Nature & Wildlife | Photography

Costa Rica Photo Tour

Discover the stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife on our Costa Rica photo tour. Capture unforgettable memories!

Costa Rica Country
10 days Duration
Easy Walking grade
2027-07-06 Next departure
Relax Schedule

Why Costa Rica for Bird Photography Tours

Unrivaled Biodiversity in a Compact Destination

Costa Rica is globally renowned as a premier destination for bird photography, packing over 900 avian species into a country of remarkably manageable size. For photographers, this means minimal travel time between distinct ecosystems and an incredibly high density of active, colorful subjects to fill your memory cards.

Iconic Species and Accessible Cloud Forests

This tour is specifically designed to get you up close with Central America’s most sought-after species. We will explore the misty, high-altitude cloud forests—famed for being highly accessible without requiring grueling, long-distance treks. Here, you will have dedicated opportunities to photograph:

  • The legendary Resplendent Quetzal, with its vibrant green plumage and long, elegant tail feathers.
  • Multiple species of toucans, including the Keel-billed and Chestnut-mandibled, often feeding at eye-level.
  • An astonishing variety of brilliant hummingbirds, tanagers, and macaws flashing through the canopy.

Well-Established Hides and Controlled Setups

To ensure portfolio-grade shots, we utilize private reserves featuring well-established photography hides. These specialized setups offer several distinct advantages for our guests:

  • Optimal Backgrounds: Perches are carefully curated to ensure clean, uncluttered backgrounds and excellent natural light.
  • Multi-Flash Stations: Access to professional multi-flash setups designed specifically to freeze the high-speed wingbeats of hovering hummingbirds.
  • Proximity and Comfort: Shoot from comfortable, shaded vantage points that allow you to remain stationary while the birds come to you.

What to Expect on This Tour

This is a photography-first expedition. We prioritize early mornings to catch the best light and peak bird activity. While the cloud forest paths are well-maintained and accessible for anyone with moderate mobility, you should be comfortable standing for extended periods and carrying your own camera gear (a telephoto lens of at least 300mm to 400mm is highly recommended).

Why Costa Rica for Broad Photography Tours

A Playground for Every Photographic Style

Costa Rica is a dream destination for photographers because of its sheer variety. Instead of focusing on just one niche, this tour is designed for broad photography, allowing you to shoot dramatic landscapes, intimate wildlife portraits, vibrant street scenes, and delicate macro details all in a single trip. If you want to challenge your skills across multiple disciplines, this is the perfect environment to do it.

Dramatic Landscapes: Volcanoes to Beaches

The geographical diversity of Costa Rica is packed into a remarkably accessible area. You will have the opportunity to capture contrasting environments that change completely with just a few hours of travel:

  • Volcanic Peaks: Mist-shrouded craters and geothermal landscapes that offer moody, dramatic compositions.
  • Lush Cloud Forests: Dense, moss-draped canopy layers perfect for capturing depth and texture.
  • Tropical Coastlines: Pristine beaches framed by overhanging palms, ideal for classic coastal long-exposures and sunset shots.

Incredible Biodiversity up Close

You do not need to search far for world-class wildlife subjects. Costa Rica’s national parks and private reserves bring you face-to-face with active, photogenic fauna. We will focus on capturing dynamic behavior and striking details, including:

  • Monkeys: Active capuchin, howler, and squirrel monkeys moving through the tree canopy.
  • Frogs and Insects: Brilliant red-eyed tree frogs and tiny dart frogs, offering incredible opportunities for macro photography.
  • Avian Life: Colorful toucans, hummingbirds, and scarlet macaws.

Vibrant Culture and Exceptional Light

Beyond nature, Costa Rica offers a rich, colorful culture. From painted oxcarts to bustling local markets, you will find endless opportunities for environmental portraiture and street photography. Best of all, the equatorial location provides spectacular light conditions. You will learn to work with the soft, filtered light of the rainforest floor, dramatic golden hours on the coast, and the moody atmosphere of misty afternoons.

Suitability & conditions

A practical overview of the pace, comfort, and conditions to expect on this journey.

The journey at a glance

Following the route

The journey moves gradually through 5 chapters.

Route shown schematically for orientation.

Detailed itinerary

Day 1

San Jose

  • Transfer Juan Santamaría International Airport Costa Rica –> Holiday Inn Aurola
Overnight · Holiday Inn Aurola Meals · B · L · D
Day 2

Guapiles – Puerto Limon

  • Transfer San José to Guápiles
  • Boat Transfer Guápiles to Tortuguero
  • Tortuguero Village Visit
Overnight · Evergreen Ecolodge *** Meals · B · L · D
Day 3

Puerto Limon

  • Tortuguero Canals Wildlife Boat Excursion
  • Evergreen Ecolodge Nature Walk
Overnight · Evergreen Ecolodge *** Meals · B · L · D
Day 4

Guapiles – Bribri Reserve

  • Boat Transfer Tortuguero to Guápiles
  • Transfer Guápiles to Bribri Community
Overnight · Ditsowo Inn Meals · B · L · D
Day 5

Bribri Reserve – Puerto Limon

  • Bribri Cocoa and Medicinal Plants Experience
  • Bribri Community Waterfall Visit
  • Transfer Bribri Community to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Overnight · Kukula Ecolodge *** Meals · B · L · D
Day 6

Puerto Limon

  • Guided Cahuita National Park Visit
  • Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge Visit
Overnight · Kukula Ecolodge *** Meals · B · L · D
Day 7

Puerto Limon

Overnight · Kukula Ecolodge *** Meals · B · L · D
Day 8

La Fortuna

  • Transfer Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna
Overnight · Arenal Oasis Ecolodge *** Meals · B · L · D
Day 9

La Fortuna

  • Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
  • Arenal Volcano National Park Trail Walk
Overnight · Arenal Oasis Ecolodge *** Meals · B · L · D
Day 10

La Fortuna

  • Tenorio Park Visit
Overnight · Arenal Oasis Ecolodge *** Meals · B · L · D

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 2 people: 1.895 EUR (190 EUR/day)
  • Price for 3 to 4 people: 1.595 EUR (160 EUR/day)
  • Price for 5 to 6 people: 1.295 EUR (130 EUR/day)
  • Price for 7 to 8 people: 1.195 EUR (120 EUR/day)
* Price is indicated per person
** Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis.

Included

  • Hotels mentioned in the program
    i
    Hotels mentioned in the program
    • Holiday Inn Aurola — 1 night · Uncategorized Hotel
    • Evergreen Ecolodge *** — 2 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
    • Ditsowo Inn — 1 night · Uncategorized Hotel
    • Kukula Ecolodge *** — 3 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
    • Arenal Oasis Ecolodge *** — 3 nights · Uncategorized Hotel
  • Transportation in comfortable vehicles (Car / Van), as well as Boat / Ferry
  • Meals indicated in the program: 10 breakfasts, 10 lunchs, 10 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
  • 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

  • Tips
  • International flights
  • Additional drinks and meals
  • Medical insurance
  • Expenses not specified in the program
  • Tips
  • Travel, Medical & Cancellation insurance
  • Additional drinks and meals
  • Expenses not specified in the program
  • Camera Equipment

Deposit

  • 30% (1.499 EUR approx)

Payment Options

  • Bank Transfer (Recommended): Free
  • Credit / Debit Card: Secure payment via Revolut. A 3% processing fee applies.
  • paypal

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 ↗

Where does your investment go?

A transparent look at how your bespoke itinerary is funded.

Local Support & Logistics 100%
Travel at a human pace

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

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