Three-wattled Bellbird
- Afternoon Monteverde Reserve Feeder Session
La Fortuna
- Monteverde to Arenal Area Transfer
- Lodge-Garden Black-crested Coquette Search at Arenal Observatory Lodge
Boca Tapada
- White-collared Manakin Display at The Nest Nature Center
- Afternoon Feeder Photography at The Nest Nature Center
- Arenal to Maquenque EcoLodge Transfer via The Nest
Boca Tapada
- Hotel Restaurant Feeder Photography at Maquenque EcoLodge
- King Vulture Hide Photography
- Afternoon Garden and Coconut Woodpecker Photography
Boca Tapada – San Jose
- Birding Drive Back Toward San Jose
Juan Santamaría International Airport Costa Rica
- Hotel Bouganvillea to Airport Departure Transfer
Target Species
A curated selection of the iconic species we aim to encounter and photograph throughout our journey.
Long-tailed Manakin
- Orotina Area Long-tailed Manakin Lek, Family-Run Avitourism Project (near Monteverde)
Keel-billed Toucan
- Cartago Foothills Birding Sites, Family-Run Avitourism Project (near Monteverde)
Red-legged Honeycreeper
- Esquipulas Rainforest Reserve, Family-Run Avitourism Project (near Monteverde)
Collared Aracari
- Cartago Foothills Birding Sites, Family-Run Avitourism Project (near Monteverde)
Accommodation
Where you’ll stay
Price Details
Our tour prices are based on a tiered pricing model. more guests = lower price, per person. That means the prices go down on a per-person basis as more people book onto a specific tour departure.
Price Base
- Price for 5 to 6 people: 6.850 USD (527 USD / day)
- Price for 7 to 8 people: 5.795 USD (446 USD / day)
** Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis.
Included
- Hotels mentioned in the program
i
Hotels mentioned in the program- Hotel Bouganvillea — 2 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
- Hotel Quelitales — 1 night · Uncategorized Hotel
- Gema del Bosque — 2 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
- Foresta Nature Resort — 2 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
- Koora Lodge — 2 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
- Arenal Observatory Lodge — 1 night · Uncategorized Hotel
- Maquenque EcoLodge — 2 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
- Transportation in comfortable vehicles (Car / Van)
- Meals indicated in the program: 11 breakfasts, 11 lunchs, 12 dinners
- 1 cocktail before dinner
- Water is included
- Professional photographic guidance & instruction by Tristan Quevilly
- 1h skype session of photo editing in Lightroom or Photoshop
- Airport transfers in Costa Rica
- Lodging with private bathroom and Wi-Fi where available
- Professional bilingual birding guide with spotting scope, playback and laser pointer, plus a tour leader for groups over four
- Park fees and permits
- Three meals daily (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Drinking water and meal beverages
- Tarcoles River boat excursion
- Restaurant gratuities / tips
- Pre-trip planning assistance
- Detailed trip notes with practical information and cultural insights
- Access to Remote Expeditions custom travel app
Not Included
- Breakfast on day 11, Lunch on Arrival day and Departure day
- Tips
- International flights
- Tips and gratuities
- Airport departure tax
- Snacks and extra drinks
- Alcohol
- Travel insurance
- Off-itinerary excursions
- Hotel extras and medical costs
- Travel, Medical & Cancellation insurance
- Additional drinks and meals
- Expenses not specified in the program
- Camera Equipment
Deposit
- 30% (2.055 USD approx)
Payment Options
- Bank Transfer (Recommended): Free
- Credit / Debit Card: Secure payment via Revolut. A 3% processing fee applies.
Booking Conditions
- Deposit: 30% to secure your booking
- Final payment: Due 90 days before departure
- Cancellation more than 90 days before departure: Deposit retained as a 4-year travel credit
- Read the full Terms & Conditions ↗
A few kind words
Colombia Photography Tour 2026
Top notch photographic experience for enthusiasts of nature, culture, and portraits. Tristan is well connected to the area and the local communities with a specialty in indigenous tribes and less-visited areas. Additionally, he is an excellent teacher and will provide incredibly helpful instruction on exposure, lighting, and composition. Our tour was incredibly well organized and ran on time, with full days of photography. I fully recommend Remote Expeditions for your photographic travels!
You are in good hands with Tristan!
Tristan does an amazing job at putting together a culturally rich experience. He also does a great job at adapting to his clients needs and interests. He responds well to feedback. He is both professional and personable. I feel as though I had the opportunity not only to photograph many different elements of Colombia, but that I truly experienced the country and its culture. Our adventure took us from birding in the mountains outside of Cali, to visiting remote indigenous tribes, to visiting active fishing villages, to learning about local and historical musicians and customs, to beautiful settings in the mountains and along the seashore.
I give Tristan the highest recommendation as a guide for Colombia.
Colombia Birding Tour
I visited Colombia with Tristan of Remote Expeditions and would highly recommend him. He put together a wonderful itinerary with great knowledge of the areas and attention to details to give us a wonderful sampling of the country. He is personally very gentle and fun by nature and you will return home feeling very happy and satisfied. Whatever your special interest is, I’m sure he can make an itinerary to exceed your goals.
The difference is in the details
Journeys shaped by experience
Every route is built from time spent in the field: knowing when to linger, when to move on, and which small details are worth noticing.
Room for the unexpected
The best moments are not always on the itinerary. We leave enough flexibility to follow a good conversation, an unusual sighting, or a changing landscape.
Local relationships that open doors
Our journeys are grounded in long-term relationships with people who know their home intimately and are proud to share it in their own way.
A small group, properly looked after
With only a few travellers, decisions remain personal. We can adapt the pace, answer questions, and make sure everyone feels part of the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most Remote Expeditions journeys are arranged privately, so the pace and rhythm can be shaped around the people travelling together. When a scheduled group departure is offered, it is typically limited to four or five travellers.
No. Photography is one of the ways we observe and connect with a place, but it is not a requirement. Our journeys also welcome travellers drawn to slow travel, wildlife, culture, trekking, landscapes, and genuine encounters. You can join with professional equipment, a simple camera, or just your curiosity.
Every itinerary has its own rhythm. Some journeys are gently paced, while others include long walks, trekking, uneven terrain, altitude, or substantial travel days. The practical details on each tour page explain the expected walking, terrain, altitude, distances, and overall physical level so you can decide whether the journey suits you.
Tristan designs the itineraries and personally leads many Remote Expeditions journeys. Depending on the destination and the character of the trip, trusted local guides, drivers, cultural hosts, or specialist leaders may also join part of the route. This combination gives you direct personal support alongside local knowledge.
Often, yes. Private journeys can usually be shaped around your interests, pace, and available time. Fixed group departures have a defined route and dates, but it may still be possible to arrange additional nights, private extensions, or other travel before or after the main journey. Tell us what you have in mind and we will explain what is practical.
