Costa Rica Photo Tour
Discover the stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife on our Costa Rica photo tour. Capture unforgettable memories!
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
San Jose
- Transfer Juan Santamaría International Airport Costa Rica –> Holiday Inn Aurola
Guapiles – Puerto Limon
- Transfer San José to Guápiles
- Boat Transfer Guápiles to Tortuguero
- Tortuguero Village Visit
Puerto Limon
- Tortuguero Canals Wildlife Boat Excursion
- Evergreen Ecolodge Nature Walk
Guapiles – Bribri Reserve
- Boat Transfer Tortuguero to Guápiles
- Transfer Guápiles to Bribri Community
Bribri Reserve – Puerto Limon
- Bribri Cocoa and Medicinal Plants Experience
- Bribri Community Waterfall Visit
- Transfer Bribri Community to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Puerto Limon
- Guided Cahuita National Park Visit
- Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge Visit
Puerto Limon
La Fortuna
- Transfer Puerto Viejo de Talamanca to La Fortuna
La Fortuna
- Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
- Arenal Volcano National Park Trail Walk
La Fortuna
- Tenorio Park Visit
Accommodation
Where you’ll stay
Holiday Inn Aurola
San Jose
1 night
Evergreen Ecolodge ***
Puerto Limon
2 nights
Ditsowo Inn
Bribri Reserve
1 night
Kukula Ecolodge ***
Puerto Limon
3 nights
Arenal Oasis Ecolodge ***
La Fortuna
3 nights
Holiday Inn Aurola
The Holiday Inn Aurola is perfectly located in the center of San Jose, close to all the main attractions of the city, and with panoramic views of the Central Valley from every room. In addition, the hotel has a beautiful indoor pool, as well as a gym, two restaurants and a bar.
Evergreen Ecolodge ***
Evergreen Lodge is located in the beautiful rainforest of Tortuguero, only 5 minutes from the main entrance of Tortuguero National Park. The Lodge has 29 rooms and 31 bungalows on stilts scattered in the rainforest where animals are easily observed and all offer excellent comfort (private bathroom, hot water, fans). The Lodge also has 2 restaurants, a bar, 2 beautiful swimming pools, one of which has jacuzzi, and an Internet access. Many activities are offered on site such as canopy, fishing and kayaking, which is available to guests of the Lodge.
Ditsowo Inn
The lodge has 3 sleeping areas that can accommodate up to 120 people. The lodge has 4 basic shared bathrooms with toilets and showers (room temperature water). The lodge is located on the banks of the Telire River, surrounded by tropical fruit and cocoa plantations. Located in the Bribri indigenous reserve in the Talamanca region, on the southern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, Ditsöwö U is both an accommodation and a cultural center. The word "Ditsöwö U" has no simple translation but literally means "house of corn", the sacred food of the indigenous peoples, which, with its hundreds of colorful varieties, represents the different cultures and indigenous communities. Danilo Layan, the creator of this project, dreamed of a cultural meeting place that would welcome people from all over the world, strengthen indigenous traditions, support local communities and teach us a form of sustainable and environmentally friendly tourism. Ditsöwö Inn brings all this together and offers an authentic and unforgettable experience.
Kukula Ecolodge ***
The Kukula Lodge is located in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, near Playa Chiquita, next to the most beautiful beaches of Costa Rica's South Caribbean coast and the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Park and JaguarWildlife Rescue Center. 10 rooms are available for travelers looking for simple and pleasant accommodations in the jungle and near the Caribbean Sea. At Kukula Lodge, you can enjoy breakfast while listening to the sounds of the jungle; watch the sloths or curious iguanas; take a dip in the pool or simply read a good book immersed in the jungle.
Arenal Oasis Ecolodge ***
Only 5 minutes from the village of La Fortuna. The Arenal Oasis Eco-Lodge offers quick access to the activities of the area. 5 cottages are located in the heart of the forest in a peaceful setting. Bird watching, night walks in the forest, nature history, etc. VILLAS RIO MAR 3*South Pacific
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)
** Prices are based on double occupancy / twin share basis.
Included
- Hotels mentioned in the program
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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.
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.